Strength in Community
Haiti. Chile's earthquake. The Pacific Rim Tsunami warning this weekend. What do they all have in common? Community. Watch the coverage of all these places in turmoil. What struck me the most was the attitude of "we are all in this together."
Hawaiian media reported how polite and organized people were as they shopped for provisions and prepared for the coming Tsunami. Reporters in Chile commented on the way everyone is supporting each other. In Haiti we still are seeing that strong sense of community, of belonging, that holds everyone together as they put their lives back in order.
What is your community like? Do you nurture it? Are you paying attention to it? Do you know who your community is? Do you allow them to support you? And do you add your measure of support?
The lessons of these past few months is this: Things happen. Life turns on a dime. People are more important than Stuff. And if you gather your community around you before you need them, you will survive whatever life throws at you much better.
I discovered that with my surgery when so many special people came to my side when I needed them most. Many of my readers have discovered that over the past few months -- in snowstorms, in preparing for a disaster, and in just living day to day.
Take a moment today and take stock of your community. Have you neglected it? Have you nurtured it? Maybe it's time to check in and show some love. As Harvey Mackay says, "Dig your well before you are thirsty." He said that about networking. But it's even more important with those that are nearest and dearest to you.
So - go. Write a note of love. Check in.
You'll be glad you did.
Blessings,
Beth
top
|