I Just Want To Belong

Isn’t that a basic human desire we all have?

We just want to belong. Belong to a community, a group, a church, a family, a friend’s group, shared hobbies group, sports group, a frat or sorority, work community and more.

“Humans are psychologically wired to need to belong. It’s been key to our survival historically and an evolutionary advantage: having meaningful relationships and networks means others have your back, and can protect or support you when you most need. This means we actually crave a sense of meaningful connections with other people.”  Berkeley News 7/25/22

Our deepest desires are to be part of a group, to be wanted, to be mutually cared for.

Many of you know I just got my motorcycle license in the past 3 yrs.  I didn’t know I wanted my license and that’s a story for another blog.

Once I got my license, all of a sudden, I belonged to a group I didn’t realize existed. The Riders. The Bikers. A group of people from all walks of life that ride.

How do I know that I have a new community? The motorcycle salute.

The motorcycle salute is when riders pass each other they give a ‘peace sign’ or wave or simply put their hand out.

It’s not to just say hi - the meaning is so much deeper.

The biker wave is just our simple way of saying "Hey friend. Stay safe out there". The wave is a simple, straightforward way of communicating that cuts through the noise of the open road. It's a great symbol of solidarity between riders and a pretty cool aspect of the riding community.

You usually don’t even know the people you’re passing on the road- it’s a community of instant comradery with a shared purpose.  At first, I had no idea why other riders were ‘waving’ at me – we don’t do that while driving cars…lol and maybe we should (perhaps it would create a nicer road experience)!  Also, almost EVERYONE ‘salutes’ each other, as long as you see each other and it’s safe to do so.

I belonged. I had a whole new community of bikers that would look out for each other and wish each other well. If you have problems on the road, bikers will stop to make sure you’re ok.

How are the communities you belong to? How do they feel? Are they fun? Do they give you a sense of belonging, a ‘we’re in this together’?

What about at work- whether you’re an employee or owner? Are you building a community that others are excited to be part of?  Since we crave meaningful connections, what does that community atmosphere feel like, look like?  Are you creating a community YOU would want to be part of?

How are your personal communities coming along at the beginning of 2024?  How are the family and friends communities?  What growth would you like to see in your communities? How would you like to connect…deeper?

Take a few minutes, evaluate the communities you’re building and are a part of!  Enjoy this process of creating meaningful connections.  Maybe even create your own salute?!

Be safe friends, enjoy the adventure, ride on...

Traci