Where are you finding community? If you already realize how important having a space for community is to your life, then you already know the benefits community offers as a companion for survival. But, if you haven’t considered community in this context, I ask you to read on. Learn about the importance of community, specifically as it relates to caregiving and gain some best practices to accessing the community you need.
What is community?
Community is the space where members access the most important necessities of life. It is the space where the proverbial village shows up. And, it is the space where the art of being seen is observed and giving back is realized. In the caregiving space, its is a primary source of knowledge, emotional support and guidance. And, it is the ultimate destination to restoration that allows the caregiver to continuously give to the recipient of their care. Community can “seem” organic in that many of us have deep social circles whether that is through large families or extensive friendship networks where we are able to more fluidly contribute and ask for the care we need. Many times, even despite big family and many friends, caregivers find themselves in a lonely space where the community is not easily realized. And, this is when the caregiver must be proactive and resourceful in finding what she needs to get needed resources and rediscover joy.
What is the role of community in navigating the caregiving space
One of the primary ways in which community gives to caregivers is through guidance and navigation of the caregiving space. At the start of the caregiving journey, caregivers encounter services, experts, social workers and at times family, friends and caring observers who offer their assistance to help a new caregiver locate resources and seek out emotional support. Most new caregivers find, along their journey, spaces where they find empathy and understanding. And, they are able to ease the feelings of loneliness along the journey. Navigators in this space give direction and point out ways in which the caregiver finds the essentials to surviving the new territory she find herself newly experiencing.
Creating Connections & a system of support
In addition to help with navigating the journey, community gives the emotional support many caregivers need to endure the duty they take on. Whether through virutal or in-person support forums or groups, community members lend experience sharing, best practices, and additional resources that help ease the isolation associated with the unique experience of caregiving. It is through these groups that a caregiver can make crucial connections that help facilitate the creation of a network that will help enhance her durability.
And, speaking of connections, how are these particular connections unique? These connections provide the space for both giving and receiving a high level of the kind of human support that sustains us. This is where you, as a caregiver, are most likely to receive and really “see” the humanity of the people in your space. You are most likely to recognize the intent of their interactions, their love, and compassion. And, in turn, you can realize the joy of returning the kindness exhibited toward you.
If you are a caregiver, community is the single most important resource you need. But, if you don’t have this now, seek it out. Whether you are caring for an aging parent/relative, child or spouse please find the resources and refuge you need. Here are some steps you can take right now:
- Be open. Let people help you. Many of us are so resourceful that we believe it is simply easier to do things ourselves. But, this leaves us burnt out and resentful. When folks actually offer assistance, take it. Don’t worry if things aren’t done EXACTLY how you like. Give yourself a break from perfection and let someone take something off of your plate.
- Let go. There is always someone or something that can assist you. Take a look at everything on your plate with the purpose of letting go of managing something or doing something the same way as usual. What would it take to free yourself from something that drains you or pulls on your sanity. Try to continuously find ways to give back time and joy to yourself.
- Get outside your box/comfort zone. Sometimes what you need is not within your family group, your friendship group or your current networks. If this is true for you, then its time to get outside of your normal box and seek what you need. There are so many avenues for you to search for what you need. And, when you find resources, check them out. Sure, there is pain in the search, because you have to spend time doing the work. But, the work is valuable and it will definitly pay off in the end.
- SHARE. If you do not share your experience you wont experience the kindness humanity wants to offer because folks wont know whats going on. Speak up so that you can be heard. This allows the community to do what it does best, which is contribute.
- Talk to An Expert To Have You Navigate. Professional therapists and counselors can become a part of your community and help you navigate the process of adding more folks to your community. If you don’t know where to start and stepping outside of your comfort zone seem too unbearable/uncomfortable, let someone with the right tools point you in the right direction.
Do you feel you have good community support
Do you find it hard to find community?
Tell us your thoughts.
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