Thrive and Shine

As I’ve gotten older (yes, I’ve hit my 30’s), I’ve realized how important community is – and by community, I mean folks that I surround myself with that might not agree with me about all the things (it’s actually really important that we don’t put ourselves in a bubble), but are pursuing habits and hobbies that are in alignment with my own passions, goals, and desires.

Things like physical, spiritual, and mental health, professional growth, learning new things, and even the stuff that might not matter as much – geeking out on Lord of the Rings and Star Wars, Texas Rangers, and all things Texas A&M.

Building a community with like-minded individuals has surprisingly required a clear plan of intentionality for a few reasons so I thought it’d be an interesting journey to reflect on what I’ve experienced in the communities I’ve had the privilege of being a part of.

It’s worth noting that pursuing a community, as we’ve defined it, gives us an opportunity to focus and clearly describe, define, and think about the things that matter to us – writing these things down is realllllly important. And once you’ve got that, I think you’ll find that getting into a group that is committed to each other won’t take much time – this also builds a solid foundation for the growth we talked about earlier.

It may seem super lame, but outlining steps and goals for your group keeps everyone on track and moving in the same direction (whatever that may be) and allows you to be intentional with the things you are pursuing individually and as a group. I’m thinking about those communities that you are a part of at church, at work, or in any social setting.

Clearly setting expectations prevents miscommunication which can derail the entire pursuit. This becomes especially crucial when starting a community from scratch, preventing distractions, and maintaining sight of the bigger picture and end goal you are all pursuing.

Sharing your well-communicated and documented plan can attract other people looking for community. By outlining the group’s goals and values, it becomes easier to attract individuals who share similar interests and motivations, contributing to the community’s growth.

It’s so clear that once you’re working, building and maintaining a focused, united, and engaged community, EVERYONE benefits. It is fun, challenging, and provides direction, purpose, and a shared vision critical for the success and growth of the community.

I encourage you all to go out there and pursue community – life is richer when shared! I’d love to hear from you, so please comment and share your experiences and thoughts on what actively pursuing community has looked like for you.