Julika Van Stackelberg (Belonging & Purpose)
Resilience teacher Julika explores how belonging drives happiness and meaning. By reflecting on your values, passions, and interests, Yuli guides you to identify communities where ...
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How can you discover where you belong?
So how do you find out about where you belong? Here are some practical tips. One, reflect on your values and passions. The first step in finding where you belong is understanding what truly matters to you. Take some time to reflect on your values, passions, and interests. What kind of activities make you feel come alive? What topics are you passionate about? What kind of people do you enjoy being around? When you know what's important to you, it becomes easier to identify places, communities, and groups that align with your values. So for example, if you're passionate about environmental sustainability, you might feel a strong sense of belonging in a group that focuses on building community gardens. And second, pay attention to where you feel energised. Notice where you feel most energised and at ease. These are often indicators of where you belong. For instance, if you leave a certain social gathering or work environment feeling drained or uncomfortable, it might not be the right fit for you. On the other hand, you find yourself, if you find yourself feeling uplifted, inspired, and recharged after spending time in a particular setting, that's a sign that you are in the right place. For example, if you love collaborating on creative projects and feel energised in team settings, a work or community that fosters collaboration and innovation might be where you truly belong. Third, be open to exploration. Sometimes finding where you belong requires a bit of exploration and experimentation. Don't be afraid to try new things and step out of your comfort zone. Attend events, join different groups, or explore new hobbies. Through this process, you might discover unexpected places or communities where you feel a strong sense of belonging. For example, you might not think of yourself as a sports person, but joining a local recreational team for volleyball or pickleball might be a surprise to you. How much you enjoy the camaraderie and the teamwork. Because so much is happening online these days, I highly recommend you explore in-person opportunities. And four, listen to your inner inner voice. Ultimately, knowing you where you belong requires listening to your inner voice. Trust, your instincts. When it comes to deciding where you feel comfortable and valued, the challenge can be that many of us have been conditioned by others' expectations or societal pressures. And because true belonging comes from within, we sometimes have a little get to know you sessions with ourselves first. So mindfulness and journaling can be helpful practises to get in touch with those innate instincts and wisdom we all have inside of us.
What if the place where you belong doesn't exist yet?
Create your own space if necessary. Sometimes where you belong doesn't exist yet, and that's okay. If you can find a space where you truly belong, consider creating one. Start a group, initiate a project, or build a community around your interests or values. You might find that others are looking for the same thing, and that they will join you in creating it. For instance, if you're passionate about mental health awareness, but can't find a local group that addresses it, consider starting a support network or organising events to bring people together or organise a theme. Dinner potluck.