John Donne wrote, “No man is an island, entire of itself, every man is a piece of the continent, a part of the main.” John knew that we as people can’t flourish when we’re alone. In order to be our best and truly happy, we have to be a part of a whole. We need to be part of a community.
Community is more important than we may realize. As we get older, it becomes even more important. With family passing away, friends relocating or retiring, and children leaving the nest, it’s easy to become isolated. When we’re perpetually alone, we can slip into a downward spiral without realizing it.
Being a part of a community allows you be supported and support others in the same way. It’s good for the health of ourselves and those around you. A sense of belonging arises and you can become enveloped in a type of one mindedness to focus on your commonalities, giving you a break from your worries and the concerns of the world.
We can’t stop bad things from happening, it’s a part of life. However, having a community adds cushion to your life, so you have something to fall back on. Having others looking out for your best interest is a buffer, even from ourselves. From an outside perspective, people can more easily see if we’re heading down an unhealthy path.
Finding a community that shares your passionate is especially important. It helps make your passion a practice because you’re engaging in what you love with other likeminded people, even if it’s just for a few hours a week. As long as you’re putting time aside for it and surrounding yourself with what you love, that’s what matters.
For me, I’ve found my community at my local yarn store, Pick Up Every Stitch. I’ve been able to meet so many different people who love yarn and knitting as much as I do. Seeing other people’s knitting projects has helped inspire and motivate me to make more interesting yarn choices. Even though we all have different views, religions, and ethnicities, we come together, laugh, and simply enjoy.
Ultimately, regardless of what your passion is and what kind of community you decide to be a part of, it needs to influence you in a positive way. If you haven’t found your passion, it’s never too late. Old dogs can learn new tricks. Believing otherwise will keep you isolated and feeling like you can’t change what makes you unhappy. So go for it, find a community, and open up your world.
