We humans are social creatures. We crave connection and interaction with others, and that’s because we’re hardwired to thrive in communities. Whether we realise it or not, we depend on each other to feel a sense of belonging, to share our experiences, and to learn from one another.

Think about it – when we have a strong sense of community, we feel supported, heard, and valued. We feel like we’re part of something bigger than ourselves, and that we have a place in the world where we belong. And that’s a feeling that can make all the difference in our mental and emotional wellbeing.

Here are a few reasons why connection in community is so important:

  1. It reduces loneliness and isolation. When we feel like we’re part of a community, we’re less likely to feel lonely or isolated. We know that we have people we can turn to when we need support, and that can be incredibly comforting.
  2. It promotes mental and emotional wellbeing. Research has shown that people who have strong connections in their community are less likely to experience depression and anxiety. Being part of a community can provide a sense of purpose and meaning, which can help us feel happier and more fulfilled (when you’re in the Defence community, this can be the biggest challenge, because often you’re feeling so transient, you know you have a relocation coming up and you’re going to need to rebuild your physical connections in that new area, AGAIN..).
  3. It provides opportunities for personal growth. When we interact with others who have different experiences and perspectives than our own, we have the opportunity to learn and grow. We can broaden our horizons and gain new insights into the world around us.
  4. It promotes a sense of belonging. Feeling like we belong somewhere is incredibly important for our sense of self-worth. When we feel like we’re part of a community, we know that we’re valued and appreciated for who we are.

So, how can we build that connection in our communities? Here are a few ideas:

  1. Get involved! Whether it’s volunteering, joining a sporting/reading/chess (whatever takes your interest in any way) club, or attending your broader community events, getting involved is a great way to meet new people and build up your connections.
  2. Be open-minded. Yes, we’re going there! Try to approach interactions with others from a place of openness and curiosity. Be willing to listen and learn from others, even if their perspectives are different from your own. These are new people who have probably felt all the feels you’re feeling, too.
  3. Practice kindness. Small acts of kindness can go a long way in building connections. Take the time to smile, say hello, or offer a helping hand when you can – this includes being kind to you. And don’t forget the old “are you a hugger?” before launching straight in to grab a sneaky (read: totally awkward) ‘hi’ hug.
  4. Be consistent. Building strong connections takes time and effort. Make an effort to stay in touch with the people you meet and to show up consistently in your community.

Connection in community is incredibly important for our mental, emotional, and social wellbeing. When we feel like we’re part of a community, we feel supported, valued, and connected to something bigger than ourselves.

As a Defence partner, it can be so easy to say: “let’s all make an effort to encourage more connection in our communities and to build stronger, more fulfilling relationships with the people around us”, but this can come across as condescending. With continuous relocations, it can be difficult to meet people every couple of years if you’re incredibly shy or introverted; it’s not impossible, but it can be challenging #VirtualHug.

Rather than thinking “I have to meet new people again”, let’s remember that we’re not alone in this fear and discomfort. There are partners in every location feeling everything that you are as well, and you both deserve to have that physical connection within this space.

You are worthy of connection.

You are deserving of connection.

You are strong, brave and incredibly resilient, and I can’t wait to meet you – virtually or in person.