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Building community, one that feels aligned with our values is so important. It’s found that those who have strong friendships have more confidence. So in this blog, we will look at how you can build a strong healthy, connected community for yourself. Having a strong, supportive community can be life-changing in a fast-paced and disconnected world.

I will point out that building community doesn’t happen by chance it requires intention, shared values, and a willingness to cultivate meaningful relationships.

Let’s explore how you can create a healthy community that feels in alignment.

1. Define Your Vision for Your Community

Just like everything else we talk about here, it all starts with a vision. When we talk about creating a vision remember to use your senses. The more you embody what you visualize the easier it is to attract it! What do you feel, see, touch, smell, taste, and hear? As weird as it sounds all you’re senses are relevant.

Here is how:

  • Taste: Are you going out to bars, or restaurants with your friends? Do you drink a lot of Alcohol together, or tea?
  • Smell: Are your friends well put together or do they often not shower? Perhaps they love the gym?
  • See: How do they perceive the world? When something happens what’s their response?
  • Touch: Are they gentle, loving, a big warm hug? Or more kept to themselves, less helpful?
  • Hear: What do they talk about? Who do they talk about? and How do they speak about others and towards you?
  • Feel: This is more of the 6th sense, the emotional aspect of the relationship, your intuition. How do you feel around these people Connected? Safe? Trusting? Loved? Conflict resolution is a priority or Stressed? Avoided? Overwhelmed? Confused or unsure?

It’s so important to have a vision for your relationships, and the people inside of your community. Just as important in having a vision is that you align with the vision.

Who are you inside of your community?

Who you are will attract and connect with the people who feel drawn to your behaviorism.

Some other questions to clarify when building community in your life:

  • What kind of relationships do I value most?
  • How do I want to feel within my community?
  • What qualities are non-negotiable in the people I choose to keep close?

Your vision acts as a compass, guiding you to people and opportunities that align with your values. Think of your community as a garden: What seeds do you want to plant? Will you nurture kindness, authenticity, or shared goals? The clearer your vision, the easier it becomes to attract the right connections.

2. Surround Yourself with Like-Minded People

Community thrives on shared values and mutual respect. A great tip for you when it comes to building community, is to have a clear understanding of your core values. So that you can step forward with your values at the forefront of everything you do. Values help filter out those who are not in alignment with you!
Sometimes it means that you connect deeply and speak to someone longer at a family event or friendship gathering. Building your community means focusing on those who align with what you’re setting out to build!
Seek out people who inspire and challenge you in healthy ways.

Here are some ideas to get started:

  • Join Interest-Based Groups: Whether it’s a fitness class, book club, or online forum, being part of groups centered around your passions is a great way to meet like-minded individuals.
  • Use Social Media Intentionally: Follow and engage with people who share your values. Platforms like Instagram, LinkedIn, or Facebook can be powerful tools for finding positive connections when used mindfully. Participate in online communities.
  • Volunteer for Causes You Care About: Volunteering allows you to connect with others who are passionate about the same issues and make a meaningful impact together.
  • Take Classes or Workshops: Enroll in courses related to your interests or hobbies, whether it’s art, entrepreneurship, or health, to meet people with similar goals and values.
  • Attend Networking or Community Events: Look for local or virtual events that align with your professional or personal interests. Local fairs, charity events, or interest-based festivals.  Networking with like-minded individuals can open doors to both friendships and collaborations.
  • Collaborate on Projects: Team up with others on joint ventures or passion projects. Working on something together creates a natural bond based on shared goals and interests.

Remember, like-minded doesn’t mean “exactly like you.” Embrace diversity in perspectives and backgrounds as long as there’s mutual respect and alignment in core values.

3. Establish and Respect Healthy Boundaries

Healthy boundaries are the foundation of a building community. Without them, relationships can become draining or even toxic. Setting boundaries isn’t about shutting people out; it’s about creating space for mutual respect and understanding.

Here’s how to establish and maintain healthy boundaries:

  • Communicate Clearly: Let others know your limits and expectations in a kind but firm way. To do this make sure you have a deep understanding of your self-awareness.
  • Practice Emotional Regulation: Stay calm and respectful when discussing or enforcing boundaries, even in challenging situations.
  • Respect Others’ Boundaries: Just as you set limits, be mindful of the needs and boundaries of those around you. Boundaries is a two-way street. It means placing your boundaries and also honoring their boundaries. Your response to someone else’s, boundary should never be your boundary.
  • Say No When Needed: It’s okay to step back from relationships or commitments that no longer align with your values or well-being.
  • Be Specific: When communicating boundaries, state exactly what you need or expect to avoid confusion.
  • Listen Actively: Pay attention to others’ boundaries and acknowledge them to build trust.
  • Stay Consistent: Uphold your boundaries regularly to reinforce their importance.
  • Accept Discomfort: Setting or respecting boundaries may feel awkward, but it’s essential for healthy relationships.

4. Cultivate Mutual Support and Encouragement

A healthy community is built on mutual support. It’s about celebrating wins, offering comfort in challenges, and fostering an atmosphere of trust.

Here are a few ways to create that environment when building community:

  • Whether big or small, take the time to cheer each other on.
  • Listen without judgment and offer support when needed.
  • Create a safe space where everyone feels heard and valued.
  • Communicate needs, and work through conflict.
  • Be honest.
  • Create Win/Win Situations
  • Find solutions to the issues that arise.
  • Discuss Values:
  • Hold Eachother Accountable:

When everyone in your community feels supported, the entire group thrives. The energy you give out will naturally come back to you.

5. Regularly Reevaluate and Realign

Communities evolve, and it’s important to assess whether your relationships are still healthy and aligned with your vision. sometimes this means taking a step back to review the relationship.

When you create distance, you gain the clarity to reflect deeply on the relationship. Distance allows you to step back from the emotions and patterns that may cloud your judgment, giving you the space to evaluate what’s working, what’s not, and how the relationship aligns with your values and well-being. It’s in this space of reflection that growth and understanding truly begin

Ask yourself when building community in your life:

  • Are these connections positive and uplifting?
  • Do I feel supported and valued, or drained and unappreciated?
  • Are there relationships that need adjustment or closure?

It’s okay to let go of connections that no longer serve your growth, align with your values, or drag you down. Doing so creates space for healthier, more aligned relationships to flourish.

Building a thriving community is a journey, not a destination. It takes time, intention, and a willingness to nurture meaningful connections. But the rewards are immense. Having even a small circle of people who uplift, and inspire you to be your best self.

Start small. Reflect on your vision, take a step toward finding like-minded individuals, or set a new boundary in an existing relationship.

What’s one step you can take today to strengthen your community?

The community you create is a reflection of your values and efforts. Invest in it with care, and it will enrich your life in ways you never imagined.

Julia Maria Nica

Your Transformation Guide

Julia grew up in Vancouver, B.C. She immigrated from Romania to Canada in the ’90s with her family. Julia decided to find her passion. Just like many women, she experienced her own self-image challenges. She came up with the idea of The YOU Series as a part of unraveling the pain of her life. Today she focuses on building The You Series, coaching her clients, and creating new content.

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