This year, gratitude isn’t just a theme—it’s my lifeline. And at the centre of it all is one simple truth: connection is what makes life meaningful. As I sip my coffee and reflect, I see gratitude all around me. People are sharing stories of what they cherish most, and it’s inspiring to witness how deeply these reflections resonate during the holiday season. For me, the past 18 months have revealed that connection has been my anchor, my greatest gift, and my true source of strength.

Living with long COVID has reshaped my world in ways I never imagined. It’s been a humbling journey of resilience and patience—a lesson in finding grace within the messiness of recovery. Progress has often been slow and frustrating, but it’s taught me to celebrate the smallest victories. Through it all, what has sustained me most isn’t just determination—it’s the connections I’ve nurtured along the way.

When I talk about connection, I mean the kind that opens your heart. The people who truly see you, who listen without judgment, and who hold space for you when life feels heavy. These connections remind me of a profound truth uncovered by anthropologist Robin Dunbar: humans are wired for relationships. Dunbar proposed that we can maintain about 150 meaningful social connections, including family, friends, and acquaintances. Within this larger group, we have smaller, more intimate circles—our “inner circle” of five close friends, followed by layers of 15, 50, and so on.

But connection isn’t limited to just those in our inner circle. There’s magic in the extended layers too. A kind neighbour, a thoughtful colleague, or even the barista who remembers your coffee order can brighten a moment, grounding you in the knowledge that we’re part of something larger. These small, often overlooked exchanges weave a broader web of support, reminding us that we’re never as isolated as we might feel.

One of the unexpected gifts of being unwell—yes, I’m a glass-half-full kind of guy—is that it has helped me find my tribe. Illness has a way of stripping life back to its essentials, revealing what truly matters and, just as importantly, who truly matters. When the suits, titles, and so-called “power” I once had fell away, something extraordinary happened: I discovered people who love me for who I am, not what I’ve achieved or how I present myself to the world.

These are the connections that sustain me. My tribe isn’t impressed by flash or status; they see me in my shorts and T-shirt, living simply, and love me all the same. They’re the ones who show up, who sit with me in the hard moments, and who remind me that even when I feel like I have nothing, I still have something of immense value: their love, their friendship, and their unwavering belief in me.

And while I may no longer hold the “power” that society often measures—status, influence, or titles—I’ve discovered I have a far greater power. I have the power to look at the people in my life and say, with complete sincerity, “I love the gift you bring to my life.” Expressing gratitude to those who matter most is one of the most powerful things we can do. It deepens relationships, strengthens bonds, and reminds us of the beauty in being connected.

There’s a clarity that comes with these kinds of connections. They’re not transactional; they’re transformational. My tribe doesn’t care about the “stuff” of life. They care about me—how I’m really doing, what I need, and how they can show up. And in return, I’ve found joy in doing the same for them. It’s a different kind of power, one rooted not in authority but in authenticity and vulnerability.

As I reflect on this season of gratitude, I’m struck by how these relationships have carried me through. They’ve taught me that it’s okay to live simply, to let go of the need to impress, and to embrace the person I’ve become. They’ve shown me that I’m more than enough, just as I am.

If there’s one thing I’ve learned, it’s this: the greatest power we have is the power to love and be loved. When we lean into that, we find the kind of connection that sustains us—through sickness, through struggle, and through every challenge life throws our way.

To my tribe: thank you. Thank you for the gift of your presence, your patience, and your love. You’ve given me something far greater than status or success—you’ve given me the kind of connection that makes life worth living. And for that, I’ll always be grateful.

Connection  fuels our sense of belonging, strengthens our resilience, and brings joy to even the toughest days. 

So, what will you do today to strengthen a meaningful connection? Share your story—I’d love to hear how you’re reflecting on the people who fill your circles this season. Together, let’s inspire each other to prioritise connection, one heartfelt moment at a time.