A few weeks ago, I posted an article about travelling affordably and often, and in it, I discussed Greenheart, the company through which I travelled to Austria. Lately, I have been thinking quite often about the power of being part of a group. Greenheart has a fantastic alumni program; alumni can apply for Greenheart Grants (funds that are used for collaborative, sustainable projects that impact the community), attend the Greenheart Global Leaders Conference in Washington, D.C., and network with other alumni to pursue joint projects and adventures. I am blessed to be an alumnus of Greenheart, and my experience at GGLC last summer (where we met with leaders of Fair Trade organizations and sustainable businesses) has shaped my career and life goals. Greenheart was the obvious example of a constructive group in my life that led me to think about other groups and their merits.
School organizations, like the Junior Civitan club, DECA club, and Science Olympiad team, have been great opportunities to inspire and be inspired. All of the community service I have completed through my Junior Civitan club has been extremely enjoyable because our projects are centered around goals meaningful to group members (such as a benefit for Marshall Baker, a senior and dear friend at our high school who was victim to cancer). DECA allowed me to partner with other leaders in our school and in our community to raise several thousand dollars for the Syrian refugees. I have enjoyed partnering with both those older than me and those younger than me in Science Olympiad competitions. High school without organizations would have been dreary, lonely, and a poor use of time and opportunity. The power of groups can also be seen in sports teams; my teammates and I motivate one another to reach our maximum physical potentials, and we would not be nearly as successful if we practiced and competed alone every day. The laughter and joy that my teammates offer has been undeniably integral to our success. I am hit especially hard by the power of being part of a group when I am in the yoga studio; performing synchronized actions with fifty other people who have come to the room with similar anxieties and similar goals of peace is a one-of-a-kind experience. I have practiced group yoga countless times, and I believe that each time I do, I become a little bit more connected to, and empathetic with, the human beings beside me. But enough about me. The point is, groups are powerful. Although we often tend to isolate ourselves in times of stress and pressure, engaging in group activities has been proven to be far more indicative of success and ultimate happiness. If you think about your life and see many individual activities, but few group activities, it may be time to reprioritize. How can you surround yourself with people who support you and people you can inspire? Consider the following:
No matter how tempting it is sometimes to retreat into our turtle shells when the rain starts pouring, it will always be more sustainable and enjoyable to team up with others and build a shelter that can withstand the heaviest of storms. Let’s all make a goal to remember this next time we are confronted with anxiety or stress, and the world will be a happier, more constructive, and more connected place.
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