Join Mikel TONIGHT for "Build & Strengthen Connections!" with Warriors for Life (WFL)
- Col (Ret) Mikel Burroughs
- 3 days ago
- 4 min read
Drop in TONIGHT with Volunteer and Army Veteran Mikel Burroughs for "Burly's Warriors" edition of Warriors for Life (WFL) Online, presented by Victory for Veterans, Inc. (VFV).
We are asking everyone to share who we are and what support that Victory for Veterans, Inc. (VFV) is providing via WFL. If you know someone who is a veteran, first responder or a family member/caregiver, please ask them to join us for at least one meeting so they can learn more about what we do and how they can share their wisdom with others who may be able to learn from them.
TONIGHT's Topic: "Build & Strengthen Connections!"
Join Mikel & Friends TONIGHT as we discuss the mental health importance "Build & Strengthen Connections!"
Social connection is a fundamental human need, essential for both mental and physical health. Strong relationships foster a sense of belonging, purpose, and security, directly contributing to improved mood, increased longevity, and reduced risk of chronic diseases such as heart disease and dementia.
Loneliness or social isolation, conversely, is a growing public health concern with significant negative impacts. Chronic isolation can elevate stress levels, weaken the immune system, and increase the likelihood of depression and anxiety. Recognizing the power of community, intentional steps can be taken to cultivate and strengthen support systems.
Strategies to Build and Strengthen Connections
Prioritize In-Person Interactions: While digital communication has its place, face-to-face interaction is far more effective at building strong bonds. Make time for coffee dates, shared meals, or walks with friends and family.
Engage in Group Activities: Joining groups aligned with your interests is a natural way to meet people who share your passions. Consider joining a book club, a volunteer organization, a peer support group, a hiking group, or an exercise class.
Reach Out and Be Proactive: Don't wait for others to make the first move. Initiate a phone call, invite someone new to an event, or send a message to someone you haven't spoken to in a while. A simple check-in can make a big difference.
Volunteer Your Time: Helping others provides a profound sense of purpose and is an excellent way to meet compassionate people. Look for opportunities to volunteer with a local charity, hospital, or community center. The VolunteerMatch websitecan help find local opportunities.
Be a Good Listener: Strong relationships are built on mutual respect and understanding. When engaging in conversation, practice active listening. Give the other person your full attention, ask follow-up questions, and validate their feelings.
Limit Social Media Time: While it may seem like it fosters connection, excessive social media use can actually increase feelings of loneliness and inadequacy. Use the time you gain back to connect with people in the real world.
Seek Professional Help if Needed: If you are struggling with persistent loneliness or feelings of isolation, it is important to seek support. A therapist or counselor can provide valuable strategies for coping and connecting with others. The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) National Helpline is a confidential resource for individuals and families seeking mental health information and treatment referrals.
By taking intentional steps to nurture your relationships, you can create a resilient support system that combats isolation and contributes to a happier, healthier life.
Building a strong relationship with yourself is the foundation for healthier, stronger connections with others, as it fosters self-awareness, confidence, and emotional regulation, allowing you to give and receive love more authentically and avoid people-pleasing or codependent patterns. When you value and care for yourself, you have more capacity to genuinely connect with others from a place of wholeness, rather than neediness.
How it strengthens connections:
Reduces People-Pleasing: Knowing your worth and needs prevents you from compromising yourself for others' approval.
Increases Confidence: A positive self-relationship builds inner strength, making you more secure in your interactions.
Sets Boundaries: Understanding yourself helps you establish healthy boundaries, which are crucial for respectful relationships.
Improves Communication: Self-awareness allows you to express your needs and feelings more clearly and honestly.
Fosters Authenticity: When you're at peace with yourself, you can be more genuine and vulnerable with others, deepening intimacy.
Provides Resilience: You become a more reliable partner to yourself, so you're less dependent on others for your happiness and validation.
How to build it:
Practice self-care (sleep, healthy eating, exercise).
Challenge negative self-talk and be your own supportive friend.
Acknowledge and validate your own feelings.
Spend time in nature and activities you enjoy.
Seek therapy to work through deeper issues.
Our Vision at Victory for Veterans, Inc. (VFV) is simple: "Where Hope, Support, and Healing come together!"
We encourage you to join us, Everyone is Welcome, Everyone Matters, You Matter to Us, so Talk to Us! — invite a friend!
Warriors for Life (WFL) Peer Support Network Online "Burly's Warriors" edition, presented by Victory for Veterans, Inc. (VFV) — (TONIGHT), January 3, 2026 @ 4:30 PM PT, 5:30 PM MT, 6:30 PM CT, & 7:30 PM ET
Join Zoom Meeting: https://us06web.zoom.us/j/87197441247
Remember: Warriors for Life (WFL) Online, presented by Victory for Veterans, Inc. (VFV) meets on Saturdays, Sundays, Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Thursdays and Fridays — (7-days) a week. Every week stay connected on Friday Mornings with "Coffee with Kim" and Monday Mornings for "Cup O' Joe" with Derrick at 8:00 AM CT.
“Everyone Matters, Talk to Us!"— Army Veteran Mikel Burroughs
Thank you,
Army Veteran Mikel Burroughs
Founder & Volunteer Facilitator, Warriors for Life (WFL), & CEO, Victory for Veterans, Inc. (VFV)
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