I’ve always loved James Taylor’s “Fire in Rain,” but now – in a time of global pandemic and social recession – those lyrics are even more powerful and relevant.
You know the line I’m talking about right? “I’ve seen lonely times when I could not find a friend.”
A recent Vox Article illustrated this perfectly in that “loneliness isn’t simply painful; it can be lethal.” And after 15-years of being rooted in cultivating human connections, IndyHub is incredibly aware that chronic loneliness can be a root cause of exhaustion, wanderlust and at its worst, significant mental health challenges.
Belonging matters, so let’s talk about where to find it. Whether you’re new to Indy or have lived here forever, it’s hard right now to find where you fit in, and how you can give back to our city.
First, lean on IndyHub. We’re here for you through virtual programming and some hybrid options, too. And I’m not just saying this because I’ve committed nearly 5 professional years to this organization. You see, my now husband introduced me to IndyHub when I was new to Indy. I felt homesick for my small town, my comforts and my routines.
He took me downtown to the City Market for IndyVolved 9, and that was it. I fell in love with this city and her people. I couldn’t get over how many people had shown up to get involved. It was like I had found something I’d been missing for years. He connected with the Young Professional Board at Ronald McDonald House, and I continued to follow IndyHub and what they were doing. I read the blogs, followed their social media – and I was hooked on this city and this work.
The next year I attended IndyVolved 10 as a non-profit exhibitor for Girls Inc. of Greater Indianapolis. The excitement continued, and even more people showed up that year to the Stutz building. And yes, it was hot and raining, but people were committed to giving back.
Fast forward to 2015, I started my career at IndyHub and so started my broader understanding of what this organization does for the city. The personal stories that come with this job are enough to make you cry – like, legit, I’m not an emotional person but stories of connectedness and belonging are a huge weakness of mine. I believe everyone should feel this sense of belonging – whether through a letter in the mail, or a colleague checking on you – we all deserve to feel connected to other human beings, especially right now.
So none of us are going to get this moment exactly right, but we will come out of this more resilient and (hopefully) more patient with each other. In the meantime, join us through the rest of September for IndyVolved 15 presented by Indianapolis Power & Light Company as we set out to explore Indy’s civic ecosystem and show the ways you can connect with local non-profits.
PS – Do me a favor and check on someone you haven’t talked to – make them feel like they belong. You don’t have to be everything to everyone, but you can be something to someone.
