Last week was rough. I dreaded the idea of celebrating my birthday alone, out here on the road, thousands of miles away from my friends and family. It was an empty feeling.
And then, I woke up and heard from you.
The outpouring of messages, support, and encouragement on social media made me feel so very special. It may have only taken a moment from you, but I wanted you to know it meant the world to me.
Some people see social media as a waste of time. Posting only their best photos. Craving likes. Fueling egos. Ranting about politics. And to some degree, that’s true.
I mean, how many of us will sit on our death bed wishing we spent more time on Instagram?
But the beauty of social media to me is our ability to stay connected and maintain a sense of community - even though we’re all apart.
Community is so very important in our lives. It’s why so many of us join churches, temples, Crossfit gyms, yoga studios, whatever. We all want to feel like we belong somewhere and find our tribe. It’s one of our basic needs in life.
But so many of us feel separated from our friends, colleagues, and community during these unusual times - and it takes a toll on us.
For me, I’ve been disconnected from my community for the last nine months - and while I do my best to make new friends and find a sense of community every place I go - it’s never long before it’s time for me to leave them behind as i set off on a new adventure.
But social media keeps us connected. Each one of you who take this journey alongside me here on social media make me feel apart of something even though I’m out here alone. And so, in that way, YOU are my community.
No matter how difficult life can be sometimes or how lonely things can get on my travels, it feels good to know that my community - my tribe - is always within arms reach, even it its through our respective screens.
So, thank you, all of you, for being a part of my life. You made me feel so very special last week, and you continue to be my community - no matter where in the world I may be. I love you so much.
Now please stop posting about politics so I don’t have hide your posts 🙄😆