I have been spending time reconnecting with friends, former students and new acquaintances. It’s been awesome. I love connecting with people. I have been re-evaluating my life and realized my social connections needed some attention.
Community has always been important to me. It’s something that impacts your life in a positive way unfortunately due to my work schedule, I was missing opportunities to be involved.
Having a community means you have a support system, a network of people with common interests, beliefs and goals.
This past Sunday, I met with a friend whom I’ve known through Facebook but we’ve never sat down and chatted in person. She is also a singing teacher and we both embrace each other’s work and share the same values regarding our students. We SUPPORT each other instead of viewing each other as competition. It is my belief we will both have greater success because of our ATTITUDE towards each other.
Yesterday, I met with a friend from high school. It’s been well over ten years since we last spoke yet we effortlessly jumped into conversation like no time had passed.
Being social is an important component of being HAPPY. Isolating and being lonely is proven to hinder your health.
Ultimately it’s your relationships that carry you through life. Friends and family step up and help you when you need the support and later, you will return the favor. It’s checking in on your friend’s Mom while she’s in the hospital, sharing a meal or playing a board game. It’s hanging out and just enjoying each other.
These moments are the GIFTS of life.
My new neighbours came over to introduce themselves offering a bag of delicious garden tomatoes, friendly hellos and fresh ripe plums. Another helped me carry a love seat into the house and another signed up their grandson for Musical Theatre classes.
They instantly helped me feel at home in my new home.
All week I have meetings with people and I’m thoroughly enjoying supporting the small businesses, getting to know the owners and spreading the word about how great their food is or how awesome their service. It’s about reaching out and connecting!
How are you involved in your community? Are you attending events and socializing with others? Are you reaching out to new people and sharing your interests? Are you volunteering? How about taking a course or workshop? There are so many ways to get involved.
It’s good for your health. It’s good for your mental and emotional wellness. It’s good for your community.
I’m looking forward to the next few months and all the possibilities in front of me. I embrace my current relationships and I’m excited to nurture new ones.
Life is an adventure and it’s much more fun when you bring others along for the ride.
With a smile,
Tina
