Community Calling

Why is community important??

It's a loaded question, I know, but an important one. Whether out of fate or choice, your community is the company you keep, the people you surround yourself with. It's inextricably linked to who you are, where you are, and what you do. My community emerges from three distinct circles that are pivotal in my life.?

The first circle?

I live in Arkansas, where my family and I raise animals. We raise chickens, rabbits, and the like, and we have 5 dogs as well. My morning ritual is to wake up early, switch off all electronic devices, and feed the animals while enjoying the warm sunlight and the sight of the mountains nearby. There's also a river nearby, beyond which lies my nearest neighbor's house.??

My family is the innermost circle of my community — spending time with them is one of my biggest priorities. How do we spend time? Well, we build things together, whether that's desks, shelves, or uneven bars for my daughter's gymnastics class. If something's required at home and we have the requisite material, we make it ourselves. I think knowing how to work with your hands and make the most of what you have is essential. It gives us an appreciation for and connects us with all that's around us.?

The second circle?

My love for building and fixing things comes in handy when a neighbor shows up at my doorstep with a vehicle that's broken down. That's how things operate in my neighborhood — we look out for each other. If my family and I are away, they'll ensure that things are taken care of and the animals are fed.?

Sharing is common - we'll exchange eggs for milk, fruits, or meat. If one of us has abundant resources, we'll share it with the rest. If someone in my neighborhood faces a significant setback, maybe due to nature wreaking havoc, we come out of the woodwork to help them get back on their feet.?

A tight-knit sense of community here is apparent in how we treat each other. My neighbors often drop in for breakfast without notice, and we warmly welcome them. As a community, we're trying to be self-sufficient by caring for each other's needs. There's a comfort in knowing that someone is looking out for you. It's why communities that build together and think of the collective over the individual are so powerful. They empower you to live your life and make a meaningful difference in the lives of others, which is fulfilling in its own way.?

The third circle?

I've always tried to find this sense of community at work, too. And I'm glad to say I've found it at Xceedance , although in a different form.?

I collaborate daily with teams worldwide, an experience I wasn't exposed to before Xceedance. Working with such a diverse group has introduced me to a variety of thoughts, ideologies, and cultures. Of course, there are differences in opinion, but those have allowed us to seek the shared values that bring us together. This synergy has helped us build a deep sense of appreciation and respect for each other.?

We're united in our vision — if the process is done right, all integrations are working, and we've built what the customer wants, it's a 'beautiful' solution. My team is excited and proactively willing to go the extra mile to ensure our products are the best they can be. They echo me, as I echo them, and our strengths mesh to build together.?

In its various forms, my community empowers me to be my best and give my best too.?

I think that's beautiful as well.