Communities that foster connection are SO important! I just love when a community connects people in inclusive and positive ways! I just came back from a three-day art/craft retreat and am so inspired by my weekend and I’d love to tell you a bit about it.

Before I do that, though, let me back up and tell you about another community. As background, when my son was in high school he played in the high school marching band. They always had marching band contests each autumn. The students from local schools would come up with a theme and perform musical programs for audiences in football stadiums. I loved to hear the music, see the colorful flags twirling, and watch the band march in time in various configurations around the field. It was so much fun! I was in for a wonderful surprise at the first contest, though. After the first performance I attended, I noticed folks clapping for their band. No, wait… I then noticed ALL the folks clapping for that band. I realized (with joy) that this wasn’t a sporting event where we only cheer for our team. THIS WAS A COMMUNITY, where we cheered for ALL the performers. I noticed people would come and go throughout the day, but everyone always cheered for whomever was playing. It didn’t matter if it was your school playing or if you knew someone from that school or not. I was so touched by this I still get tears in my eyes just typing this. What a great event and what a good example for young people!

I got the very same sense of community this past weekend at my art/craft retreat. I got more hugs this weekend than at a family reunion! Everyone had so much fun creating and sharing, I really felt that same sense of togetherness. While we were taking classes and working on our projects, we were cheering on and complimenting each other. Someone told me I had really upped my art game recently and I am still basking in the glow of that compliment. Plus, I also observed friendships being made and strengthened every single hour. I watched people who walked in tired and maybe a bit hesitant to try something new walk out of the retreat beaming. This is what it is all about! In fact, I was so inspired by it I was up early this morning photographing the sunrise. While doing so, I got an affirming text from someone at the retreat, someone I knew but got to know a bit better at the retreat. How cool is that to start a Monday morning?!?

I started thinking about this. What if we were all able to be part of a community that frequently builds us up? What could we accomplish with that kind of encouragement? What if we put aside jealousy, perfection, and distrust and cheered on ALL of each other’s masterpieces (whether they be a band performance, a painting, a piece of jewelry, a written piece, or even just a thought), regardless of the quality or quantity? What if we could get and give a hug (or assistance) when we needed it? What could we accomplish under those conditions?

I left the retreat feeling validated, included, inspired, smart, creative, and more. In fact, I may have accidentally blurted out “I love you” to a fellow participant who pulled me aside to take a crazy picture with me in front of a fun photo op. It just popped out of my mouth because I had all the positive feels from the weekend. Would I normally say that to a friend? No, no hardly ever. But to her credit, she returned it and we both felt validated. (At least I hope so! ☺️🤓😉)

So I encourage you to find that positive community that cheers on all your masterpieces – the one that helps you thrive and try new things. Maybe there’s even a community out there that will allow you to make new friends like schoolchildren and get a hug when you need it!

If you can’t seem to find a community like that, think about starting one yourself! What type of community does your community need? Think about it. Let’s do it! Here’s to community!