It's Tuesday at 2:00pm! (PST Time: I live and work from Southern California)
My friend Chuck sent me a note last week sharing about his "support system". As I read the note, I marveled at the people on his list that had provided support for years and years in many different ways.
I began to make my list. My list looked different than Chucks because unlike him, I haven't lived in the same place for 63 years. My life has been broken up into 6 distinct geographical areas, all for different amounts of time. In each of these places, I've built a "support system".
While I continue to define my "support system", the people who over the years have stood with me, helped me, encouraged me, connected me, and the list goes on...the word that bubbles up is COMMUNITY. Chuck was really telling me about his personal "community" for the past 63 years, and community is something that has become really important to me.
Here's Why I Value Community:
With my "community", whatever one that is, I feel at home. These are people I trust, people I want to be with, people I've lived life with and people that care about me. It's safe.
My "community" is unique. I connect with people differently than other people do. I have a variety of "communities" in my life that range from people we shared life with, to people that share my passion for the world, to people that provide a service to me and through that I've built relationship. It's MY community, and it's unique to me.
When I am in crisis or when I'm discouraged, I connect with my "community". They are a source of energy for me. When I'm able to get time with some of these people face-to-face, it's like medicine for my soul. They bring healing, and hopefully I can bring that to them as well.
My "community" is a place where I can be real. I can be the person I was created to be, flaws and all. I don't have to impress people and I don't have to be "ON", I can just be me and I'm accepted for that.
Because of my "community", I'm reminded that I don't have to do life alone, and I realize I don't want to do life alone. I'm never alone because these people are with me, from all over the place, they're with me.
My "community" includes people I've known since Junior High School, people I've coached and been coached by, people I've worshipped and served with, people that have embraced my family. My "community" is rich!
As a Leader, I also know that when I'm not connected to my community, I tend to rely on my own strengths and abilities. I need my community to speak truth into my life. I need my community to care about me and my family. I need my community to hold me accountable. I live and lead for my "community".
Like Chuck modeled, make a list.
Think of people that have been your "community" for years, and write down why that has been valuable to you.
Think of how you have been able to be "community" for others, bringing value and relationship to them
By making your list, you'll be reminded of some incredible people in your life that are your "community". Maybe take a moment to thank them for their influence in your life.
During these crazy days of quarantine, many of us are missing the "real time" with our communities. Go out of your way to use technology, to connect with your people and to keep your community alive.
"Community is where humility and glory touch." Henri J.M. Nouwen
"Alone, we can do so little; Together we can do so much." Helen Keller
"Community is much more than belonging to something; it's about doing something together that makes belonging matter." Brian Solis