Last week, I was reminded of the importance of community. We’re living in an interesting time where we are being encouraged to isolate ourselves. As a matter of fact, our very lives depend on us isolating ourselves. This is very counter-intuitive for most of us. Even the introverts. I know by now you’ve seen the memes of introverts rejoicing, but even introverts need human contact and some form of community. It’s also been interesting seeing how folks have been creating community on these internets. I personally was “in the room” when DJ D-Nice hit that 100k mark, and Oprah, Michelle Obama, Will Smith and so many other celebrities and dignitaries were also present and accounted for. It was this type of community gathering that made me hesitant to do an IG Live on Tuesday March 31st. Like who’s going to show up to talk, when they can be “at the club”? But a few days before I realized that Women’s History Month was ending, and we had not gathered. In actuality we were supposed to gather on March 28th for the second annual networking sip and shop event. And when I say we, I mean the community of women I’ve had to honor of creating and being a part of since 2017. Yes, it’s been that long.
In all fairness I gathered with a few of my close girlfriends on International Women’s Day, March 8th. I wasn’t sure that people would want to come out, but, I always say “women should gather on women’s day”. Little did we know that a short 5 days later such gatherings would slowly be banned. Personally, a short 3 days later, I began working from home and have been ever since. But back to last Tuesday. I gathered our favorite ladies on IG Live and a few more to spend some time chatting about their various areas of expertise. Everyone present was able to gather some advice, wisdom, inspiration and motivation from them. What happened on that Tuesday night still blows my mind. We spent over an hour on IG Live pouring into each other, making new friendships, and celebrating mature ones. It really encouraged me, and the content is beyond amazing! The community was in action and it looked and felt amazing! I really felt like everyone needed to see/hear it, so I did an interesting edited version of it. Check it out here, and share with others. We talk about everything from personal finances, traveling, being creative, to staying at home with your kids during this pandemic, and how you can spend your extra time. This session was truly a blessing to me, and I hope it is to you as well. Do me a favor, and share it with at least one other person. Trust me, they’ll thank you for it. Stay well and find ways to maintain and build community during this time!