What Community Feels Like
Community isn’t just about the people around us, it’s about where we feel seen, supported, and understood. Finding that kind of connection can be a journey, especially in adulthood, where friendships require more intention and effort. As Nikki Giovanni once mentioned, "We are better than we think and not yet what we want to be." True community reminds us of that - it challenges us, holds us accountable, and helps us grow into the people we’re becoming.
Friendship, at its best, is a space of freedom - to be who you are unapologetically. It’s in these relationships that we find safety to be ourselves, but also the push to step beyond our comfort zones.
Whether it’s through deep-rooted friendships or shared experiences, the feeling of belonging is what makes a community real. I have witnessed this throughout my own connections but also observing others and it’s beautiful to see and feel. I want to explore further, what it really means to find and nurture your community, and how to recognise it’s absence. There’s so much importance in being able to identify what community really feels like.
Belonging
When we are building our community, it can evoke so many different emotions within each of us - knowing someone will show up for you, experiencing a quiet understanding of someone who can resonate with your living experience… More than socialising, community offers something much deeper and meaningful - accountability, care and love.
Even though we will navigate the world on our own at times, it’s not meant to be a lonely journey. Our community, our dearest friends, will hold space for us in seasons of joy or uncertainty reminding us of the parts of life that we have forgotten.
“Healing is an act of communion” - Bell Hooks, Author of All About Love
The Shifts in Friendship
As we go through life, some of our friendships will change. From the people we were close to in school, work colleagues and then building those intentional relationships over time. There are constantly shifts that will occur and we have to get comfortable with figuring out who those people are and how we will continue to build if that’s the intention. Some friendships will grow closer and some will fade. There is a season for all things (excuse the pun) but ultimately, this is the reality of life and the sooner we recognise that, the easier it will be to focus on the community of friendships we’ve got that align with who we are today.
As adults, making new friends is hard. There’s no way to sugar coat that and make it sound better BUT it is so doable. Many of my existing friendships have evolved through my late twenties. I’m so blessed to have them in my life! There’s beauty in building a community of friends and it requires work - also some self-work too.
Finding Community
We all go through changes in life where, we need to rebuild community in friendships. Whether you’ve moved to a different city or country the key is to be intention about building those relationships or maintaining your existing connections.
Let’s not forget about ourselves! Our Season is very much a community for the intentional. As we grow, we will be hosting our own events to bring people together to connect and build meaningful relationships. To be one of the first to know about our plans, sign up to our newsletter or follow us on Instagram.
Also, this shouldn’t come as a surprise to you that some of your favourite brands are building communities for people to connect with other like-minded individuals. Be sure to keep an eye on what they’re doing and engage in events, gatherings that allow you to step out of your comfort zone. Recently I did this and it’s resulted in me making new connections with some amazing people. I’m excited to nurture those relationships and watch them grow.
When Your Connection Feels Tough
There will be times when connection feels distant. When friendships shift, or you start to notice the silence more than the presence. It’s not always dramatic - sometimes, it’s just life moving people in different directions. Other times, it’s realising that the version of you someone was close to has changed, and you’re no longer aligned in the same way.
It can be uncomfortable to sit with that, to acknowledge that some relationships aren’t meant to last forever. However, that doesn’t make them any less meaningful. There’s wisdom in recognising when to hold on and when to let go, especially when you’re protecting your peace.
A Place To Return To
When we are blessed to find true community, we should never take it for granted. I truly believe, as it says in the Bible,
“Two are better than one… if either of them falls down, one can help the other up.” - Ecclesiastes 4:9-10
I know this scripture relates to relationships as a whole, romantically or friendships but this is so important to recognise amongst the community that you have.
Community is such a gift - one that reminds us that we’re not alone. And while it may shift and evolve, the right spaces will always feel like a place to return to. They’ll hold you without question and celebrate you without any hesitation.
Those are the communities worth building. The people worth investing in, by creating the moments that matter most.
Pause & Reflect…
Who in your life makes you feel truly seen and understood? How do you nurture those connections?
