When I picture the 1940′s-1950′s era, I picture neighbors and families gathered together, enjoying life as a community, everyone knew each other and everyone helps out during times of need.

You just don’t see that very much anymore!

I’ve lived on the east side of the valley for 5 years, all my friends are over on the west side and I rarely get to see them. I don’t know my neighbors (well, I know one of them but I haven’t had a chance to say hi to her IN A YEAR), and she lives right across the street! Sheesh! Haven’t even had a chance to wave at her.

We are such a separated society and that really needs to change!

A couple months ago, I joined this mom’s group, and despite not having a child to tote around in my arms yet cuz she’s still cooking, these ladies adopted me right into the group. I met this group through an online resource called www.meetup.com, I think I just did a search for my city and mom’s group to find them. There were 2 local mom’s groups. One I knew I would NOT fit into, the other one I had pretty good vibes about. Trust your instinct!

For being a shut-in hermit, it took stepping out of my comfort zone and reaching out. I’m ever so grateful I stuck my foot out the door, cuz I met a really amazing group of ladies.

It’s not just about meeting up for play-dates. It’s about sharing, it’s about working together to help each other out. Even the Girl’s Night Out serves the awesome function of just relieving stress. In times of need, it’s about being there for each other. It’s about sisterhood.

We need to gather more in our communities. We need to turn off the TV (especially the news!), and get outside. It’s not just for moms groups, there are tons of groups based on interest to join out there, and the more you grow your community family, the stronger you and that community become.