Community Connection

People are moving, and our communities are changing. Over the past few years, we have felt isolation, disconnection and separation. More than ever, we are aware of others suffering, sometimes so much so we lessen the impact with our own. So as humans, we do what we do best- keep moving forward. But what if there is a better way to do it?

History has shown that through community, we heal.

Community is where we find our sense of belonging and connection with others.

In our time of isolation, we have forgotten this. We may be so used to relying on ourselves that connections with others are not prioritized. We need community and, most importantly, to feel like we belong to something bigger than ourselves.

Due to many reasons, people are shifting and moving more than ever. New members are entering the community; with them, they are bringing new skills, new stories and sometimes even new businesses that meet our needs. All of this brings new energy.

A community is nothing without people. What makes up a strong community? Honouring the past and present members and also acknowledgement of new people. It is through listening to the stories of community members that have always been around and the opportunity to hear our new members. If there is anything that I have come to know, we need each other. A sense of belonging to our community is a big part of this.

I am seeing more desire from a wide range of people to connect. I am, however, seeing a great deal of people who need help to connect. How do we integrate as a community if we have become used to the quiet, alone time and enjoy it? This can keep us comfortable, but I am sure if you look at your past life experiences, some great things came out of stretching a little and growing. What can make it easier? Remembering how you feel after we connect with the right people. This feeling is what keeps markets and businesses thriving.

There will always be change in communities, and our ability to roll with it determines our ability to adapt. Through it all, our connection to others strengthens our resiliency.

Helen Keller has a great quote that sums it up so well: “Alone, we can do so little; together, we can do so much”. So let’s decide to be curious. It is time for us to move closer together.

Written by Tammy Roche, RSW, BSW, MSW
Between Two Pines

Website: betweentwopines.ca
IG: @tamsroche