Power in Numbers: Community- My Word of the Year

I had a direction I wanted to go with this post, but after some self-reflection, I had to pivot. For a little over five years, I lived back in my hometown in Maryland, and felt that I lacked community. Here I was in the comfort of home, amongst family and my oldest friends, and I felt like a homebody. I wasn't meeting new people. I wasn't even attempting to. But as I reflect, I realize I wasn't establishing new relationships, I was cultivating old ones. I was rebuilding connections with the people who have been in my life the longest and that love me unconditionally.

I am grateful for that period of time because being that close to family serves as a mirror. I was able to see a reflection of my character, foundation, flaws, attributes, and values. I realized, "Oh that's why I'm insecure in this area, or that's where I get my generosity from." If you're an adult trying to find yourself, go home for a bit. It's the free therapy you didn't know you needed.

Now having relocated to a new state, my word for the year is community. It's time to establish a connection with like-minded individuals from different backgrounds, beliefs, and cultures with a common goal. I know that there are people I haven't encountered yet that are attached to my purpose and I to their's. I am excited just by the thought of building a God-ordained bond that sparks fresh new ideas and aligns me with destiny.

Building community, to me, looks like organically connecting with people who have similar interests that are strong in areas I am weak and weak where I am strong. We should offer something to each other that is intangible and priceless. At my grown age, I'm not looking for new friends, I'm blessed to have plenty of those. I want to attract my purpose mates.

I believe that God calls people in our lives to serve different purposes. Some are there for you to confide in and seek counsel from. Some are for you to offer an example to from your own life experiences. Others are to sharpen you and you them.

If we're not growing together than we're just acquaintances. If I can serve you without depletion and offer a missing piece of your puzzle, sign me up. I want to build connections that are world-changing and impactful. That happens with discernment, being in the right environments, and trusting God with the process.

Have you found your community? Are you committed to offering as much as you want to be offered? When we fill each other's cups, we are energized to go about our calling with full force. Let's build, connect, and make a difference. We have the tools, we just need to create the team and routine to succeed.

-Renée