Social Wealth: The Bonds That Anchor Us
The early morning at the campground is my favorite time. The world feels still, yet alive. The birds are starting their day with cheerful chatter, and the firepit holds the faint smell of last night’s stories and laughter. As I sit here with my coffee, watching my family stir around me, I can’t help but reflect on Sahil Bloom’s pillar of Social Wealth—the wealth we cultivate through meaningful relationships and human connection.
Social wealth isn’t something you can measure with dollars or graphs. Instead, it’s woven into these quiet moments of togetherness, the belly laughs shared around the fire, the hand you hold when someone needs strength. It’s the wealth we carry in our hearts, built not by transactions but by authentic connections.
Too often, the busyness of life pulls us away from this essential wealth. We’re consumed by deadlines, projects, and screens, and before we know it, the moments that truly matter start slipping away. Sitting here this morning, I’m reminded of how vital it is to prioritize relationships—the bonds that anchor us through life’s ups and downs.
The Cost of Neglecting Social Wealth
Scientific studies show that strong social connections improve our mental health, increase our lifespan, and even enhance our resilience to stress. On the other hand, neglecting these relationships can lead to loneliness, which, as researchers have found, can be as detrimental to health as smoking 15 cigarettes a day.
For me, this morning is a reminder to check in. Have I been investing enough in my relationships? Have I called that old friend I’ve been meaning to reconnect with? Am I fully present when I’m with the people I care about?
Start Building Social Wealth Today
Social wealth doesn’t just happen—it takes intention. Here’s what I’ve learned about nurturing this wealth:
Be Present: Set down the phone, close the laptop, and truly engage with the people in front of you.
Make Time: Schedule those coffee dates, family dinners, or camping trips. Time invested in relationships always pays dividends.
Reach Out: Don’t wait for others to initiate. Send that text, write that letter, or make that call.
Support and Celebrate: Be there not just in hard times but also to share in the joys and victories of others.
Today, as I sip my coffee and watch my kids discover the morning dew on the grass, I’m filled with gratitude for this moment—a small yet profound piece of my own social wealth. I challenge you to pause and reflect: Who could you reconnect with? How can you be more intentional in deepening your relationships?
Let’s not let the busyness of life overshadow what truly matters. Social wealth is an abundant resource, and the more we invest, the richer we all become. Start today—send that message, plan that visit, or just sit in the presence of your loved ones. Build your wealth one connection at a time.
