The Importance of Community… and Dogs
Two years ago, almost to the day, my husband and I relocated from New Jersey to Colorado. The idea of starting fresh in a new community felt overwhelming. How would we make new friends? How would we navigate the intricacies of life in a different state? How would we locate the nearest COSTCO?
We had left friends and family back on the East Coast and missed them. We had no one to call when we needed help with our new home. David is a musician, and now he has no one to jam with. I have left my yoga ladies, meditation group, and, oh yeah, my Exact team, most of whom live in New York City. We didn’t even know the best places to call for takeout. We were hungry in more ways than one; we were hungry for community.
The truth is, we all hunger for community. I didn’t realize this until it was missing when I lacked someone to call, a friend to hang out with, and a sense of belonging in my new city. Community provides us with opportunities, inspiration, and resources. I quickly understood that we needed more than just our spectacular view of the mountains; we needed people.
Fortunately, we have a dog that needs walking. We also live near Boulder, possibly the most dog-friendly city in the country. Before long, we began meeting people at the dog park—individuals who made us feel comfortable in our new community by offering information, advice, and directions to the nearest Costco. Soon, we started forming friendships. David met musicians, while I discovered a Tai Chi class. We both developed new relationships. We began to feel a sense of belonging and well-being. We were going to be okay.
Don’t underestimate the importance of community. We cannot thrive without it. We cannot heal without it. We cannot make sense of life without it. Yes, it’s that significant. Just sayin’.
