Community...

com·mu·ni·ty –noun, plural -ties.
1. a social group of any size whose members reside in a specific locality, share government, and often have a common cultural and historical heritage...
8. similar character; agreement; identity: community of interests.

Lately I've been attending a Community Dinner in my neighbourhood. A friend, who typically keeps to himself, posed the question, "You're pretty big on community aren't you?" Honestly, I had never really thought about it but I am.

The question made me really think, "Why am I so big on community?" The simple answer is that I'm a very social person who believes no one can go through life completely alone. The deeper answer is that I find strength, support, blessings and many other valuable gifts from being involved in community. I am the type of person who needs to give as much as I receive. Being in various communities allows me the opportunities to give back.

There are a number of communities I am involved in which all share different benefits. I am a proud Freecycler. I posted my unwanted but useful items for someone else to use and benefit from and receive items my fellow Freecyclers no longer want. My son has been clothed since birth due to the generosity of Freecyclers. Yes, it's just hand-me-downs but my son is the oldest boy in his family which leaves me without hand-me-downs from family and Freecycling offers me the opportunity to get items.

I am also a member of Glad Tidings Church. While it is true that one does not need to physically go to church to talk to or learn about God attending church brings a sense of community. The other members of the church are family. We are there to love and support each other and sometimes help each other through tough times and tough decisions. Many times I attend church in order to seek advice from pastors or friends that share my beliefs and morals. Doing this helps to ensure that I get answers that are inline with those same beliefs and morals even if the answers are not what I want to hear.

From a business perspective I have gained valuable connections, knowledge and friends through my involvement with the Victoria Legal Secretaries' Association. Yes, it's a bunch of women in the same profession meeting together on a monthly basis to further their knowledge of their profession but also a time for us to gab, catch up and enjoy a good meal. The friends I have made by being apart from this community have not only helped me build my career and reputation but they've also been there for me during my pregnancy, separation and continue to support me in my quest to be the best mother I can be.

The more I think about it, the more I realize there are a vast number of communities I choose to belong to all having their different benefits. But the community I cherish the most is my family. It is probably the most challenging yet most rewarding community to be apart of. We don't always agree, we don't always get along but we ALWAYS look out for each other.

I could go on and on but I think I've made my point ;)

What community(ies) do you belong to? How do you benefit from community?