I sit here reflecting on the weeks that have passed. It’s the holiday season and it is almost New Years. It tends to be a time of more reflection and goal setting. The more I reflect on my life, and that of the gym over the last year, the one word that keeps sticking out in my mind is COMMUNITY.
Community means different things to different people. When Nick and I started STAVE OFF, our goal was to create a safe space. A spot where anyone (and hopefully everyone) would come in and feel like they could push towards their health goals no matter where they were starting from. The gym was to be the space and the coaches the guidance to get there.
Over the last year, I have seen STAVE OFF grow. With tears in my eyes I think about where we were at this time last year. The friends we have met, the growth we have experienced. It has been quite the journey.
I have seen my definition of community change over the last year.
I used to only think about community as a positive support group to create goals. Probably because I tend to be an overly optimistic person at times. But the beauty in community I think, is across both sides of the spectrum. I’ve see that this year.
We have had SO MANY goals met and lives changed this year. It puts a smile on my face just to think about it.
The ups and downs
But we have also had losses.
Losses of loved ones or illnesses that have bound our little community at STAVE OFF together. It was there that I’ve seen the community truly shine. The resiliency of these group of individuals, who just a year ago, didn’t even know each other (or Nick and I for that matter).
There’s a sorrowful beauty in that.
This weekend my stomach aches for a member of ours who is feeling a loss I can’t even imagine. I feel grateful. Grateful that we can be there. To try to help in whatever way she needs. To bind together as a community.
On the other side of that coin, we saw all the bountiful joy of STAVE OFF at our Christmas party yesterday. Nick and I took a moment to sit back and see all the smiling faces. To remember how far where we’ve come.
The holidays are my favourite time of year – for being part of a loving community and for some reason, more than I usually do, taking the time to just appreciate all of the wonderful people in my life. (Yes that means you reading this!).
I guess my ending note is a big thank you and a request. Think about your community. It can be us at STAVE OFF or family and friends. Appreciate them. Love them. Be there for them. It is through that give and take, that being there selflessly for someone else, that a strong relationship grows. What an amazing thing.
Christina
