Enriching Communities founder Suzanne Guastini
Really nobody was prepared circa March 2020 for what came next.
A worldwide pandemic, it could have been a movie script, a time that we have bravely endured that has shown us how truly interconnected we are - globally and right here locally in our communities.
With moments of uncertainty and changes occurring often daily the importance of human connection - staying connected - has taken centre stage more than ever before!
Today we are not afraid to speak up about feeling isolated and lonely - our unified experience over the course of this year has allowed the awkwardness to fall away and special connections to emerge.
When we are vulnerable and courageous - our need for connection gifts us the joys of togetherness. We have seen community spirit shine bright as day even after the darkness of uncertainty.
Beyond and during lockdown - we have seen people connecting in our local communities from helping out neighbours with child-minding and gardening, businesses braving creating new online content for families to stay entertained, local residents holding socially distanced sundowner get-togethers in front lawns and exploring adventures searching for teddy bears and fairies.
If I can leave you with this message - that you are not alone - there is always someone else out there that would love to get to know you. I hope that you too will be brave, reach out to others be it through the giving of your time or connecting with a local community group - for you will feel the warmth that connection brings.
Let's embrace 2020 as the year that showed us the importance of human connection and rewarded us with the many new friendships we have allowed to grow in our lives. The joys are worth the courage!