I recently had a discussion with a fellow blogger and friend of mine regarding where the origins of our individual inner strength comes from. Ya know, kinda like a twist on nature versus nurture….
Although I am a firm believer in #nurture and depending on myself for personal strength and fortitude, she reminded me of something I personally believe very strongly in — but had not thought about in some time: the importance of community.
As what one might call a lifelong and ardent volunteer-advocate, recently I have been so engrossed in the raising of my son that I had forgotten just how utterly critical C.O.M.M.U.N.I.T.Y. really is! I should never forget this fact, given that I was fortunate enough to be raised in a small, rural community that to this day I know would “have my back” should I need the support. #luckygalÂ
But, in the day-to-day routine of raising kids, we can have a tendency to isolate ourselves in all our list of to-do’s and ‘just get er done’ daily chores that need to happen in order for our families to function!
Like, can I puhleeeease have more hours in my day????
(Or, do I just need more WORTHWHILE hours in my day?)
On that note……
There are about a gazillion reasons to create a community around ourselves….and I think women especially need this consolation. I have my tribe — y’all know who you are! ♥ But, sometimes we forget the importance of making this community – whether it be volunteering or just a regular ole’ ladies night – something we insist on making a regularity in our lives.
But, in case you need that reminder (as my glorious and talented friend gave me)….
Here are 5 Reasons YOU (yes, YOU!!!) Need To Create Community Around You In Order To Improve Your Life:
- IT’S GOOD FOR YOUR HEALTHÂ
Yup, it’s true! Studies show that any form of community around someone improves their health, both physically and mentally! It increases social interaction, which improves the average person’s life satisfaction level. It’s good for the mind, the heart, and one’s general outlook. #win-win
Suffer from chronic pain or need to lose weight? Volunteer to walk dogs at your local humane society or animal shelter!
Have a background in psychology or the mental health industry? Volunteer to utilize your expertise by answering hotline calls for those in need! Master Seamstress? Volunteer to teach classes at your local craft store or sew stuffed bears for local hospitals!
Doing this kind of community work sharpens both your existing skills as well as keeping the mind sharp as a tack! Trust me: it’ll do your heart and mind good….
Talk about making the hours in your day actually COUNT!
- GREAT WAY TO MEET OTHERS
This one is especially important for anyone experiencing loneliness or isolation. Do you have a passion for something? For me, one thing I have always had a passion for is dog rescue and animal welfare/education. I have spent most of the years of my life volunteering in the animal welfare industry in some capacity. That’s a great place to start if you aren’t sure HOW to meet other people, or if you are feeling intimidated by the idea of “getting out there.” Just tap into what you LOVE, and the light will follow….and therefore, so will your people.
Love of politics and government? Volunteer with like-minded peeps by volunteering for your personal political party’s local group. Have you always wanted to learn to grow heirloom vegetables? Volunteer for your local gardening group and meet people who share your green thumb! Want to get out in nature and improve your health? Join the local hiking club! Have a passion for helping the needy? Sign-up to help out at your local soup kitchen and feed those less fortunate. #worthwhile
Who knows what could blossom from these connections!?
It makes it soooo much easier to bond with someone when you both share the same passion, and lasting friendships can be formed by getting yourself out there to meet others!
- IMPACT, BABY: I.M.P.A.C.T.
Wanna change the world? I’m serious!!!
You can do your part, small or large, to make the world we live in a better place. There are so many areas of our own lives we cannot control: puppy peed on the carpets again? Didn’t meet that deadline at work? Ex won’t pay his/her child support payments? Well, you get the picture…..what I mean is this: volunteering/interning/helping/socializing in an area that you are knowledgeable in improves the state of our personal existence and provides you that missing piece of the puzzle; creating community around something that provides positive impact allows you to choose how and where you make a difference! Talk about empowering!!!
You playing a leading role in enhancing your own life, the lives of others, or even your own town/village/community = a higher quality of life for ALL….
And, in the end, you get to see results. When ya got that in your back pocket, baby, ain’t nothin’Â gonna bring you down….
- CREATE NEW OPPORTUNITIES
Stuck in a joy-sucking job? Feel you’re in a rut with no end in sight? Tired of making money for someone else? Can’t stand one.more.day. of your boss? I feel you…..
Whether you’re considering a career shift or need to reignite the passion for your current industry, volunteering or interning in a field that sends the hairs on the back of your neck to stand at attention is a SERIOUS fast-track to improving your life. It’ll completely change your outlook! Can you say endorphins???Â
What about volunteering to learn the skills you need and make connections in your desired industry? And, since you are learning for free it’s a classic win-win! Learn by doing! And, worse case scenario, if you discover you don’t want to be in that field — well, at least you didn’t waste any money figuring that out!
In this day and age of technology, even if you’re super tired and it’s the end of a loooong work day – well, get online to learn that new skill! There are so many resources out there for you to really GIVE and LEARN.
It’s the definition of rewarding and crazy inspiring! Alternatively, help out with your already well-tuned skill(s) and suddenly you hold the power to mold and shape the world around you, and (most importantly!), those who benefit from your skills….Can you say resume building whilst also doing something advantageous?
Hey, ya might even find your DREAM JOB by creating this community around you! You just never know….
Now, after all is said and done, know this: I’m a realist, dear readers. I know it’s super hard to imagine after working all day to go and volunteer somewhere or spend hours on the computer learning a new skill. I get it, I really do!
BUT: even if you can somehow incorporate something you love/are passionate about/something that fulfills you, for, like, 2 hours a week……well, friends: I believe these minute details really can make all the difference in the quality of your life and in the mindset you walk around with.
Let me give you an example: I started this blog as a creative outlet. I have always loved to write, but never really MADE the time for it. IMPORTANT NOTE: it was ME who didn’t MAKE the time…..
I maintained the routine of my very busy life without going that extra mile. Yet, I remained feeling somewhat unfulfilled; empty. I knew I needed to tap into my very right-brained tendencies….but it wasn’t a question of HOW….
It was a question of would I COMMIT?
Once I took the leap into actually committing myself to it – well, let’s just say there hasn’t been a single second that I have regretted it!
Even when I was knee-deep in technologically mind-numbing IT learning curves……even then, I felt there was literally ZERO chance of my giving up. And, I actually have quite a history of not finishing what I start. So, yeah — when I say that someone like me felt that driven by something so deep within me that even my own self-destructive tendencies/history of noncommitment couldn’t overpower this innate desire to write/to learn/to help/to SPEND.THE.TIME….
Well, my point is this: that taking even just two hours a week to DO GOOD is PRICELESS; it won’t SEEM like a burden!
But, I also think, dearest readers, that the rub is in FINDING what it is you are passionate enough about in order to truly commit to it! Marinate on that one long and hard enough and I think the picture of what and where your community is will become quite clear. ♥
You’ll NEVER regret it. It will only bring positive things into your life.Â
I think the hardest part (with anything, really…) is just TAKING THE LEAP. But you must. Look at those 5 reasons again. See? How CAN you fit it in to your life? Because I really believe there isn’t any room NOT TO….
There’s a great quote out there that I think sums up what this post is truly all about:
[bctt tweet=”We make a living by what we get, but we make a life by what we give. – Winston Churchill” via=”no”]
I am very grateful to have had that reminder that I don’t always just need to depend on myself.
Community is critical to not only my own health and wellbeing, but, more importantly, it is critical to changing the mindset on a much larger scale – the mindset of others.
Always Here,
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