Community... oh, yes please! When we moved to our new neighborhood 3 years ago, we hosted a neighborhood coffee hour. We have a small greenbelt area with a gazebo and held it there. Everyone brought their own favorite coffee or tea, while we supplied the coffee cake and fruit. It was a fun way to get to know several of our neighbors at one time. Other thoughts, volunteer somewhere that means something to you. When I retired, I joined the Board of Directors for our historic (100 year old!) theatre. As the arts mean a lot to us, we also volunteer with our local symphony. I'm currently applying to be a volunteer at our library, to read to little kids, and also at a local elementary school school to let kids read to me. Delivering Meals on Wheels, whatever that looks like in England, is a worthy volunteer also. It's all about volunteering in a place that means something to you, as then you feed both your joy and the community being served.
When we moved in 2023 I wanted to make friends while dog walking, but unfortunately the dog we adopted has decided he wants to murder everyone's ankles, so we have to keep our distance. But! I started a writer's group, and it's been great. I put out a call on the town Facebook page to find my people. At each group, I provide two or three writing prompts, and everyone scribbles in their notebook and then shares what they've written (but only if they want to). One of the members described it as "perfect for introverts." Highly recommend.
(Leo has to stay crated upstairs, though. He *really* wants to get at people's sweet ankle-blood.)
Comments on community and how to find it..............as a fellow introvert, I typically find community intentionally. From my volunteer activities with my former Rotary club to my Zumba class to new friendships with my new(er) partner's high school classmates, I work to cultivate community. This is also true in my neighborhood, where I purposely introduce myself to new neighbors, wave at passing cars while out on my walks, and stop to chat with fellow walkers. What just might save our country is kindness, compassion and friendship with our fellow travelers in space. Please keep writing, Karen -- I have enjoyed your pieces for years. Enjoy your new home!
Thank you so much! And thanks for sharing — I’m particularly taken with your “wave at passing cards while out on my walks” comment. I think waves/smiles at strangers are DEEPLY underrated. Love to hear this is part of your intentional community practice!
Going to events at the library is a great way to meet people. And you know that they like to read! A very random way that I met a friend was through plants. I always have cuttings to give away, so I put a listing on Nextdoor to give away a bunch of them. Lots of people came and one person stayed and chatted with me about plant care. We've been getting together since. I recently met her husband and kids. Her husband, said,"Oh, she's the one you met through plants!" 😂🪴
My dog helped me tremendously. I had to walk her several times a day and I met a lot of people during these walks. Some became friends, some acquaintances and some people... Well, I knew whom to avoid. But that's also being part of a community, right? :) I wish you all the best in your new place, I'm sure, in time, you'll find your people. Enjoy the experience!
Lovely to read about how you're settling in, Karen.
A few ideas you may have already thought of, e.g. you may want to do a little research online, or ask the folks in your pub about community activities.
The local newspaper may advertise events - perhaps you could write for them.
Charities/charity work is a good way to get to know the area and locals - you'll discover how local hospices, Macmillan cancer research and Age UK are mainly funded by charity, second-hand charity shops.
Venues sometimes host late hours viewing or events in the summer e.g. The National Trust has numerous places you can visit or perhaps volunteer to meet folks
Your local authority will publish news and events online, and there may be a local Residents Association, and whatsapp group.
Many have gone online, but some are still in print. It could be a great way for you to meet people AND you could take your own photos for the piece ;-)
I'm caring for my Mum. She and many of her friends use the Obituary pages to see if someone they know has passed!
Local newspapers will always have events, business news and charity news etc ;-)
Every post I read of yours has me wishing we were neighbors.
My communal kinships and kindness frequently come more out of business groups I engage with. Some very local, some national and international. Our conversations may start about growing business however understanding we bring our whole self into what we do creates the security and space for vulnerability to open up and be in community beyond the distance of miles or continents that separate us.
I spent the last 3 days with Thought leaders, some known for years and others met for 1st time . The next two days will be with another group of servant leader business owners, founders of company with plans for expansion towards scaling their businesses. Both groups with different focus yet full of compassionate kinship.
These gathers make my introvert heart sing watching them engage even when I’m on the fringe making connections of a moment or a lifetime.
