The Power of Community: How Far Do You Want to Go?

Lately, I’ve felt like I’m in a constant rush, carrying the weight of expectations—at work, in my personal life, even in the background hum of the news cycle. I push myself forward, hoping things will get better, trying not to let anxiety take hold. When my family visits, I make sure everyone is okay, making sure they’re having fun. I’m always holding space for others, but sometimes, I wonder—who is holding space for me?

A few weeks ago, I splurged on a ticket to South by Southwest, eager to soak in every insight, every panel, every moment of learning. I rushed from one session to the next, determined to maximize the experience. But in an intimate talk with Tarana Burke, the woman behind the #MeToo movement, something in me cracked. Without warning, I broke down.

I hadn’t realized how burned out I was—not just from work, but from the noise of the world, the constant striving, the survival mode I seem to live in. And in that moment, surrounded by strangers, I admitted something I hadn’t even told myself: I think I’m losing hope.

Here I was, sitting in front of someone who built a movement, who has endured so much, and yet I was the one falling apart. I felt embarrassed. I hadn’t done anything yet—what right did I have to feel this way?

Tarana’s response was simple but profound: Community and talking about it helps unload the burden. We don’t have to carry it all alone. Even she has moments like this.

Her words clicked. Hope, like a muscle, can grow tired. It loses steam. But just like a muscle, it can also be strengthened—with rest, with care, and with the people around us.

Rethinking Community

Growing up, I had a version of community—but it was one built on obligation, not support. Community meant people you had to be mindful around, people who could judge you, people who might not always have your back unless it was absolutely necessary. 

So, I built my own. In Pittsburgh, I created friendships that felt like home. Over the years, as people moved away for new jobs and new lives, I visited them—seeking familiarity, seeking belonging. When the pandemic hit, that sense of connection faded. We all turned inward. I did too. And yet, I’ve been thinking a lot about what community really means.

Community isn’t just about proximity, or commonality of a certain topic or initiative. It’s about support. It’s about knowing that you don’t have to carry everything alone.

The Road Ahead

There’s an old proverb that says:

"If you want to go fast, go alone. If you want to go far, go together."

Lately, I’ve been asking myself—how far do I want to go? And the answer is: farther than I ever could alone.

So, I’m challenging myself—and you—to build more of a sense of community. To reach out, to show up for others, to let others show up for you. Because when we move together, we don’t just survive. We thrive.

How far do you want to go?