Better Together
Do you ever stop and think about your “community.” Oxford Dictionary defines community as:
“a group of people living in the same place or having a particular characteristic in common.”
“a feeling of fellowship with others, as a result of sharing common attitudes, interests, and goals.”
Why does this matter? I believe it is central to our well-being while allowing us to contribute to something greater than ourselves. It helps us see ourselves in a world that can feel increasingly separate and divided. Community shapes who we are. It inspires and connects us.
There are many different types of communities. They can be centered around an interest such as a book club, exercise group or some other common factor. They can represent our shared experiences as a parent, a workplace, or a neighborhood. Finally, our values of religion, politics or social activity can create opportunities as well.
While the type of community varies there are common attributes that can be derived from these experiences that help us not only assimilate but grow and thrive. We are social creatures. We want to feel heard, understood and valued. The benefits to our mental and physical health are well documented. At times, it can feel hard or even scary to seek out “your community.” There is a fear of acceptance and just putting ourselves out there. Sometimes, we can feel afraid and still do it anyway because we know in the end the risk is worth the reward. Some of these rewards include:
Friendship
Having things in common with others is a primary building block to creating new friendships. As we get older, making new friends can feel challenging but finding people with common interests is a great way to grow our network.
Support and Connection
Feeling like we have a group to which we belong can help us feel less isolated and alone. Additionally, as a group member providing that support to others can help us feel empowered and connected.
Influence
Whether you want to generate interest for a new dog park or feel strongly about a particular social issue like food insecurity, domestic violence, or homelessness, mobilizing with a group of like-minded people can create opportunities to make a measurable difference in your community. There is a collective power in groups who are passionate and wish to create change. Truly in the strict sense of the word community, you can be part of making yours a better place.
Learning and Growth
Being part of a community offers us opportunity to experience different perspectives, experience new things and expand our view of not only our community but of the world around us. Not only can we be with like-minded people but also with others who may offer new insights. Approaching this with curiosity can yield great results.
Stronger communities
The saying “stronger together” is true. When we work together supporting our community and doing what we are passionate about, we help to strengthen our communities overall. We can make a difference whether it is an organized community wide cleanup or individual commitment such as volunteering in a local organization. These contributions move the needle and strengthen the pieces that create “community.”
Sharing
Sharing activities, ideas and feelings reinforces not only our sense of self, but also adds worth and value to the community. Indeed, the more the merrier applies in this case! That’s not to mention the huge beneficial effect sharing can have on mental health: higher engagement, positive emotions, and empowerment are only some of the benefits. Sharing is caring. (Marques, n.d.)
There are so many benefits to expanding our community experiences. So much to be gained. Personally, I have been and continue to be involved as a volunteer in several organizations I am passionate about. I find this to be very fulfilling beyond what my home and work life has afforded me. Recently, I began volunteering at a local dog shelter, an experience that scared me slightly. I was afraid of what I might see and if I would feel sad, but a good friend encouraged me. I am happy to report that while it could feel sad at times, I feel so gratified doing something to support animals. On my last visit, I finished my time with a small, skittish dog, who was afraid in the kennel but once outside crept right up to be loved and comforted. I got as much from that experience as he did. Additionally, the people that work and volunteer there are some of the kindest and most giving people I ever met, and we all share a love for animals. I love this community!
I encourage you to explore your community. There is so much to be gained personally and allows us to be part of something larger than us. It is a gift both to you and to those around you. We can all make a difference if we take the time to look around. I can assure you will get as much if not more back than you give!
References
Marques, D. (n.d.). Happiness.com. Retrieved from Happiness.com: https://www.happiness.com/magazine/relationships/the-importance-of-community/
