This week I had the opportunity to speak at a wonderful event, ROAR (Round of Applause Ritual) where one theme inadvertently kept repeating itself …community.

I make no apology for loving our little community I live in. And, as I sit in our local coffee shop working this morning, I am reminded of just how amazing it can be to be out and about in it. A quick hug from someone I hadn’t seen in a while, a group of retired men connecting as they usually do on a weekday morning, the mom carrying her baby and just sitting for a moment …meanwhile, across the street the construction crews scurry to re-work the pavement (after this winter, it was needed) …there’s a hustle and bustle today. I forget about the scurry we can have in the community until I run away and immerse myself in it.

As I think about my highlight speaking event and the community hustle, it ties me right back to my family. With each endeavor I’ve taken in my life, the first community to always support me has been my family. Whether it was mom and dad helping to support us as we got started in the technology field, my brothers and sisters for being the first to listen to my podcast or my circle that jumped in to help me find income when I was unexpectedly part of a reduction in force. Literally, everywhere I turn I have a community that jumps to support.

I think that’s missing right now too much. I wish I could cocoon the feeling that I have and give it to those that do not have it. If I think about the younger generation, do they even know what it’s like to be able to just yell, help, and have a slew of people there to help you? I don’t think so. And I really want to help change that.

But how do you really start to make such a movement of change? In my professional realm, I feel that is easy…make myself available as a coach / mentor / empowered voice of change to ensure that younger females know they have a resource and advocate for them. We have to join and be each other’s voice and support.

And, how about in our community? How do we become just one extended family? I think it’s showing the loving and care in every situation. Times are so tense and that lends to a world that is always on edge. Communities like ours is no different …but, what if we can walk the world as though we are all family and see if we can center ourselves in that.

To my family, I thank you for always being that world that allowed me to feel supported. I am lucky that my parents laid that foundation for us. We have an extended brood like many would love to have. And every day I remind myself of how grateful I am for that.

For those who do not have that (whether professionally or personally) you should know that I am a mere phone call away. And I most likely won’t be alone. As my community loves to come along for the ride.

Love you family!!