There are so many ways to connect. We can call, Skype, text, sext, blog, e-mail, fax, instant message, Facebook, tweet. We can make time, make love, make lunch. We can walk next door, holler over the fence, send a letter. We can ache for lost love, indulge in paths not taken, remember, imagine, accept. We can look up from our screens, stop what we are doing and gaze around the room. We can gather them in our arms, scoop them out of bed, hold them close, smell their necks, kiss their ouches, tie their shoes, teach them to drive, hug them goodbye. And then we look for more ways to connect.

I believe in the power of connection—that we are better, stronger and richer because of it. And I know that moms understand connection at a primal level. From umbilical cords to playgroups, moms feel and need it in their lives. So this fall, let’s celebrate our ability to connect in many different ways. Find each other. Online. In the park. When you just can’t take it any more. When you have extra to give. Connection is what Mamalode is all about—your unique stories and the bridges they build between us all.

This essay was originally published in print Issue no. 5, theme CONNECTION.

About the Author

Elke

Elke Govertsen is a entrepreneur and founder of Mamalode. She has been featured in Real Simple, Forbes, Where Women Create, Ad Tech, and listed as one of Origin Magazine's "Top 100 Creatives." She has been a speaker at The Girls Lounge, Adweek, C2Montreal, HATCH, TEDx and (her favorite) in classrooms. She speaks on a variety of topics from entrepreneurship to overcoming obstacles. She loves consulting in the areas of community design, storytelling and brand building. Her special skills include extreme bootstrapping, overcoming obstacles and creating opportunities. Of the many things she has learned by doing Mamalode, her ability to work with absolute chaos/kids/mess just might be the best. She is learning that slowing down creates more impact.