At 9 pm U.S. Eastern every Wednesday, I get together with a group of journal writers via YouTube and Facebook for a series of prompts on Livestream. As I type this entry, we’re wrapping up our post-writing discussion on the holidays. One of the topics was to think about three things we’re especially grateful for this year and how they have impacted our lives. All three things I listed involved communities that I’ve connected with this year - Journal Party, Artist Morning, and The Sisters Enchanted.
Getting involved with a group has always been a struggle of mine. I am one of those introverts that for a brief time can play extrovert, but it is absolutely exhausting to me. I have a lot of baggage in my past from being hurt and humiliated in groups, so getting myself out there truly is a struggle.
My instinct is to hide. In-person events can be downright terrifying to me. All three of these communities, as virtual connections, allow me to have a little space at my own home, allowing me to ease into it as my bravery allows. All three have become “cannot miss” parts of my week, and I’m grateful not only for the warm welcome that these groups have given me, but also that I was willing to take the plunge, get out of my comfort zone, and make the connection.
In these times where it seems we’re more fractured than ever, I am realizing how important these connections of community are. Whether for self-reflection, clarity, spirituality, or heck… hobbies - having some sort of connection with other people who share at least one interest with you is so important to just feel alive.
Community this year has helped inspire me to grow in ways that I’ve shelved as “someday” projects for many years. It’s built up a joy and an energy that I didn’t realize I was missing.
I never thought I’d write that as an introvert.
~ Mel.