That the horrible early-morning earthquake in Chile could spawn a 500-mile-per hour tsunami that quickly transfixed and alarmed nations worlds away is just more proof of our growing interconnectedness. We know and feel deeply for the people in Chile – we saw them via Skype almost immediately after the shaking stopped. We reached out to them – our friends, relatives and exchange students – via Facebook and Twitter.

Meanwhile, hours later and hundreds of miles up the Pacific from Chile, we watched and waited – wondering if a huge wave would wash over the coastal U.S., or ironically, wipe out Hilo, Hawaii – the site of the Tsunami Remembrance Museum marking the last great disaster. Just hours later, we know Japan has sounded the alarm.

We know intuitively that we’re all connected. That when something good, or bad, happens to one nation, it will be felt by us all. Usually, tragedy makes that reality more top of mind. But this is the truth in good times and bad.

On a personal level, if you’re feeling disconnected, you need to realize you’re not alone. There is a world, a fabric of life, just outside your door waiting to help you should you need it. There are long lost friends waiting for a call. There are neighbors anxious to go for a walk, or wave in return. There are charities in desperate need of your time and support.

Your life is full of connections, not just in the business sense. When you realize that, and tap into all that your connectedness has to offer, your Real You will shine even brighter. And if you’re leading a team, help spark each members’ connections to the community and world around them, beyond just business networking. It’s a gift you can give to yourself, and foster in others, too.