“Alexa, play Better Together by Jack Johnson”
If you’ve been to E5, you’ve likely heard us talking about our 5 Elements of Whole Health. Once or twice – or maybe a hundred times. If you haven’t (yet), here they are: Mindset. Movement. Recovery. Nutrition. Community.
Each of them play an essential role in living a healthy, happy, fulfilling life. For this post, I’m going to focus on community, specifically.
Sometimes we use the words “environment” and “community” interchangeably. Here, we simply mean the people and settings we surround ourselves with.
While those may not be in our control at all times, it’s important that we take ownership of the choices we do have. We can be intentional with who, how, and where we spend our personal time. And that can make all the difference.
Here are 5 reasons a strong and nurturing community leads to success:
1. With community, comes support – both giving and receiving.
The whole “go it alone” mentality is a thing of the past. Independence, self efficacy, knowing and believing in your capabilities – those are all important. For sure! Super important. BUT, you don’t always have to do everything on your own. As individuals, we have our strengths and weaknesses. Community allows us moments to lean on others when we need help, and moments to offer a steady hand, shoulder, or ear in return. When we come together and support each other, success is inevitable.
2. Accountability
The best ideas and biggest ambitions are just that – ideas and ambitions – unless you take action on them. There are so many obstacles that can get in the way of taking action. Business (busy-ness, and also business), forgetfulness, fear, doubt. Your friends, family, colleagues – your COMMUNITY – are there to remind you of your goals and the steps you need to take to reach them.
Bonus: they are also there to cheer you on along the way!
Inspires learning, self-growth, and confidence.
We are constantly learning. Always. Throughout our entire lives. The people around us influence that immensely. We learn from each other. We learn with each other.
Even more, we inspire each other to WANT to learn and grow and become the best version of ourselves.
The more we learn – about ourselves, about one another, about the world – the more confident we become. Then, watch out world!
It makes things FUN
I’ll keep this one short and sweet because it’s simple:
Life is more fun when you have people to share it with. When you have YOUR people.
The people you can laugh with and cry with. The ones who are there to celebrate your wins and sit with you through the lessons. The ones who will break out into a dance party mid-workout with you (if you know, you know).
Community = Connection!
This is by far my favorite and, in my opinion, the most important. I could write a whole blog on connection alone (hey, maybe I will *wink wink*).
Connection is vital to our wellbeing. Physically, mentally, emotionally. Studies have shown that social connection can help us regulate our emotions, reduce stress, and combat loneliness, anxiety, and depression.
It can even actually improve our immune systems. The list goes on.
In her book “The Gifts of Imperfection”, Brene Brown describes connection as “the energy that exists between people when they feel seen, heard, and valued; when they can give and receive without judgment ; and when they derive sustenance and strength from the relationship.”
That hit me right in the heart when I read it. I mean, who doesn’t want to be wrapped up in that kind of energy?
It makes me feel like I can conquer the world.
As human beings, we need connection. We need community. Neurologically, biologically, cognitively. Real science-y sh*t. It’s in our nature.
But also, in a super simple way, we thrive when we have a sense of belonging, safety, and support.
It doesn’t mean you have to be a social butterfly 7 days a week. Or at all, really.
But find your people.
Be there for them, and allow them to be there for you.
We are better when we feel seen, heard, and valued.
We are better together.
We can achieve anything, together.
