Some recent research has shown that in times of
strife, such as 9/11, the number of suicides, people diagnosed with depression
and incidents of violence, actually goes down. It drops, when logically
you would think it would increase under the pressure everyone is facing.
Why does this happen? What they have found
is that acts of terror, war or other life-changing community incidents tend to
bring people together to form a united front. It is through that sense of
community that the feelings of isolation dissipate and people feel needed and
wanted.
Interesting. It was a sense of
isolation that spurred me on to start Company of Women over thirteen years
ago. I had a successful consulting practice at the time and was
working from home. But I missed the camaraderie and conversations with
peers.
I also wanted to meet some like-minded women who
were on the same path as myself. I was the only one of my friends, at the time,
to have her own business and while I was at home, everyone thought I
could just down tools and have coffee with them. Er… no. They
didn’t get the time and commitment involved in starting a small business.
What I have discovered through Company of
Women is that no matter what business you are in, the issues are often the same
– finding customers, retaining customers, cash flow, human resources,
etc… and yes, those feelings of self-doubt that creep in from time to
time.
It therefore makes sense to problem solve
together. It makes sense to ‘fess up that all is not as rosy as we’d like
it to be, because when we “do vulnerable” we can be surprised at how people
rally round to help you, give advice and provide support. And more, that
you are not alone.
And what we are doing fits the definition
of community- “Self-organized network of
people with a common agenda, cause, interest, who collaborate by sharing ideas,
information and other resources.”
In other words, we are not just looking out
for ourselves, we are invested in learning and helping others succeed and in
doing so, it would appear that we are also keeping depression at bay.
It is through authentic, genuine dialogue that
we become community. Thank you for being part of mine.
1 comment:
THIS Blog Anne.... scream WHY Company of Women! I Love it! When we are vulnerable enough to "fess up", we open a gateway to allow others to support us. We don't have to go this entrepreneurial voyage alone. There ARE places to tap into to find supportive and encouraging people who are selfless enough to be YOUR cheerleader, mentor and friend. Company of Women was and is just that for me - A Community of Incredibly strong supportive women with each others best interested at heart!
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