I've recently moved to a new community. Like a child starting a new school, it's not always easy being the new person. Cliques have been established and there just may not be a place for you. As we get older it's even more the case. People are busy with their family, friends and career, there's no need for them to let you in. But ask any of my friends, I don't give-up easily. I'll continue to put myself out there until they come to know and love me.
I've been here a short time and I'm still getting to know the lay of the land. I'm not quite sure how everything works, but I know in time I'll figure it out. People from all over the world have settled in this community and I'm starting to see why.
People here are friendly. They welcome newcomers with open arms. I can express myself without fear of being judged. I feel free to be who I am. Though I have just met my new neighbors I feel comfortable talking with them, and much to my delight they're willing to listen.
Sometimes they can identify with what I have to say and sometimes I'm sure they must think I'm crazy. There are times when they laugh along with me as though we've been friends for years, other times they tell me I've inspired them. It's on those occasions I feel extremely grateful to be here in this new place.
I enjoy listening to what they have to say as well. I look forward to hearing their stories over morning coffee and sometimes again late at night. Sometimes my old friends and family complain that my new neighbors are taking up too much of my time.
I learn a lot from them and often identify with what they have to say. I've met people who have a wonderful sense of humor. They make me laugh until my sides hurt and on occasion, I think they're crazy! Other times their words move me to tears and inspire me to be a better person. I find it uncanny that their stories come to me at just the right moment in my life, like lifelong friends who instinctively know when you need a push, or simply need someone to listen and understand. Sometimes they make me question my self and my beliefs, causing me to reflect on what's truly important in my life.
I've met people of all ages from all over the world, the UK, Canada, and the United States. There are teachers who love what they do, and because of them children's lives are changed for the better. I've met scientists, relationship experts, ministers, doctors and scooter-driving grandmothers. I've met women who've suffered the loss of a child who motivate and encourage others in similar situations. There are those who endure racism who strive each day to bring about much needed change. There are others whose optimistic outlook on life can always put a smile on my face, their enthusiasm contagious.
This diverse group of people created a deeper appreciation and awareness of others in me. They've graciously let me into their lives and shown me what they find to be acceptable and unacceptable, challenging, inspirational and motivating. There is so much to learn from them.
Had it not been for a close friend pointing me in the right direction, I would never have stumbled upon this close knit, talented group living in this community with the strange name. I've already invited friends to visit and check this place out for themselves.
Although I've only been here for a short time it already feels like home. I think it's a place to stay, and I think they're right when they say SearchWarp is a place where everyone can belong.
Brianna Popsickle, Letters From A Suburban Prison
Observations and reflections on life, and the people around her; written as a mother, wife, daughter, sister, friend, neighbour, co-worker, or whatever else anyone needs her to be.
Artist. Writer. Woman. - Struggling to re-appear after years of confinement in a suburban prison.
» left by Paul Schroeder from nyc (14 days 10 hours ago.)
For a wild moment I thought that it was surely a different neighborhood you had physically moved to, and that in order to meet people(" I would never have STUMBLED upon this close knit, talented group") had engineered and contrived to feign a fake pratfall ! (I don't forget such innate deviousness, easily)(smile)
How wonderful for you to have found such a nice community. Not all of us are as fortunate. You already know what I think of the community where I live in fact I'm just about ready to put a new article on describing the 'elite' of our community.
What a great tribute to the Searchwarp Community and especially to Jean and Bruce who are continually brainstorming to make it a better place. I just wish I had more time to spend here to get to know the people. I know I have commented and shared a lot and understand when people get too busy to reciprocate in any way. Life can be a big whirlwind, and we generaly write for ourselves with an added bonus of being able to share from time to time. Blessings! Suzy
I kind of knew this was coming, since reading your falling in love with a married man article. Anyway, make sure you keep your lawn tidy, put your trash out in a timely manner on Tuesdays, and turn down the stereo by 10 p.m. We'll get along just fine, oh, I know we will!
Thanks for stopping by Greg. I couldn't help but notice there was no mention of a neighborhood barbeque or get-together in your comment. What kind of neighbor are you? :)
Brianna, you have expressed in your article what I wanted to say about this community. Where can you find a place where you can ask questions, answer questions, ask for prayers and pray for others, wish each and everyone a happy birthday weeks in advance, learn about childbirth from a man's point of view, learn about gardening, horses, relationship and so on? It is a community with a built-in school where each one learn from someone else life's experience. It is a community where one can belong. To the Searchwarp people who built this community---thanks a million and God bless.
Wow Brianna, I'm deeply humbled and so glad you've come to this community. Jean and I are only the zoning committee who at one time said, "I think there should be a street here, houses over there, a school around the corner and maybe some businesses next to it." We had no idea so many great people would move into the neighborhood and make it a place where we want to live too!
Straight from the heart Bruce. Life's full of twists and turns, it's interesting how one ends up here pouring their thoughts out for all to hear. You and Jean have created something very special for many people. Congratulations!
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