The primary part of being human is the connection we have with each other. Without it, we fail to bond and fail to procreate. I've always been an introvert, and although I have various significant people in my life who ground me in my human connection, I still tend to revert to isolation by default.

I am content being by myself, and even though I deeply connect with and love all those around me, especially those in my inner circle, my alone time is very important to me. This is both a good and a bad thing, especially as I grow older. As the circle begins to shrink, responsibilities increase, and opportunities to connect with people outside our immediate family become less viable, I realize more and more how important community engagement and expanding our connections are.

As I've ventured on this journey over the past year, I have read on various occasions from philosophers, psychologists, religious figures, as well as my friends and family. It is the human-to-human connection, the deep-rooted long-term relationships, and the community engagement—especially that of selflessness to drive growth and support within our communities—that are fundamental contributing factors for a large portion of the population. Without these aspects, there is a significant influence on the lack of happiness.

I've learned over time, especially as I've internalized a lot within the last 11 months, that for me—a person who defaults to isolation—community engagement is becoming more and more important. Especially as I grow older and pursue more internal development, it’s clear it is an incredibly significant factor in the search for happiness, and arguably the foundational pillar for community itself.

Thanks,

Dean