UPDATE!! Throughout December, I have been posting my personal responses to Reverb11. Below is my response to the 20th prompt! This post is my last Reverb11 response for 2011. I have decided to complete the final 11 prompts after the New Year (between January 1st and January 15th). I have one or two special posts to share before the New Year. Then, for the first two weeks of January, my posts will be a mix of reverb11 prompt responses and more “normal” posts! If you would like to join Reverb11, feel free to get started after the New Year! There are no rules :). Thank you for being a part of this personal journey!
20. Community. Where have you discovered community, online or otherwise, in 2011? What community would you like to join, create or more deeply connect with in 2012? (Author: Cali Harris)
Don’t walk behind me; I may not lead. Don’t walk in front of me; I may not follow. Just walk beside me and be my friend. -Albert Camus
In 2011, I feel like I lost a sense of community—both online and offline. I’ve felt more disconnected than usual which is likely associated with a sense of loss with regard to communities that I am no longer a part of this year. Through this sense of loss, I’ve truly come to recognize the importance of community within my life—online and offline, personal and professional.
In 2012, I’m excited to rebuild community into my life. I will be moving in the spring (from Boston to Miami) and hope to join a book club after I get settled. I would also love to get involved with the creative community offline in a meaningful way. Online, I would love to begin to create a community to help individuals connect with others more easily—enable others to come together with ease and feel a sense of connection and unity rather than competition within the online sphere. I think there are so many people, like me, that crave a safe place online to share the ups and downs of our journey and to solicit/provide feedback. I hope that 2012 is the year that I’ll begin to fill this gap in the online community.
image: glitter guide
{ 4 comments… read them below or add one }
Carolyn, you are so right. There are so many people and i am one of them. I never completely trust a lot of areas online where you can share ideas and feelings. I have lots of reservations with security of sites and authenticity of individuals.
Even here in Scotland, certainly in the cities, the community spirit has dwindled over the years due to peoples busy lives, though its still strong in rural areas.
Wishing you every success with your move and positive energy with this project.
Peter, Glasgow, Scotland.
Im sorry to hear that community has dwindled for you as well, Peter. I hope we can strengthen this area of our lives in 2012 :)
Count me in Carolyn!!!!
I loved your book and love your blog. Appreciated your thoughts about community, and support you in your community strengthening/building-related efforts.
Are you moving to Miami to pursue your clinical internship?
Thank you for mentioning blogshop. I’m living in San Francisco, and am hoping to take the blogshop workshop as soon as it is offered in the Bay Area.
I think it is just great that you are not only pursuing your passion in psychology, but that you are also making a concerted commitment to your love of design. Hope you are knee deep into pursuing your plans for your stationery line.
Take care Carolyn. Hope 2012 is all you want it to be, and that many blessings come your way.
Julie
You have definitely created a community through Reverb11…I can only hope that we do not stop reading each other’s posts once it comes to an end, but continue to do so and offer each other strength and support throughout 2012. Thank you for this blessing :)