If we’re willing to do this, we can not only build deeper connections with our community, but also build the kind of community that is honest about its struggles.

It’s hard to show our true selves, whether that’s by sharing uncomfortable emotions or appearing less-than-kempt while exercising.

Vulnerability can be dangerous and I think we all instinctively know that we need to be wise about who we open up to.

The key, for me, isn’t going to some relaxing place, it’s learning how to relax in the place I’m in.

It’s a little humbling to be continually reminded that I am, in fact, subject to the whims of my mortal coil. But since that’s going to be true either way, I might as well give in and make good choices.

It can be hard for me (and maybe you) to let go of the ideal, but those seemingly less-than-perfect moments of community end up being the most meaningful of all.

There is something insidious in our culture that tries to remind us, every day, that nothing we ever do will be enough to make a difference.

Adulthood brings with it a lot of mundane effort and why not make choices that give you the most bang for your buck?

In community, it’s good to think about limits before you hit them.

It is hard to connect with other people when we’re so focused on what’s next to do.

As I’ve grown, I’ve realized that hospitality is just making spaces easy to inhabit for your guests.

There’s a lot of vulnerability in admitting that we can’t just muscle through and that our bodies and minds require us to care for them.

So start leaning into connection building habits but at the same time, start asking yourself, what am I interested in building?

Consider today taking a step towards community, whatever that means for you.

The usual connection points – school drop off, coffee shops, regular meetings – no longer exist and it’s hard to maintain the motivation to pursue those small but meaningful moments.

Community is not made up of the efforts of just one person, although you may be doing a bit of heavy lifting at the beginning. You are but one piece of this puzzle and that’s the way it should be.

When someone is in crisis, the first thing to do was to look deeply at what was needed. This is important, because what looks like the core need is often not at all what is needed.

Physically, emotionally and spiritually, we need to have enough energy, patience and inspiration to make changes in our life.

I know I think of people as things far too often - obstacles between me and what I need, entertainment for a boring afternoon, robots who, when paid, should give me what I want without complaint.

In community, because people are creatures who attribute meaning to, well, everything, nothing is really just a thing. A full plate is a sign of love, a stuffed animal is a memory, an unworn ring is a promise or a loss or any of a million complicated emotions.