It Takes A Village

Lately I've been thinking a lot about authenticity and how it surrounds our lives, or sometimes how it's absent. Of course, all of us would hope that our lives point toward the authentic, but how can we be sure that it is, and where can we find it? The answer lies in the hands that helped to raise us. 

Community is such an important aspect in our lives. Why, without it, we would not have a proper sense of identity. Who would be our friend, our acquaintance, or our supporters? Community is powerful because it provides the atmosphere where we can bounce inspiration, ideas, and feelings among our peers. It also helps to teach us, improve us, and humble us.  

Now, I know what you may be thinking.. What about the authenticity only found within ourselves? This is a great thought. There is a lot to be said about our internal senses-of-self. There is only so much that community can contribute to our lives. The flip side happens to also be true, though - without community, there is only so much that internal authenticity can contribute to our lives. It's a balance that will take an entire lifetime to master. 

With all of this in mind, some of you may still be wondering who your community is. Again, a great thought, with many varying answers. In my experience, I've found that I belong to a multitude of communities. The communities YOU belong to will be unique to YOU. 

Since I'm long past childhood, I originally shied away from using the old African proverb "It takes a whole village to raise a child", but despite my normal tendency to be metaphorical, I was taking it far too literally. Yes, it's true, as a child I relied heavily on the help of teachers, doctors, friends, and extended relatives to provide me with the knowledge, love, and wisdom that I have. Now that I'm 'grown up', I'm finding that I can identify with many new communities that are as important as the communities that shaped me as a child. 

For example, while I was in college, I knew that I was a strong part, and active member in the DSU community. I felt supported, secure, and challenged each and every day. I thrived in this community and I still dream about continuing my education one day. While I was in college, I became involved in a Step Aerobics class which also opened the doors to a whole new community - the Madison Community Center. Ironic that the name of this building has the word 'community' in it! It definitely helped to shape me, both literally (as in being toned enough to not look frightening in a pair of shorts), and mentally. At the Community Center I felt like I belonged - that I was contributing to something larger than myself - a passion that still completely ignites me, changes my mindset, and provides me with a frightening sense of security and pride.

'Now Catheryn', you might be saying, 'what about all of these online communities?'. YES! I live in them, breathe  in them! I'm thrilled by the ever-evolving digital scene. I can't even name them all in one article, but among my favorites are, of course, the essential social media outlets (i.e. Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, YouTube, LinkedIn, Google+, Blogger, and Instagram), and more refined, 'niche' social communities (i.e. Tone It Up, Map My Run, and Netflix), and even more with the newest MOBILE social communities (i.e Poshmark and Words With Friends). These communities afford me TREMENDOUS opportunities to connect with others all across the globe. 

What's even better, is that these communities bring me to one of the newest communities I've become a part of -  and that's the Digital Industry. I've been working as a member in this community for 9 months now, which is pretty incredible. Like any newcomer though, I still sometimes feel a little lost, or unaware of the opportunities and the technology that surrounds me. That's okay though! The newness exhilarates me and provides me with a GREAT challenge. I'm all for meeting with and discussing ideas with members of this community. I WANT to share ideas and gain friendships. I know that there's a LOT of competition, but I'm not in this industry to ruin anyone - I'm here to support others and learn from the experts around me. I know I will eventually begin to feel my established, but right now, I'm enjoying the luxury to learn and explore. Yes, I've made my fair share of mistakes, and I have many more to come - it's all a part of the growing pains. So, I look to my COMMUNITY to teach me, challenge me, and befriend me. 

What communities have shaped your life the most? Which communities are your favorite? Do you feel especially influenced by the digital communities in your life? I WANT TO KNOW, so comment below! :) 

In the Raw

It seems we all have that 'place', that home ground, that central station, where we can park, unload our carts and simply 'be'. These places of spiritual neutrality are sacred, clean, and are a holistic part of our lives. They are the spaces in between the moments we deem the most important, yet these breaks and spaces are what shape us. How can we keep ignoring it? 

It dawned on me today, what if I looked for my sacred 'place'? I might be able to harness my thoughts better and ask myself the important questions I've been avoiding. (It's kind of like those midterms I would have been avoiding exactly a year ago today!) Recognizing that I have truly been avoiding my own thoughts and questions is a great discovery. One that I need to continue to make every day! It's all too easy to turn on the auto pilot mode, and just 'go'. It takes greater attention and perception to be in-tune with one's raw state. 

After reminiscing about some of the other tough decisions I've made in my life, I realized that they all did seem to point to one place. A place where I cannot hide from myself, and the truth surrounds me - the bathroom. Yes. You read correctly. As silly as it may sound, that is probably the place where I feel at the most ease. Whether I'm taking a warm shower, or bubble bath, putting on my makeup, fixing my hair, or simply cleaning, I feel like I am not avoiding myself whenever I'm in there. I'm able to think clearly and without distractions. Plus, I do really enjoy putting on makeup and fixing my hair - so, it's kind of a home-run solution. 

Heck, I was cleaning the bathroom back when I was a sophomore in college when I switched from being pre-med to an English for New Media major! I was also in the bathroom putting on makeup when I realized a toad, 'boyfriend' of mine was not the right dating material. I also was silently whining at my reflection one day when I finally decided to take better care of my health and fitness. Again, this may all sound a little far-fetched, but I truly believe that, that, is my place. 

Why the bathroom? Gosh, if Freud were to step in, he'd make some snarky comment about my "anal rententiveness", or something of that sort. But, I see my choice differently. I see it as a place where I can be completely RAW, completely CATHERYN. I mean, going about my day, I'm still me, but maybe not to my purest and rawest. I mean the bathroom is the place where I can create my face for the day. I can also completely bare myself and be in my most natural state. Metaphorically, I think it allows me to tap back into the days before I was aware of what held me back. The mirror also gives me a reminder that I can't hide from myself - because there I am - staring right back at myself. There's no need to alter anything because that's me, and I understand who I am, even under all of the makeup and hair products. 

So maybe your place is somewhere more glamorous, less 'embarrassing', or more exotic - that's fine! As long as it is YOU through and through that you see staring back at yourself, then that's all that truly matters. We all have a place - I challenge you to find it, and ask yourself what significance or metaphorical value that place holds for you. Then, confront yourself! Sit, or stand, and find out what you must do to ignite the most intricate pieces of your happiness and life.