During some very dark days of the pandemic, it seemed like fear, illness and death were winning. The news was filled with grim updates that made it seem as though life as we knew it may forever be changed.

Then science and health-care heroes shone a bright light that pierced the veil of darkness with hope. Vaccines rolled out, creating a path through the misery.

I was so grateful when it was our turn to get our shots. (You can read about my first vaccine experience and my second vaccine experience.) And not only did we get vaccinated, I also made a friend.

Claire was the nurse that I met briefly at my first vaccination, when she spontaneously posed for a photo as I was passing by. Even in that brief instant, I felt her energy and she felt mine – as we smiled from behind our masks.

After my second vaccination, Claire was the nurse that watched over me as we chatted in the post-vaccination observation area. When the ABC-TV news crew appeared, it was Claire who recommended they interview me. And after my interview, it was I who insisted they interview her. We had known each other only a few minutes, and yet we both wanted each other’s energy to be captured and shared – to inspire others.

Afterward, Claire found me through 30Seconds and sent me an email. An email exchange led to a couple of phone calls, where we learned even more about each other and our families. The next thing I knew, Claire, who had shared her passion for pottery with me, sent me a box filled with handmade pottery treasures she had made. These works of art included a colorful assortment of stunning vases and pots adorned with dragonflies, ribbons and “hope,” which now add warmth and joy to my home.

As part of my thank you to Claire, I sent her a package of 30Seconds tribe gear – not nearly as awesome as handmade pottery, but it was a start, and my way of welcoming her to our community of those who come to inspire and be inspired. Because, Claire is truly an inspiration. I am grateful that we connected and look forward to growing our friendship.

I share this not only because it is a story about the power of human connection, but also because it is a story about building community – no matter where you are or what you’re doing. I have been building communities my whole life; it’s just part of what I do.

Why?

Because we can learn something from everyone we meet, and we should never stop learning.

Because we can draw strength from each other, and we are much stronger together than we are on our own.

Because we can be inspired in unexpected ways, then pass on that inspiration to others.

Because we can grow from each and every interaction, and we should never stop growing.

How can you help build community? Can’t wait to find out!

Here’s how to build a business through content and community, and how to become the fire.

Here is the first article in my Six Dresses series: Six Dresses: The Power of Fashion to Transform How You Look on the Outside & How You Feel on the Inside

Here is the second article in my Six Dresses series: Six Dresses, Thanksgiving Edition: How I’m Letting My Dresses Do the Talking for Me

Here is the third article in my Six Dresses series: Six Dresses, Holiday & New Year Edition: How to Make 2021 the Year of Being “Extra”

Here is the fourth article in my Six Dresses series: Six Dresses, Winter Coat Edition: Why Coats are the New Dresses & How They Remind Us of All That’s Possible