No Man Is An Island

The quote “no man is an island” is one I am sure any reader will be familiar with. It should probably read that no person is an island as not to make it sound like this applies to just blokes. Men, women, kids, none of us are islands.
But what does it mean? well, simply put, it is supposed to highlight that us humans never fair that well alone, we need others, we need some form of community and connection to thrive.
Last week I was invited to a business networking event and for those of you that know me well, you will know I am not normally fond of these kinds of things. In fact, I could go a step further and say that I detested them.
It is a while since I last went networking and in the time since I have done a lot of work on my own attitude and self development. This work would seem to have changed the way I look at groups and networking, let me explain…
It was not uncommon for me to have anxiety around business events in the weeks running up to them and in the day or so before the actual event, I would have sleepless nights and would look for excuses to avoid attending.
This event was different, I had no anxiety whatsoever and I could go a step further and say I was actually looking forward to it. So what had changed? well to put it simply, my mindset had.
Just because I help others with confidence and mindset does not preclude me from having my own issues and challenges with my own confidence and mindset. What I realised has happened to me lately is that I now don’t make these events about me or how I look, I focus on the fact that instead of being a chore or something I have to do, they are things I am lucky enough to GET to do.
For instance, this event had some speakers that all sounded interesting, I knew I would meet some new people and that most of them would be nice and I also knew I was getting a tasty lunch thrown in, all in all, I was of the mindset, what’s not to like about it.
And the other big reason I have begun to feel differently about these events is tied in with the quote that is the title of this blog, I have realised I am no island, I need to be around other people to thrive. It has taken me a long time to actually face that truth and admit it.
So, what has this got to do with you dear reader?
Well, how many of you reading this at times feel lonely or alone. How many of you seem to struggle and would like the chance to chat to other people who may be experiencing the same feeling you are. How many of you would like the support and safety of a group of like-minded people? probably quite a few of you if you don’t already have it.
We need to be in community and groups, they don’t need to be large groups, in fact, I would actually suggest that smaller groups are best. Small groups are more personal, more powerful.
I think I avoided facing this realisation I need others because at some level I felt it was a weakness that I could not do everything alone, the reality is it is not a weakness at all.
I was a newcomer to this group last week and to see how the members interacted with each other was great to see. They all genuinely seemed to get something from the day. And as a newcomer was made to feel very welcome and I went away motivated, inspired and most importantly of all, I learned some valuable stuff and felt good.
Now, this was a business group, but there are groups set up for anything you might want to know more about or have an interest in. There are walking groups, sports groups, music groups, cooking groups and I am strangely drawn to a local group that is all about playing chess. I have long wanted to learn and play more chess, it’s in the next street to me so I have no excuse not to join really. With so many groups available and the fact the internet allows them to be easily found should ensure you have no excuse to do anything alone.
Don’t spend your days feeling distant or alone, don’t shoulder the weight of trying to do everything yourself, get involved in a group and feel part of something. You will get a lot out of them, learn new things and as well as getting the support you need yourself, you will also find that your support, experience and talents are of value to others and that will make you feel very good indeed.
Right, I am off to polish my bishop and count my pawns.
Take Care
GB