My Story

In 2023, I took a trip to Cancun. It should’ve been a vibrant, memory-making experience for everyone there—families, couples, teens, and kids all enjoying the moment. But instead, I saw something that stuck with me: people everywhere glued to their phones and tablets. At restaurants, on the beach, even while watching the sunset—everyone was looking down. It hit me how disconnected we’ve become, even when we travel across the world to be together.

That experience made such an impact that I decided to wait another year before getting a phone of my own. I didn’t want to fall into that same trap. So when I finally got my phone in 2024, I made a promise to myself: I wouldn’t carry it everywhere, and I wouldn’t let it control me.

Fast forward to 2025—I was traveling through Europe and once again noticed the same pattern. People, even in the middle of some of the most beautiful places on Earth, were scrolling endlessly, missing what was right in front of them. That’s when I knew I had to do something about it.

On that trip, I started suggesting games in our tour group—simple ones like charades or trivia. It didn’t take much to get everyone involved, and before we knew it, we were laughing, talking, and connecting for hours as we drove from country to country. It reminded me just how easy it is to bring people together—when you give them the chance.

That moment sparked the idea for The Mindful Connection and our conversation mats. A small tool with a big purpose: to help people look up, speak up, and truly connect again.