How To Grow Your Community
Do you want to know one of the BIGGEST game changers both in my everyday life and in my business? I know it will be for you as well. I promise.
This is it -----
Cultivating an encouraging community.
I know it may seem odd at first, but one of the best ways we can care for ourselves is by surrounding ourselves with people who truly care about us. If we’re being honest, we’d say that there are days where we all struggle. I can find myself in a “funk” every once in a while that I cannot break out of on my own. These are the times where I lean on my community.
Now, by “community”, I’m not necessarily talking about the physical location where you live. I’m referring more to the people in your life who you care about and who care about you. Your family, your friends, your spouse, your kids ---these are all part of your community. Here’s the thing about true community though….it doesn’t just happen on its own. Communities are built on intentionality and vulnerability.
It’s been said that relationships are like bank accounts. You have to make deposits if you want to be able to make withdrawals. In the same way, if you want to have people who “have your back” when you need it, you have to intentionally invest in those relationships daily. For me, I have friends all over the country, the world even, who I know will take my call whenever I need them. But it’s only because I’ve intentionally made “deposits” in those relationships over time.
Lastly, if you want a true community, you have to be vulnerable. You have to let people in. You have to share your struggles. You have to trust others to help you. After all, how can someone help you if they never know that you need help? Think about it….what good is it to have a community of friends and supporters if all of the relationships are built around the person that you want them to see, rather than who you really are? I know it might be scary at first. But trust me, I can say this from my own experience, it’s worth the risk.
What if you don’t have community yet?
This will come easier to some than others, but putting ourselves out there with the intention of making connections, we will find them.
We’re not alone in this world and there are others just like us who are craving connection as well, but someone has to make the first move.
Types of places we can find community…
Church
Facebook Groups
Instagram
Mops (mothers of preschoolers) Programs
Bible Studies
Neighborhood hangouts
I want you to think outside the box. Community consists of people, right? So where do YOU hang out? Start there and then expand.
“When we step outside our comfort zone, that’s when we start growing.
- Hannah Capps
