<?xml version="1.0" encoding="UTF-8" ?><!-- generator=Zoho Sites --><rss version="2.0" xmlns:atom="http://www.w3.org/2005/Atom" xmlns:content="http://purl.org/rss/1.0/modules/content/"><channel><atom:link href="https://www.joburnsconnects.com/blogs/exploring-ways-we-connect/feed" rel="self" type="application/rss+xml"/><title>Jo Burns Connects - Blog , Exploring Ways We Connect</title><description>Jo Burns Connects - Blog , Exploring Ways We Connect</description><link>https://www.joburnsconnects.com/blogs/exploring-ways-we-connect</link><lastBuildDate>Thu, 19 Mar 2026 16:38:40 -0700</lastBuildDate><generator>http://zoho.com/sites/</generator><item><title><![CDATA[The Uninvited Party Guest?!?]]></title><link>https://www.joburnsconnects.com/blogs/post/the-uninvited-party-guest</link><description><![CDATA[<img align="left" hspace="5" src="https://www.joburnsconnects.com/AdobeStock_sick with cold.jpeg"/>We’ve all been there. You’re geared up for something special—outfit on point, details dialed, maybe even doing things wildly out of character (hello, ]]></description><content:encoded><![CDATA[<div class="zpcontent-container blogpost-container "><div data-element-id="elm_LZJaVt3NTfGqNkknc5CPvw" data-element-type="section" class="zpsection "><style type="text/css"></style><div class="zpcontainer-fluid zpcontainer"><div data-element-id="elm_vrJX0qrgRrWqrRQEHgDYkA" data-element-type="row" class="zprow zprow-container zpalign-items- zpjustify-content- " data-equal-column=""><style type="text/css"></style><div data-element-id="elm_l6b6c-1vQa-ZBnD6QRJ5yw" data-element-type="column" class="zpelem-col zpcol-12 zpcol-md-12 zpcol-sm-12 zpalign-self- "><style type="text/css"></style><div data-element-id="elm_p-grSJzrQxumhfi0E6xdlA" data-element-type="heading" class="zpelement zpelem-heading "><style></style><h2
 class="zpheading zpheading-align-center zpheading-align-mobile-center zpheading-align-tablet-center " data-editor="true"><span>What happens when a cold crashes your plans&nbsp;</span><br/>​<span>like an uninvited party guest?</span></h2></div>
<div data-element-id="elm_6fT2R9EORnykFol_u28U_Q" data-element-type="text" class="zpelement zpelem-text "><style></style><div class="zptext zptext-align-left zptext-align-mobile-center zptext-align-tablet-center " data-editor="true"><p></p><div><p><span style="text-align:left;">We’ve all been there. You’re geared up for something special—outfit on point, details dialed, maybe even doing things wildly out of character (hello, pantyhose). The anticipation is half the fun. And then…bam. The scratchy throat arrives, one nostril declares bankruptcy, and suddenly you’re starring in your own sneeze-filled tragedy.</span></p><p style="text-align:left;"><br/></p><p style="text-align:left;">So what do you do? Power through and risk becoming “patient zero”? Mask up and hope for the best? Or make the painfully responsible call to cancel, stay home, and binge tissues instead of appetizers?</p><p style="text-align:left;"><br/></p><p style="text-align:left;">These days, most of us know the answer. Stay home. Protect your people. Be a decent human. But wow…that doesn’t make it easier.</p><p style="text-align:left;">Because here’s the real kicker: it’s not just about missing an event. It’s about missing connection. The laughter, the conversations, the sense of belonging. Whether it’s a gala, a holiday, or a long-awaited family gathering, when plans fall apart—especially ones we’ve been excited about—it hits deeper than we expect. The FOMO is loud. The disappointment is real.</p><p style="text-align:left;"><br/></p><p style="text-align:left;">There’s even a name for this struggle: substitution theory. When the thing we <i>really</i> wanted gets taken off the table, our brains have a hard time embracing the backup plan—especially when it wasn’t our choice. Translation: your cozy night on the couch is not going to feel as glamorous as that gala, no matter how good your soup is.</p><p style="text-align:left;"><br/></p><p style="text-align:left;">And yet…this is where the good stuff sneaks in.</p><p style="text-align:left;"><br/></p><p></p><div style="text-align:left;"><b>Lesson learned:</b></div><div style="text-align:left;">Sometimes the most meaningful act of connection is knowing when <i>not</i> to show up.</div><div style="text-align:left;"><br/></div><p></p><p style="text-align:left;">Staying home when you’re sick isn’t just self-care—it’s community care. It’s choosing the long game over the immediate moment. It’s recognizing that belonging isn’t just about being present at the party; it’s about protecting the people at it.</p><p style="text-align:left;"><br/></p><p></p><div style="text-align:left;">So yes, feel the disappointment. Mourn the missed moment. That’s human.</div><div style="text-align:left;"><br/></div><div style="text-align:left;">But also remember—you’re still part of the community, even from your couch, wrapped in a blanket, binge watching Netflix and glaring at your unused outfit.</div><div style="text-align:left;"><br/></div><p></p><p style="text-align:left;">And hey…there’s always another party, community event or family gathering.&nbsp;</p></div><p></p></div>
