Day 5: Take the First Step

One of the hardest parts of building connection-oriented habits is that they don’t always work. I don’t even remember the number of times I tried to reach out and make friends with someone who was too busy or just not interested in being in my life. And even as a fully grown-up woman, it’s, at best, embarrassing. Sometimes it brings me straight back to middle school.

But life is lived by those who show up. So, consider today taking a step towards community, whatever that means for you. Invite someone out on a walk. Call that person you’ve been meaning to talk to. Wave to the neighbor. It’s extra hard right now with all of the restrictions but the one thing I have learned is that progress is often the culmination of small steps taken regularly.

At the same time, it’s not just small steps taken blindly, ignoring everything but what you want to do. Ask questions when you reach out. What have they been needing? If someone doesn’t respond, listen to that. Maybe they don’t have space in their life for something new. And listen to yourself. Building community is slow work and discouraging. Remind yourself of the value of this work.

Consider taking just one small step today.