Community... oh, yes please! When we moved to our new neighborhood 3 years ago, we hosted a neighborhood coffee hour. We have a small greenbelt area with a gazebo and held it there. Everyone brought their own favorite coffee or tea, while we supplied the coffee cake and fruit. It was a fun way to get to know several of our neighbors at one time. Other thoughts, volunteer somewhere that means something to you. When I retired, I joined the Board of Directors for our historic (100 year old!) theatre. As the arts mean a lot to us, we also volunteer with our local symphony. I'm currently applying to be a volunteer at our library, to read to little kids, and also at a local elementary school school to let kids read to me. Delivering Meals on Wheels, whatever that looks like in England, is a worthy volunteer also. It's all about volunteering in a place that means something to you, as then you feed both your joy and the community being served.
Such great ideas — thank you!!!
When we moved in 2023 I wanted to make friends while dog walking, but unfortunately the dog we adopted has decided he wants to murder everyone's ankles, so we have to keep our distance. But! I started a writer's group, and it's been great. I put out a call on the town Facebook page to find my people. At each group, I provide two or three writing prompts, and everyone scribbles in their notebook and then shares what they've written (but only if they want to). One of the members described it as "perfect for introverts." Highly recommend.
(Leo has to stay crated upstairs, though. He *really* wants to get at people's sweet ankle-blood.)
Oh man, I don’t think I’ve ever wished we were neighbours more.
Comments on community and how to find it..............as a fellow introvert, I typically find community intentionally. From my volunteer activities with my former Rotary club to my Zumba class to new friendships with my new(er) partner's high school classmates, I work to cultivate community. This is also true in my neighborhood, where I purposely introduce myself to new neighbors, wave at passing cars while out on my walks, and stop to chat with fellow walkers. What just might save our country is kindness, compassion and friendship with our fellow travelers in space. Please keep writing, Karen -- I have enjoyed your pieces for years. Enjoy your new home!
Thank you so much! And thanks for sharing — I’m particularly taken with your “wave at passing cards while out on my walks” comment. I think waves/smiles at strangers are DEEPLY underrated. Love to hear this is part of your intentional community practice!
Going to events at the library is a great way to meet people. And you know that they like to read! A very random way that I met a friend was through plants. I always have cuttings to give away, so I put a listing on Nextdoor to give away a bunch of them. Lots of people came and one person stayed and chatted with me about plant care. We've been getting together since. I recently met her husband and kids. Her husband, said,"Oh, she's the one you met through plants!" 😂🪴
Plants! Amazing!! 🤩
My dog helped me tremendously. I had to walk her several times a day and I met a lot of people during these walks. Some became friends, some acquaintances and some people... Well, I knew whom to avoid. But that's also being part of a community, right? :) I wish you all the best in your new place, I'm sure, in time, you'll find your people. Enjoy the experience!
Definitely looking for a well-traveled route to walk my dog — great idea!
Lovely to read about how you're settling in, Karen.
A few ideas you may have already thought of, e.g. you may want to do a little research online, or ask the folks in your pub about community activities.
The local newspaper may advertise events - perhaps you could write for them.
Charities/charity work is a good way to get to know the area and locals - you'll discover how local hospices, Macmillan cancer research and Age UK are mainly funded by charity, second-hand charity shops.
Venues sometimes host late hours viewing or events in the summer e.g. The National Trust has numerous places you can visit or perhaps volunteer to meet folks
Your local authority will publish news and events online, and there may be a local Residents Association, and whatsapp group.
I hope that helps.
So helpful! I hadn't considered writing for a local newspaper -- that's VERY intriguing ... 🤔
Many have gone online, but some are still in print. It could be a great way for you to meet people AND you could take your own photos for the piece ;-)
I'm caring for my Mum. She and many of her friends use the Obituary pages to see if someone they know has passed!
Local newspapers will always have events, business news and charity news etc ;-)
Good Luck with connecting!
P.S or you could help a local newspaper set up a Substack publication!
Every post I read of yours has me wishing we were neighbors.
My communal kinships and kindness frequently come more out of business groups I engage with. Some very local, some national and international. Our conversations may start about growing business however understanding we bring our whole self into what we do creates the security and space for vulnerability to open up and be in community beyond the distance of miles or continents that separate us.
I spent the last 3 days with Thought leaders, some known for years and others met for 1st time . The next two days will be with another group of servant leader business owners, founders of company with plans for expansion towards scaling their businesses. Both groups with different focus yet full of compassionate kinship.
These gathers make my introvert heart sing watching them engage even when I’m on the fringe making connections of a moment or a lifetime.
I find this absolutely true -- there will be a chapter dedicated to finding kinship in this way in the book. Thanks so much for sharing!