Build Your Village
This week I have really been sinking into this idea of having a village and community. The building of one can take months or even years. It requires vulnerability and discomfort. It takes time, effort, and energy. But when you have “your people,” it can be a game changer.
This often doesn’t come naturally to many of us. Personally, I describe myself as an introvert, an independent individual, and a recovering perfectionist. These traits don’t lend themselves very well to getting out there and building a community for myself and my family. And yet…I am constantly seeking personal connection to others around me. I just do it in a smaller, quieter way.
Your village doesn’t have to be a huge pod of people that you would gather all into one room and have everyone blend together beautifully. Your village can be a hodge-podge of folks who you connect with for various reasons due to your goals, your values, your work, your actual physical proximity to one another (ie. a neighbor) your faith, your fun.
The main thing is that all these people would show up for you (and yes, this sometimes means you have to **ask** for them to show up) and you would show up for them if ever a need arose. Showing up can mean different things, too. Maybe it’s just an encouraging text chain, perhaps it’s someone you can take a walk with, it could be someone you trust to watch your kids while you take a breather, or that person who would drop a meal at your doorstep.
I encourage you to give it a try. Look in perhaps unexpected places. Say hello. Give a smile. Lean in and see what happens.
Here are some ideas for where you can seek out your community to get you started:
Your next door neighbor
Parks and playgrounds
Library
Co-workers
Religious or spiritual gathering places
Your kids’ extracurricular activity locations - sports practice, piano lessons, martial arts, etc
Gym
Your child’s therapy appointments
School drop off/pick up line
Social Media (yes, you can build a legitimate community from social media)
Possibly my best tip, and also a tough one to execute – you may have to take that first brave step in asking for the help you need…or don’t know you need. You can do it. I’m rooting for you!
