Here are four beneficial aspects of being part of a thriving community:
- ?Membership and belonging: ?Communities naturally have boundaries - these could include sharing a common belief system, values, goals or identity. This is why being an active member of such a community – be it a physical or online group - provides people with a sense of belonging. It forms the foundation from which each member will relate and connect with each other.
- Positive influence: Influence is the ability to change how someone else behaves or thinks based on persuasion instead of authority. Positive influence in a thriving community is both essential and a two-way street. Influence by the group on its members is needed for group consistency and cohesion. However, an impactful community comes about when members can be influenced by the group and, in turn, positively influence and support each other.
- The fulfilment of needs: Being part of a supportive group creates a platform that enables members to reach their goals, cope with difficult challenges and band together to solve problems – as well as to celebrate successes together. In this way, belonging to a community leads to feelings of fulfilment.
- ?Integration and shared connection: ?Communities are inherently about relationships and enjoying shared connections with other people. For a group of people to form a true community, one that enriches the lives of its members, members must feel a shared sense of trust and caring for one another.? Coming together, physically or virtually, and enjoying encouragement, learning, support and camaraderie results in members feeling engaged and refreshed. It has a profound impact on mental wellbeing.?
One of the ways each of us can support our own wellbeing? is by actively joining a thriving community where open dialogue is encouraged – even when the conversation is a hard one - and people can work together to address challenges, and find the support they need to flourish and meet their goals.??
