December 7. Community.
Where have you discovered community, online or otherwise, in 2010? What community would you like to join, create or more deeply connect with in 2011? (Author: Cali Harris)
I’ve been very lucky to have two consistent circles of community supporting my life this year: Twitter and Unravelling.
I love how my online world spills into my offline; there doesn’t seem to be a barrier between the two anymore, as I meet people on Twitter, or in Unravelling classes, or at Squam or at a meet-up in New York or Boston or London. Friends come for lunch in Bath and then we’re chatting on Twitter later that evening. Facebook messages, Flickr comments, DMs… some days the level of connectivity is a little overwhelming, but it is always cherished. For such an introverted soul in real life, i love having this vibrant — and caring — online community around me. Observing my Twitter stream yesterday I saw that I inhabit several micro-communities — the photographers, the handmade artists, the creative biz people and the life-coachy self-awareness people — and where the four intersect is where my interests and business flourish.
And then there is the blessing that is Unravelling; with every class i run i meet more and more amazing women, the connection lasting long after the course ends, as we chat on Twitter and Facebook. I give as much of myself as I can to every class, and it’s an amazing feeling knowing there are over 1,500 women out in the world who have truly seen me — that is MY unravelling. In return, i watch the community grow over the eight weeks of the course, and the honesty, kindness and encouragement I witness makes my heart swell every time — reading Debra’s post yesterday totally made me well up.
And it’s been watching how Unravellers continue to connect long after the course has ended (check out this and this! And hello to the ladies of the Unravelling cabin at Squam :) that made me realise I want to create an Unravelling haven next year, an online space for women to gather and support each other, every single day of the year…. once my manuscript has been delivered in March it’ll be all systems go to get this new dream off the ground.
I really can’t wait.
For #Reverb10
Hi Susannah!
I came to this post via #reverb10 – I’m glad I found you! I like how your website is presented; it’s lovely. I’ve noticed and read your post on “Blooming”, which I wrote in my prompt 1 answer as my word for 2011.
Twitter was my community for 2010 as well… So, I’m somewhat feeling an instant connection with you. After all, the very reason I found your blog is Twitter as well. I happened to search the hashtag #reverb10 and your tweet was one of the tweets that came up and it caught my attention. So, I clicked the link, and voila, I’m here. It’s a bit of a magic, given that there are more than 3000 participants in Reverb10.
I’m looking forward to reading more posts from you!
Cheers,
Masa
Now I can’t wait. xoxo
Hi Masa, nice to meet you! x
Unravelling has been a magical experience Susannah, both courses in different ways..for me the very first online community I have ever belonged to. Maybe I didn’t thank you enough, but here it goes…thank you so much!
OMG Susannah, I am totally geeking out over here over the link! I had been meaning to send you a testimonial for ages but I just couldn’t be succinct. Clearly I needed an entire blog post to describe (some of) what Unravelling has meant to me. Do feel free to cut and past any of that which might make sense into your testimonials page, as you like.
thank you, hon! i loved your post today :-DD xx
I love the word unraveling and all you are trying to do! Bless you! Wonderful post about community and how it intertwines – online and offline. Thank you!
Well, now I am more excited (if possible) about being in the next Unravelling group, and really thrilled to hear about the Unravelling haven. I wasn’t sure if it would be the best time (more on that I guess within the group :), but know for sure now that it actually is. Thank you Susannah.
mj
x
I love this, says so much about how blogging, twittering, and the online world can, at it’s best, be and lead to so much more!
I love the way you’ve described the way your digital life and your “real” life have become one and the same. So frequently I hear others concerned about managing their online presence in a way that’s guarded and self-serving, and it’s refreshing to hear someone who feels truly comfortable with both lives merging together, and who (like me) has found true friends through blogging.
YAY! not long to go now :) xo
Oh now I have something else to look forward to in 2011, I would love to re-connect with my fellow unravellers through a dedicated space.. what a great idea…you are the bomb!
and my testimonial poem is on the main page, my life was truly changed by Susannah and this class.
xo
Karen
:)
really, unravelling haven is manifesting into reality? oh… that’s so wonderful! i can’t wait. joyful tears. my world changed after i signed up for unravelling a year and a half ago. time goes, it alters, and our daily lives take over, but not a day goes by that i don’t think about my tribe and how they are doing. i wish i didn’t have to work so i could spend all day just connecting and reconnecting with each and every one. i want to continually remind you and them how they’ve touched my heart.
oh ps…. my email changed. not sure if i informed you. i’ll send you an email as well.
xoxo