What Your Watch Can’t Measure
|
What was your sleep score last night? Does your watch measure heart rate variability? What’s the last supplement you purchased to improve your health? We have more ways than ever to measure and track so many aspects of our physical health these days and many of us put considerable time, energy, and money into it. What if we approached mental wellness with the same intention we bring to physical health?
October 10 is World Mental Health Day. I challenge every individual who is reading this newsletter to pause on this day to consider an essential part of wellbeing that no watch can capture: How am I really doing? Who am I close to? Do I have a community where I can be myself and belong?
Last week, I had the opportunity to share Owen’s story and the work we are doing with The Goldfinch Foundation with three different groups: fraternity presidents at Vanderbilt, employees at MPower Physical Therapy, and high school students from Fellowship of Christian Athletes. Each presentation was tailored to different ages, interests, and life circumstances. Yet the same message resonated across all three.
Struggle is part of the human experience. We all have stress, setbacks, and uncertainties. We also have the capacity to strengthen our mental wellness every day, building resilience before the next setback. Goldfinch’s approach brings prevention into the conversation, before and alongside intervention. Mental wellness is for all of us.
One essential part of that foundation is kinship, the K in TANK. It means being known, feeling that we belong, and contributing to something beyond ourselves. We need community regardless of our age, gender, or circumstances.
As a physician, I want people to understand that these relationships matter not only to our mental health but also our physical health. I often reference Dr. Robert Waldinger, director of the Harvard Study of Adult Development, who puts it simply: “Good relationships keep us happier and healthier. Period.” Here are the facts:
|
- Approximately half of U.S. adults reported experiencing loneliness, according to the 2023 Surgeon General’s advisory
- Loneliness is associated with substance use problems and poorer mental and physical health.
-
In a 2025 survey, about one in three teen AI companion users had discussed something serious with AI instead of a person. That raises an important question about where we turn for support.
|
So how do we build kinship? |
- Reach out to a friend you haven’t heard from in a while.
- Start a conversation with someone outside of your usual circle.
- Ask your loved one a real question: “What has been the best and hardest part of your week?” Put your phone down and listen.
-
Make a microconnection. These are the easiest- learn the name of the lunch lady, talk to the bagger at the grocery store, or say hi to a neighbor you normally just walk past.
- Lastly, find a group doing something you enjoy and make time to join the next meeting! Show up regularly.
|
This October 10, choose one action and one person to start with, and go for it!
Owen died at 18 in 2024. His death has caused me so much indescribable pain and sadness, but there is gratitude there too. Alongside that grief, I feel gratitude for having loved him so deeply and for the countless small moments we shared. We never know how much time we will have, so take my advice: Moments matter. Make connection a daily practice. |
DONOR-ADVISED FUNDS DAY is October 8, 2026! |
If you manage a Donor-Advised Fund (DAF), your giving process just got incredibly simple. You can now support The Goldfinch Foundation directly from our main donation page! No digging through paperwork or mailing physical checks required. Your DAF grant helps Nashville youth: |
- Access unplugged, creative arts-based workshops
- Experience nature-focused & movement-centered wellness programs
- Build meaningful, offline community connections that combat isolation
|
Make your giving count today! To support The Goldfinch Foundation through your Donor-Advised Fund: |
- Click the button below to visit our donation page.
-
Select One-time, choose your donation amount, and click Continue.
- Complete the Additional information section and click Continue.
- On the Summary screen, select Donor Advised Fund as your payment method.
-
Enter your contact information, click Pay with DAFpay, and follow the prompts to select your DAF provider and submit your grant request.
|
|
GFF Teen Meeting: Inspiring Resilience |
We’re excited to welcome Jordan Thomas, founder of the Jordan Thomas Foundation, to our October Teen Ambassador meeting! After losing both legs below the knee in a boating accident at age 16, Jordan turned a life-changing experience into a mission to help other young people – providing children with prostheses, mentorship, and opportunities to thrive. Based in Nashville, Jordan is also the top adaptive golfer in the world, most recently winning the 2026 US Adaptive Open, and passionate advocate for resilience, connection, and living with purpose. He can’t wait to meet our Teen Ambassadors, hear their stories, and share a little of his own!
