December 7 – Community

Where have you discovered community, online or otherwise, in 2010? What community would you like to join, create or more deeply connect with in 2011? (Author: Cali Harris)

I have been part of many communities this year. For each one I am very grateful.

I have my work community -- a department of strong, independent, take charge people who work amazingly well under pressure. I have learned so many things from this supportive group and feel myself growing and developing my career path every day.

I was part of GirlTalk Events at the beginning of this year (and unfortunately, due to time constraints, had to let it go) and this was a community of amazing women who all came out to create a strong support group while enjoying lives. I had amazing times with this community and was able to partake in many things I "always wanted to try."

The Ride to Conquer Cancer was a community where we joined together for a weekend. I did not know many peoples's names as I rode alongside them, but the sense of belonging was felt by all.

My friends, or (as I like to think of them) my chosen family, are my favorite community. Each individual reflects parts of me and I adore so much about all of my friends. From #90sdanceparties on twitter to mass cooking (and gossiping) nights to crashing wakes, dancing on speakers, snowboarding, road trips, movie marathons,etc. etc.,I have the best soldiers of support ever. You all rock!

My online community is pretty fabulous too. There are many of you I don't know except through facebook, blogger or twitter. When a scrabble game is needed for distraction or kind words are needed to be read or when a surprise care package or a quick postcard arrive in the mail, I can always count on my online community. You guys lift my spirits. Thanks. Some day I think it would be fabulous to actually meet some of you.

In 2011, I want to continue developing the connections I have with the communities I am already part of. I also hope to join a few more with the 200 hours of volunteer work I have pledge to donate next year and through developing my social media skills for my career. And I am sure many of those people I meet in those communities will become part of the groups I am already part of. It's exciting to think about the six degrees of separation we already have and how we can make that separation less, creating groups of people we can learn and lean from. A smaller world can only become a better world.

As of January 1, 2011 I will be making this blog private. If you would like to be on the reading list, please email me at arualthebutterfly[at]gmail[dot]com