I'm sure someone will post the specifics of how to initiate a search and "link" your instances, I use a browser (mobile and PC) on the Lemmy site and click communities to see what's "connected/federated". In the interim as someone else also adjusting to the change, remember to give it time. Its a newer medium and most of us are just coming here flooding it. It will grow and improve and "connect".

I think we all have to get used to the withdrawal from being force fed SO much information and garbage that the fear of missing out and small quantities of content are creating cyclical anxiety. Am I doing this right? What am I missing? where is my content? Why is there not more content? Am I doing this right?...etc.

Good Luck, Welcome! and I'll save this message as well to come back and see if there has been a clear way described.