Finding Friendships & Community

With being social creatures, there is almost always a desire to find your tribe regardless of how introverted or popular you are. There is something completely intoxicating about being in a room you can relax into yourself in. A room you can say exactly what’s in your head and know it will be received with open arms. 

I recently moved back to my home state after living in Florida for over 7 years and I had the pleasure of returning to my friends as if no time had passed. But that is to be expected with old friends. I’m grateful to have reconnected with them and feel 16 again. 

There was also an inner calling for me to make new friends who I could go out to see. I wanted a community built around something. 

Luckily for me, a dear friend invited me to a poetry open mic which reignited my passion for poetry. There is something incomparably cathartic for people of all different backgrounds to come together to listen and share poetry. With the world being so hustle oriented, the slowing down to listen to a strangers poem is moving.

I made it a point to go to a poetry workshop and when I tell you it felt like home, I mean it. I only knew two people in the room, but I spoke as if I was with my old friends I had known since school. I laughed, I cherished, I felt a sense of belonging that I craved. 

Had I not took up my friend’s invite to the open mic, had I not followed up with the workshop, I would have completely been unaware of how much I needed that. 

Now, I look forward to every Wednesday and it’s even gotten me back to writing poetry. It’s enriching. It’s positive. It’s fun. It overall benefits my life and my goals. 

When trying to have an intentional life that includes social circles that fulfill you, I cannot recommend enough following your interests and hobbies. There are gatherings and meets for just about anything whether online or local. 

Get involved no matter your skill level or if you know anyone. Shared interests allow for effortless connection. At minimum, you have the love for that thing in common. And that is enough to feel community. 

If you are unsure of what hobbies or interests you have, do as I’ve mentioned in previous blog posts and listen to your inner pulling. You always thought scuba diving was cool? Go for it. You want to learn to knit? There you go. Get two birds with one stone by jumping into the hobby you desire and making friends along the way. 

Embrace your friends from the past and embrace the chance to meet future friends. 

Community and friendships that reminds you of who you are and inspires you - will elevate your life regardless of what direction you are going in. 

Get out there. 

• Dani 💚💙