Crisis perspective and community
I haven't posted here in a while but truly it feels like all I am doing right now is writing. It is remarkable how quickly crisis puts things into perspective. I feel like I am working overdrive in all areas just to keep myself from beginning to spiral into panic. Keeping myself busy, writing, and keeping my mind away from the spiral. I know stressing about things will truly not make it any better or easier, but it’s a mindset I am used to being in. We are going on a trip soon to visit family. I’m looking forward to a break in routine and scenery, feels much needed - especially for my partner more than me. I’ve been thinking about what it means to be in community. I feel like so many social media posts I see talk about what it means to be in community in some way or another. But I think none of them are really comprehensive to understanding what community REALLY means. According to Instagram - It’s about content engagement, its about a business transaction, its about going to parties and being as extroverted as possible. I wish these were not the dominant narratives, because I truly think it leads to more isolation. The things that Instagram labels as community are really inaccessible to so many people, which is exactly what community shouldn’t be. I think about community as a disabled person, as a mentally ill person, as a queer person. That it looks so much different than the dominant narratives. That I am supported as much as I support, that my life is more convenient in community than without. Many online say that the cost of community is convenience, and I just don’t think that is the case. The goal and reality of being in community with other people is that they should ease your burdens as you ease theirs. It is not simply about a transaction of what you can provide, but being fully committed to the well-being of other people, even when it does not directly benefit you. I am committed to building community in my life, and the people I choose to share it with share similar definitions to community and friendship. We are able to support each other, in sickness and health. We all work less because we are able to split burdens of living together. But the most important thing that community offers is that our lives are fuller for having each other.