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! :)