Community

Quite often, it feels as though we act alone. That our efforts are a little in a vacuum, and that no one knows exactly what we are dealing with, and that the outcome of our efforts lives or dies based only on our effort.
 
Yet, once in a while (more than that, if we are lucky), we are reminded that we are NOT really acting alone--that there is help if we ask for it (and sometimes even if we don't ask). There is appreciation for the work we have done, and the results we have created. All because, even when we think we are acting alone, we are part of a community.
 
For many of us, there are multiple communities--those we enter by ourselves, and those we are part of by virtue of our kids or our jobs or our hobbies. But however we become part of a community, we benefit only by leaving ourselves open enough, letting our guard down enough, to let the community help us. It may feel simpler to act alone, but it can be far more satisfying to act within a community.
 
I looked around today and realized there's community all around me. Even if I seem to act alone, I'm really glad it's there.