The power of connection + community

Lately I've been discovering first hand just how powerful links between online worlds and in person worlds are. I know so many people are resistant to online these days, but I honestly can say I've met so many of my closest friends thanks to the internet.

It also got me reflecting on what I've learned about the power of community and connection through Mapping Your Path, which in my very biased opinion is one of the best groups of humans you can find. 

Here are a few lessons:

1) You don't have to connect/click with everyone. Sometimes it's the ONE person who shares something that unlocks so much.

2) The power of community is that it's multi-directional. I know I created MYP, but I learn something every day from someone in the community, whether it's a shared resource, book recommendation, or example of how they lead through life.

3) You don't have to be connected all the time to feel connected. When we beat ourselves up for not staying in touch more, that only blocks us further. Trust you connect enough for what you need in this season.

4) You can be surprised in the best ways. Sometimes I feel like I operate in a bubble, where nothing is new to me, but being part of an awesome community has this ability to blow my mind in ways I never could have imagined, with so much joy and delight.

5) Having a shared experience helps you connect in a way where you realize you're not alone, and others have navigated similar situations. It's wonderfully powerful to feel human. (And oddly, sometimes relative strangers can share insights that resonate more than close friends you've known for years.)

6) You never know who you may meet. Or who they know. Or what doors they'll open. (All you have to do is stay open.)

7) Communities need nurturing. The reason I run 3-month cohorts for MYP is that it allows me to focus on one group at a time. I'm an active participant who tries to model showing up as my true self. It helps make it a safe space (in addition to the closed container) for participants to want to engage. 

Mapping Your Path isn't your average community. It's global, and integrates creative workshops and a unique structure that fosters connection. Real friendships have been formed over the years, and many MYPers have been known to connect on their travels. (It also happens to be a brilliant community to get travel tips from too!)

In a world where so many people feel disconnected, rushed, or like they have to figure everything out alone, MYP is a reminder that we don’t. Sometimes all it takes is one conversation, one perspective shift, or one person believing in you to change the trajectory of your path.

Mapping Your Path: UNCHARTED is a 3-mo creative workshop + global community for curious humans who are ready to break out of the status quo, get creative, and make change in their lives and in the world. The journey kicks off Friday, June 5th! 

(You don’t have to be at the kick-off workshop to participate!)