When we are born our community consists of our parents, sibling and extended family. Once we are old enough, we begin school and our community expands to a group of 20 or so other children. We join sports teams and activities and we learn to cheer each other on. We support our mates and family. We depend on their support. Without support we are alone. And that makes us uncomfortable.
I dream of building a community of like-minded individuals who hold, in high esteem, similar values to my family. I crave this network where people understand me and where my virtues are respected and my goals encouraged. I want this because without support we are alone, so I set out to determine how others felt about building this community.
Recently I attended an Eat By Design Coaching cooking class. This class was filled with women, some in similar family situations as I am. These were career women, with school age children in sports and a spouse that depends on them to keep them on track with their daily activities. The biggest barrier for these women is time. They all struggled with making healthy meals for their families due to time constraints. They were also extremely grateful to get together with other women who had the same challenges as they did. They felt solidarity and acceptance from the other attendees and gained strength from the new ideas that were presented to them. They were supported by this new community.
Not long after, I attended the Crossfit 613 Open House. I am not meeting my requirements for movement currently and I was excited to see what the gym would offer me as a strategy to do so. When I walked in, I got a great sense of camaraderie. Everyone there wanted to help you succeed. Some people were nervous since they were new to Crossfit (like me) but as people began signing up for the classes and memberships, they were already saying things like “Hey, we’re in the same class. Don’t worry! I’ve never done this before either”. There was a no-man-left- behind attitude. A you-belong-here -type of community.
The pinnacle of my research came when I attended the annual Life Con ’13. Here were about 75 people gathered together to celebrate what we all valued most: our ability to be extraordinary. You could actually feel the love and respect that everyone had for one another. The energy was off the charts for 2 whole days. We all shared similar values and supported each other through some great developmental moments.
The Life By Design community is growing. This movement is gaining momentum. We are building a community bit by bit every day based upon people who believe what you believe. We are inspired by others and their actions to take charge of our lives and really be extraordinary. How do you argue with a movement that only wants you to realize your potential, fulfill your dreams, live an amazing life, and enjoy abundant health with nothing in return?
You don’t. You simply put your hand up and say “Yes, please”.