The Importance of Community

Let’s talk a little bit about community. When I was first diagnosed with MS, I didn’t want to talk about it with other people in the community. I participated anonymously online and saw mixed messages on sharing my diagnosis in my personal and work life. But, I did. Some fabulous people at my former company started an employee resource group shortly after my diagnosis, and I was able to connect with people with similar experiences. It was amazing. 

Earlier this summer, I volunteered at the opening of an exhibit exploring the importance of the ADA to a group of disabled artists. I was able to observe and listen to a small group of the artists sharing their experiences and the different ways they are perceived and how they experience life. I would catch snippets of the conversation and could relate to the things I heard. It was amazing to hear and see a group of people with shared experiences connecting for the first time. 

Community is important for those of us in the disabled community, but it is also important for everyone. Recently, I was talking to a potter at the studio I belong to about why she continues to go there, and she talked about the importance of community and having people with the same interests to interact and have a shared understanding. I don’t have to go to the studio to work, but there are times where the community piece calls to me. I love to talk with like-minded people and share ideas and inspiration. 

A note on community and the importance of support and real positivity/encouragement. Fulfilling communities that nurture the soul are positive and supportive. It’s not about who is better, denigrating someone or their experience, or trying to one-up someone. Instead, it’s about supporting each other. You can be constructive while also being positive. It’s one of the aspects of the community that David Dunlop encourages with the people who paint with him that I appreciate the most and find unique.

I’m so thankful for all my different communities and being able to listen and learn from them on a human level. Finding those spaces where you can connect on what is important to you is golden.