Visit our website to register and reserve your spot! |
|
We look forward to a fun day of friendly competition and community. |
|
- Wellness Summit
January 23, 2027
Vanderbilt University
- Illumination
March 7, 2027
Clementine Hall
- Into the Light 5K
September 19, 2027
Percy Warner Park
|
Interested in helping the GFF but don’t know how or what we need? |
Partner With Us at the Goldfinch Wellness Summit
|
The Goldfinch Wellness Summit is coming to Vanderbilt University on Saturday, January 23, 2027, bringing together hundreds of young adults for an inspiring day of connection, resilience and whole-person wellness – featuring Jess Sims, Eric Paslay and more. We’re looking for corporate partners who want to align with Goldfinch’s mission and help us create an unforgettable experience that encourages young people to move, create, connect and thrive. Interested in becoming a corporate sponsor or know someone that could help? We’d love to start the conversation with you! Contact hello@thegff.org and erica.gabel01@gmail.com
Ready to join us at the 2027 Wellness Summit? Purchase your Wellness Summit tickets! |
Need a hotel room during Wellness Summit weekend? Book your room in our block at the Marriott Vanderbilt. |
GFF Teen Meeting: Go Take a Hike! |
At our last GFF Teen Ambassador meeting, Georgia Bromehead led us through the basics of forest bathing and how nature helps the brain. She explained that natural patterns like fractals shift the brain from a busy state toward a calmer and present one. She also covered "soft fascination," which means watching natural movement like a flame or a branch in the wind, and said it helps to restore focus. Her main advice was to slow down and engage one sense at a time, since even 3 to 10 minutes outside makes a difference. So, look out a window, rest your eyes on the horizon for three minutes, and watch something that moves. As one of our teen ambassadors shared: It feels good “to see the extraordinary details of the ordinary things.”
Thanks Georgia for joining us on September 26! We loved your insights on fractals, soft fascination, and slowing down through the senses, and we'll be putting your forest bath tips to use. Everyone can learn more about her walks and resources at Forest Therapy Nashville. |
Operation Parent is offering two webinars exploring topics that affect youth wellbeing: |
-
October 27: The Buzz Is Changing: Alcohol & Caffeine in a New Generation
From White Claws and Celsius to BuzzBallz and Alani, today's young people are surrounded by new products and mixed messages about alcohol and caffeine. Join Dr. Aaron Weiner of Prime For Life as he explores how these substances affect the developing brain, common myths that can increase risk, and what young people are seeing online and in everyday life. Learn practical ways to help kids assess risk, make healthier decisions, and navigate a changing culture.
- November 17: What Is AI Replacing? AI as a Friend, Advisor & Companion to Youth
AI can answer questions, offer advice, and even simulate friendship. But what happens when youth start turning to it for connection and support? Join Robbie Torney of Common Sense Media for a timely look at how AI is shaping relationships, emotional wellbeing, and development, and the important questions families should be asking as these technologies become part of everyday life.
|
Both webinars are live at 1 p.m. ET (noon CT), with recordings available in English and Spanish. |
|
|
|
|
|
We invite you to stay connected by visiting our website for upcoming events, subscribing to our monthly newsletter, and following us on Instagram @thegff24 for ongoing updates and inspiration.
|
|
|
|
The Goldfinch Foundation is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization (EIN: 99-4493443).
Donations are tax-deductible as allowed by law.
Officially recognized as tax-exempt by the IRS as of March 5, 2025, with a retroactive effective date of August 15, 2024. |
|
|
|
PO Box 40039, Nashville, TN 37204, USA |
|
|
|
|
