I felt like I didn’t belong, and I just assumed everyone felt that way.
My own story about not belonging kept me on the outside of social situations, I wouldn’t allow myself to be accepted because I didn’t think I belonged.
I had no idea how important a sense of belonging was until a couple of years ago.
When I didn’t have to fight for emotional survival anymore, I began to look for environments that encouraged growth.
Growth happens in safe places.
On a family vacation to Mexico, I realized I wasn’t doing family right.
We had been through enough emotional trauma it had become every man for himself in our family. Not knowing how important belonging was, I wasn’t creating the right environment for my family.
Intention is everything, and I set out to change our dynamic. So I took the broken pieces we were and rebuilt a family where we each belonged.
I created an environment at home where my kids are always accepted for who they are. They are always wanted and welcome to be with me, and they know it. I wanted a place that each of us always knew we belonged and were an important piece of the puzzle.
This strengthened my little family leaps and bounds.
Then I demanded encouraged the kids to find their sense of community outside of our family. Show up in life, join clubs, be part of teams and try new experiences, and find your people.
And I started doing it too.
On top of work, I took a role in a local production of “The Vagina Monologues”, started my blog and I began saying yes to more things. Now I’ll be speaking next Wednesday for International Woman’s Day (are you coming?)
We need community, a place to belong, and a place we are accepted as we are.
We need our people.
Thank you for being my people.