The Power of Community and Connection
Once Upon a Time
We don’t think about the power of community and connection until it is producing results that only those two can achieve. Once upon a time, or in 2022, to be precise, I hit my breaking point. I resigned from a job that I had just begun without another job to go to. Trust me when I say I didn’t recognize myself. I had worked consistently since I was 16 years old and was almost always viewed as an overachiever. But the burnout was so severe that I knew it was the right choice. My mental health was in shambles, and it was affecting me physically. It also felt irresponsible to stay in a client-facing role, knowing how unstable I was.
At that time, I was convinced I’d never ever work in another corporate job. I focused on becoming a coach and building my business. But by 2024, I realized that something was missing. At that time I was working at a small but mighty start-up with an incredible group of people. I saw these people almost daily, but never in person.
Video Conference
Don’t get me wrong, zoom and other video conferencing platforms are amazing. They allow us to connect despite geographical barriers. But there still is nothing like an in-person connection. As much of an advocate as I‘ve always been for remote work, I missed seeing people in person. And quite honestly, I was feeling a bit lonely. I have amazing friends, some of whom I’ve known since my age was a single digit. But we don’t live close to each other. And, as a person who is childfree by choice, it can be challenging to align schedules and priorities with friends who choose to start a family.
7AM Meeting
I’d heard a bit about BNI, so I figured that could be a good place to start. The local chapter held meetings each Wednesday at 7 AM. Let’s just say that 7 AM is not my prime time. In fact, my ability to speak to other humans usually does not come until around 10 AM. But I got my ass out of bed and gave it a try. I met some lovely people, but the overall vibe of BNI is not for me. It’s expensive for one and rigidly structured. Joining would have meant being there EVERY Wednesday at 7 AM. Please don’t misinterpret my words as shit-talking in any way. For some, that kind of structure is valuable. And I know people who love it, which is why I gave it a shot. But it’s important for all of us to realize when we try a thing that others love and we don’t personally resonate, it’s ok to say no thanks. It’s courageous, actually.
Polka Dot Powerhouse
Still determined, I knew there had to be a group somewhere for me and that I just needed to be open to it. That opening came one day through an old-fashioned flyer at my gym. That group is called Polka Dot Powerhouse, and in the short time I’ve been a member, it’s meant so much to me. It’s a group that is all about women lifting each other up, through empowerment and connection. Many of the women I’ve met have day jobs as well as side hustles where they are just stepping into their soul work. And there are no requirements. You get out of it what you put into it. Each chapter has monthly meetings; many have 2 – lunchtime and dinnertime to accommodate different schedules. Additionally, there are social gatherings – clothing swaps, pickleball, movie nights, and so much more.
When I tried my first meeting, I was warmly welcomed by the chapter leader, Wendy. Meetings start with an icebreaker question, which loosens up the room. There are also opportunities to share about new offerings from your business if you have them. And one of my favorite parts is when we go around and celebrate wins. A win could be significant – like getting a new job. Or it can be as simple as finding matching socks to wear. The meeting ends with filling out connection slips, and we are guided to pick one person who we’d like to connect with after the meeting. Let me tell you – when I get a connection slip, I am over the moon with happiness. As someone who was always the last picked in gym class, it feels good to belong. Because even after all these years, that shit sticks with you.
Warm Welcome
Through these connections, I’ve discovered so much in common with women in my community who I wouldn’t have known otherwise. I’ve learned about their soul work and been able to share a bit about mine. And most importantly, I’ve gotten outside the four walls of my home office.
I am fortunate that here in Massachusetts, we have four chapters. I made a commitment to myself that if I can’t attend my own chapter meeting, I’ll find another to attend. This has expanded my scope of connection to incredible women even further.
Midlife challenges
Based on my observations, one of the big challenges of midlife is staying connected socially. The reality is that we don’t come together with our lifelong friends with as much ease as we once did due to geography, financial constraints, and, most often, our overburdened schedules. Groups like Polka Dot Powerhouse can offer that missing link with what I would call a non-rigid structure. It can allow us to get to know people we wouldn’t otherwise know, share about ourselves, and get the fuck out of our houses as we navigate our post-COVID lives.
Click the link to learn more about Polka Dot Powerhouse. Or get in touch with me. I’d love to welcome you.
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