</div><div data-element-id="elm_AE-xPvaRRa-ePGbdLJ_mDQ" data-element-type="button" class="zpelement zpelem-button "><style></style><div class="zpbutton-container zpbutton-align-center zpbutton-align-mobile-center zpbutton-align-tablet-center"><style type="text/css"></style><a class="zpbutton-wrapper zpbutton zpbutton-type-primary zpbutton-size-md " href="javascript:;" target="_blank"><span class="zpbutton-content">Get Started Now</span></a></div>
</div></div></div></div></div></div> ]]></content:encoded><pubDate>Thu, 19 Mar 2026 13:20:02 -0700</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Exploring Ways We Connect]]></title><link>https://www.joburnsconnects.com/blogs/post/exploring-ways-we-connect</link><description><![CDATA[<img align="left" hspace="5" src="https://www.joburnsconnects.com/jo and holli at rockies game april 2024.jpg"/> As a solopreneur, I often work at the local library—great rent (free!), a short walk from home, ]]></description><content:encoded><![CDATA[<div class="zpcontent-container blogpost-container "><div data-element-id="elm_QWe8bQp6QmKue3QfsJKsQw" data-element-type="section" class="zpsection "><style type="text/css"></style><div class="zpcontainer-fluid zpcontainer"><div data-element-id="elm_Ii8MU-2mQVSn5KuDd2vcoQ" data-element-type="row" class="zprow zprow-container zpalign-items- zpjustify-content- " data-equal-column=""><style type="text/css"></style><div data-element-id="elm_ZbMCA2MPQ5WCqVsdzFFCWQ" data-element-type="column" class="zpelem-col zpcol-12 zpcol-md-12 zpcol-sm-12 zpalign-self- "><style type="text/css"></style><div data-element-id="elm_pftSHS9UQ8qNV6etntuR9A" data-element-type="heading" class="zpelement zpelem-heading "><style></style><h2
 class="zpheading zpheading-align-center zpheading-align-mobile-center zpheading-align-tablet-center " data-editor="true"><span><b><span>Holli’s Daily Dose of Connection</span></b></span></h2></div>
<div data-element-id="elm_oj6QPbqGTGWrwjpdS4oixA" data-element-type="text" class="zpelement zpelem-text "><style></style><div class="zptext zptext-align-center zptext-align-mobile-center zptext-align-tablet-center " data-editor="true"><p></p><div><p><br/></p><p style="text-align:left;">As a solopreneur, I often work at the local library—great rent (free!), a short walk from home, and a front-row seat to new research, magazines, and some pretty awesome librarians.</p><p style="text-align:left;"><br/></p><p style="text-align:left;">This week, the <i>Kiplinger Retirement Report</i> caught my eye with a headline on “SuperAging.” At the recent PHPR Collaborative Summit, we dove deep into healthspan and longevity, so I was curious. One key takeaway? A strong predictor of SuperAging is meaningful <b>connections with others—especially younger people</b>.</p><p style="text-align:left;"><br/></p><p style="text-align:left;">That reminded me of a conversation I had with my friend Holli earlier this week. She’s our marketing maven in Kiwanis and always has her phone out posting event pics. Mid-post, she lit up reading a text from someone thanking her for a “daily message” that hit just right.</p><p style="text-align:left;">Turns out, after Holli’s husband passed last year, she began sending a daily uplifting message—quotes, memes, thoughtful insights—to cheer up a friend…and herself. What started as a single text now goes to over 100 people. Funny Fridays are a fan favorite.</p><p style="text-align:left;"><br/></p><p style="text-align:left;">Holli’s messages aren’t just digital feel-goods—they’re connection catalysts. She gets replies like “I really needed that today” and even coded messages from her cousin in Kansas that mean “Call me.” These small notes have become lifelines. They’ve deepened her bonds with friends and family near and far.</p><p style="text-align:left;"><br/></p><p style="text-align:left;">And while she now uses an app to manage the growing list, each message still feels personal. Holli says these daily touches have sparked more conversations, more closeness, and a greater sense of belonging.</p><p style="text-align:left;"><br/></p><p style="text-align:left;">As someone who’s passionate about the power of connection and belonging for our health and well-being, Holli’s story gave me all the feels—and the inspiration for this blog series.</p><p style="text-align:left;"><br/></p><p style="text-align:left;">So tell me—what’s one of your favorite ways to connect? Share your story, and you might just see it featured in a future post.</p></div>. <p></p></div>
</div><div data-element-id="elm_V3Tw8AjnRL6apBYZue2vGw" data-element-type="button" class="zpelement zpelem-button "><style></style><div class="zpbutton-container zpbutton-align-center zpbutton-align-mobile-center zpbutton-align-tablet-center"><style type="text/css"></style><a class="zpbutton-wrapper zpbutton zpbutton-type-primary zpbutton-size-md zpbutton-style-none " href="/blogs" target="_blank"><span class="zpbutton-content">Read more of Jo's Blogs</span></a></div>
</div></div></div></div></div></div> ]]></content:encoded><pubDate>Tue, 27 May 2025 12:34:50 -0700</pubDate></item></channel></rss>