Community both online and in physical life is not something to be avoided or disregarded as unimportant. We are a social species. We thrive with the input of others. No matter how much we enjoy a quiet no arguments existence we totally and utterly need some sort of interaction with others. Dogs are fantastic and loyal companions but regrettably they do not talk back. At least none of mine ever have. Conversation wise there is just something missing.
Therefore “YOU” really need to get involved in a community. As everybody knows I love my online family. I perhaps do not tell everybody enough but I really truly do. I also like my local support group. They usually have an interesting speaker and even if I have heard them speak a hundred times I can learn something new. It is an opportunity to interact with other humans, even if it is just the waiter. Also to see something beyond the four walls of my office. I interact with others and I speak and move my mouth. I realise that I am not as alone as I might sometimes think.
At first this is can be confronting, my first support group had lots of old people in wheelchairs. Not something a thirty year old man usually wants to see. My next support group was a group of men with only one bloke\chap\guy in a chair. We had a great time and I do miss the camaraderie. They have all passed now but it was what was needed. Fellowship and a feeling of belonging. My next group I took over as I was now more at ease with myself and who I was as a Relapsing Remitting ms (RRms) person. This carried on for awhile until she who must be obeyed and I met, guess where? An online support group out of the United Kingdom (England) called Jooly’s Joint. I asked questions, sometimes got good answers and learned more and more about RRms Not every question asked is answered, not every answer is right for “YOU” but if “YOU” are thoughtful and openminded it is possible to piece together pieces of knowledge that is right for “YOU” only “YOU” can decide which.
I am not alone and neither should “YOU” ever be. Find a community that “YOU” can be involved in. Build your knowledge base and be worthwhile. “YOU” never know there might be that young person or even older person that “YOU” gel with and provide the support that “YOU” may need. Be a part of a community, there is no need to be alone and go through this all by yourself.
Royce
Together we are stronger
My MSAA Community – One Year Later!
