Jumping in

Well, here I go again with this whole blogging idea. I like many of you have been feeling the stress of the current economic situation. Similarly, I am trying to look for the silver lining or the opportunities presented by said situation. I am inspired by how many people seem to be on the same page of taking the opportunity in this environment to build or rebuild community as a way of coping. For example, while I’m writing this, my good friend Mark is here at the house and is working on some of his own things. Left to our own devices, we might not be doing this. We’ve made this time specifically so we could support each other in taking these action steps to improve our lives. Another great example has been the reaction of many like-minded wellness professionals I know who have responded positively to the idea of building more community. Not just as a way to develop more business but to help each other realize that we don’t have to go it alone or try to reinvent the wheel.

Lastly, and possibly most inspiring is what is happening between me and my neighbor. She has decided to feed herself and her family from their own garden and yard as much as possible. I try to do the same. So we’re going to help each other. We’re developing a plan so we grow different fruits and veggies and then sharing whatever we grow between us. We’re even replacing a section of fence with a gate so we can work in each other’s yards with ease. Supporting each other’s efforts means that we will be more successful in our goal of feeding ourselves, have more fun, build stronger connections and who knows, maybe even safe a few bucks.

I encourage you to look into for opportunities to build community, especially around food. They are a natural complement to each other. Try sharing a meal with extended family or friends once a week. Make it a potluck or maybe one family hosts each week, relieving the burden of cooking for at least one meal a week for everyone else. Try new recipes or stick with family favorites. What matters is that in this time of economic challenge, community matters more. Spending time with friends and family is more important than ever and what better way to spend it than sharing food.

Your friend in health,

Ian