“It takes a village.” The Power of Community.

I’ve been thinking so much lately how important the power of community is when it comes to supporting one’s overall wellness being. Everyone from the young to the old and in between need support in all facets of their lives.

Many cultures thrive and rely on family and those surrounding them to support one another. This is the downfall for the US where relatives live too far away from each other.

I recall growing up in the 80s as a kid we had my grandparents living one block away so summer time was spent going there so my parents can work. But nowadays career opportunities and cost of living has created distance between our support systems.

In some of the blue zone countries, where people have the most cenetarians, the power of community and a support system was one way to prevent isolation which can increase morality. In one of the small islands of Greece, I was reading that if they notice someone is missing from a community gathering or is not there for weekly church, they will literally go to that person’s home and get that person out of the house to make sure they join them and not sit in isolation.

Of course there are nuances, as many people don’t have family to support them due to various reasons. Being part of a support group does not have to necessarily have to be blood relatives. Seek out those who would benefit from supporting each other and form your own community for support and help when needed.

My husband and I live far from family, and there are times where they can come to visit to help out, but we ultimately had to form a community and support system of our own. We also help them out as they also do not have family here to support them.

This all ties to having a community and support from people when it comes to forming wellness habits,especially those that support your anti-diet wellness journey. By forming a community around your health journey, it can help sustain healthy habits that are not tied to diet culture. Even if it’s just to bounce off ideas you have or experiences that you may have encountered.

Getting non-judgemental support and advice can go a long way to support your anti-diet journey.

Think about who can be in your community circle when it comes to giving you accountability and support, who would that be? Make a list, and/or search for groups and communities that have the same things in common. And sometimes it doesn’t have to be a large group in person.

FB groups and meet-up groups with like minded individuals are a couple examples. Even if it’s just 2-3 friends meeting up for coffee once a month can work. Get creative.

And you can even be in more than one community or support group and that is ok.

And if you can’t find ” your people” create it! Guarantee there are women out there that also feel the same and are looking for like minded individuals like yourself.

Are you part of any groups/friendships circles/ family support etc? Would love to hear from you how you do community!

Speaking of community, I am going to aim to do a community event in Chicago real soon! If you want to get on my email newsletter and happen to be in the Chicago area, I can let you know of the next event happening. Just email me at deanna@deannakozarov.com and I will get you on the list.