This year, I’ve been thinking a lot about what it means to be part of a community, not just in theory, but in practice. In our work, we often focus on place-based strategies to foster connection and strengthen local economies. But on a personal level, I’ve found that community is often built through much smaller moments: conversations in shared spaces, familiar faces, or a kind exchange with a stranger.
For me, 2025 was about leaning into those everyday interactions. I started exploring new ways to get involved. I didn’t have a goal of joining every group or event, but I simply wanted to see where I could show up more often to give myself a stronger sense of community, self, belonging, and purpose.
One of the most consistent themes in my journey was movement. For a while, I had attended yoga classes at my local recreation center, but this year I found myself expanding that routine.
I began using the gym more regularly and joined a few group classes, including spin and strength training. These weekly sessions have become opportunities to connect with people I wouldn’t otherwise meet. Despite differences in age or background, there was always a sense of encouragement and community in the room. That environment made it easy to keep coming back.
I also started training for triathlons this year, which led me to a nearby pool for swim workouts. There, I often found myself chatting with other swimmers, where we occasionally swapped stories, tips, or words of encouragement between laps.
When it came to race day, even brief interactions with fellow athletes in transition zones or final course miles often left a lasting impression. Those shared experiences, however fleeting, added a layer of connection that extended well beyond the finish line.
Outside of fitness, I joined a local book club for a few months with a friend. We met thoughtful, interesting people, and it was refreshing to connect over shared stories and conversation.
I also began volunteering weekly with a local cat rescue, where I care for adoptable cats and answer questions from curious visitors. Week after week, this routine (however small) has helped me feel more rooted in my community and more aware of how everyday actions can make a difference.
Looking ahead to 2026, I hope to keep exploring. I’d like to join a local running club, attend more community events, and find another organization to volunteer with. I don’t have a detailed plan, but I’ve learned that just showing up is often enough to start, and the right things will eventually feel like easy additions to your routine.
From an economic development perspective, we know that vibrant communities are built on relationships: on people choosing to engage, support, and connect. That sense of belonging is what makes a place feel like home.
And this year reminded me that when we participate (however casually or consistently), we help strengthen the social infrastructure that holds our communities together.
