Step 6
Human Connection
Build relationships by being yourself
One of the most meaningful ways to enjoy life is through authentic human connection. This starts with being your true self and letting go of the need to impress others. We often get caught up in caring too much about what people think of us, but I’ve learned that the strongest relationships come from showing up honestly. When you allow others to see the real you, even with your flaws, you invite genuine connection. If someone doesn’t appreciate who you truly are, then that relationship wasn’t meant to last.
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Let go of trying to impress others
We’ve all heard the advice: “Stop caring about what others think.” It’s easy to understand in theory but much harder to practice. I know I’ve struggled with it at times. But here’s the truth: when you focus too much on how others perceive you, you end up showing them a version of yourself that isn’t real. And if they like that version of you, it’s not really you they’re liking.
Let’s be honest—we all want people to like us. It’s human nature. But it becomes a problem when you start acting in ways that don’t reflect who you truly are just to get approval. I’ve found that when I stick to my values and show up as my true self, the right people are drawn to me naturally. If someone doesn’t appreciate the real me, then that relationship wasn’t meant to be. There’s no sense in trying to build connections based on a facade.
Instead of seeking validation, focus on building relationships that uplift and encourage you to stay true to yourself. These are the connections that will bring the most fulfillment.
Let others see the real you
True connection requires vulnerability—being open enough to let others see who you truly are, flaws and all. It’s tempting to hide parts of ourselves, especially the imperfect ones, out of fear of judgment. But when you do that, the relationships you build aren’t based on authenticity. They’re based on a version of you that doesn’t fully exist, and that can leave you feeling disconnected and unsatisfied.
It doesn’t mean sharing everything with everyone, but with the people who matter most, like family or close friends, letting them see the real you can deepen your bond. It invites them to understand you more deeply and to connect with who you really are. Letting others see the real you can feel vulnerable, but it’s the key to building meaningful connections.
One way to free yourself from the fear of judgment and truly let people in is through mindfulness and meditation. These practices help you become more aware of your thoughts and emotions, especially the ones that make you feel like you need to hide parts of yourself. By regularly practicing mindfulness, you learn to notice when you’re holding back or acting out of fear of what others might think. It helps you pause, reflect, and choose to be your authentic self, even when it feels uncomfortable.
By being fully mindful in your interactions with others, you also become a better listener. You can give your full attention to the person in front of you, respond with genuine interest, and connect on a deeper level. This presence allows you to appreciate the other person’s perspective, see their strengths, and engage in more meaningful conversations. In this way, mindfulness not only strengthens your relationship with yourself but also enriches your connections with those around you.
Be a better communicator
Building strong relationships also comes from improving how you communicate. To truly connect with others, it’s essential to believe that they are just as complex and deep as you are. When you approach conversations with curiosity, eager to understand their thoughts and experiences, the connection becomes richer.
Be enthusiastic about what others have to say. Instead of focusing on how you’re coming across, shift your attention to them. Compliment their strengths, support their ideas, and actively listen without jumping in too quickly with your own thoughts. When you make someone feel good about themselves, they’ll feel more comfortable and open up to you. This approach helps you connect and also deepens the relationship, because it’s built on mutual understanding and enthusiasm. The more interest you show, the more they will feel valued, and the conversation will naturally become more meaningful.
Strengthen your relations
Not everyone is lucky enough to have a supportive family, or even a family at all. If that’s the case for you, remember that “family” doesn’t have to mean blood relatives. Family can be the close friends you choose to surround yourself with, the people who care about you and support you. And if you don’t have those people yet, it’s never too late to start building your own family—whether literally, or by creating close, lasting friendships that become like family. These are the people who become an extension of yourself, your safety net, and your source of unconditional love.
Whether it’s your family of origin or the one you create, nurturing these relationships through honest communication and openness is key. By allowing the people close to you to truly know you—your dreams, fears, and values—you strengthen the bond you share. In return, encourage them to do the same, and you’ll create a space of mutual respect and understanding.
Meeting new people
Whether you’re abroad or meeting someone new in your own city, approaching strangers should be simple, yet many of us feel nervous about it. The truth is, 99% of people aren’t scary at all—they’re usually friendly, curious, and open. Most people won’t judge you, and if they do, so what? Unless it has real-life consequences, their opinion doesn’t matter.
You can’t control how others see you, so don’t waste energy trying to. Instead, focus on the excitement of learning something new from each person you meet. Every culture, every individual has something to teach you. Even if your first impression is hesitant or uncertain, embrace the opportunity to connect—you might be surprised by how enriching it is.
To stay unshakable in your next encounter with someone new, here are some EarthEnjoyer insider tips:
- Be curious: Ask questions and show genuine interest in their life or culture.
- Stay present: Don’t overthink what they might be thinking of you.
- Be yourself: Authenticity invites deeper connection.
- Don’t fear rejection: Not everyone will connect, and that’s okay.
- Keep it light: Most interactions are low stakes, so relax and enjoy the conversation.
The power of authentic connection
At the core of real human connection is the courage to be yourself. Whether with family, close friends, or new acquaintances, meaningful relationships are built on honesty, vulnerability, and mutual understanding. Show genuine interest in others, make them feel seen and appreciated, and in doing so, you’ll create deeper, more fulfilling connections.
Whether you’re lucky enough to have a close-knit family or you’re building your own circle of support, the key is to focus on relationships that allow you to be your true self. Surround yourself with people who uplift you, and together, you’ll create a foundation of trust, love, and authenticity.
As an EarthEnjoyer, these human connections are part of what makes life so rich and rewarding. Through authentic relationships, you don’t just enjoy the beauty of the Earth—you experience it fully, in all its shared, interconnected wonder.
This has been Step 6 of How to Enjoy the Earth: A Comprehensive Guide. Feel free to bookmark or save this step as a reminder of your progress. Since this guide is designed to be a gradual journey, keeping track helps you continue at your own pace whenever you’re ready.
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