Comments on: 10 Reasons Why Community Is Essential To Our Success And Well Being

By: Eric Hamm

Eric Hamm — Wed, 01 Oct 2008 13:53:14 +0000

@Maya: “I was (and am) an introvert, but I learned that being an introvert does not mean being anti social.”

This is a great point. I think introverts are pegged as such and therefore tend to not even try to connect in groups. I agree that being apart of a community is crucial for any personality type.

By: Maya

Maya — Wed, 01 Oct 2008 06:23:49 +0000

Such a wonderful post. I had to learn most of these things the hard way when I moved away from home and half way across the world. I was (and am) an introvert, but I learned that being an introvert does not mean being anti social. I love the people in my life ....the are my "need". Maya´s last blog post..The key to happiness and balance is right with you, just learn to use it - Part 1 of the thinkmaya framework

By: Eric Hamm

Eric Hamm — Tue, 16 Sep 2008 13:32:47 +0000

@Richard: Those are some great points. I’m more of an introvert myself and so I tend to be more keen on having a few really good friends as apposed to a bunch of acquaintances so maybe some of that mentality went into some of the content. But recently I have been enjoying the benefits of having a larger group of friends that, though might not be my ‘Best Friends’, have really contributed to my happiness and well being.

Thanks for adding your thoughts. You have a great, unique blog.

By: Richard X. Thripp

Richard X. Thripp — Tue, 16 Sep 2008 12:22:31 +0000

Community is a double-edged sword. You need it when you need it and you don’t need it when you don’t need it. I used to seek out a lot of feedback on my photography, and people would just tell me what I wanted to hear. Sure, I could’ve sought out new people, but the real solution was to start taking my own actions and producing my own art, rather than looking for the approval of others.

I think points 1, 3, 4, 5, and 6 are better suited to personal rather than communal relationships. A couple close friends are better than the few hundred distant friends the word “community” implies.

I prefer to give up the friend / stranger model entirely. Everyone is my friend. If you’re human, I already know you and you’re my friend. Really, how could you be so different than I don’t know you? This mindset has helped me meet lots of new people.

By: Eric Hamm

Eric Hamm — Sun, 14 Sep 2008 10:57:18 +0000

@Sunil: I’m more of an introvert so I can actually go an entire day by myself and actually quite enjoy it. But beyond that I need a little social interaction to feel like I’m a part of society. Being married helps a lot. I’m content with just spending a weekend at home with my wife and my dogs.

By: Sunil Pathak

Sunil Pathak — Sun, 14 Sep 2008 05:52:57 +0000

Hello Eric

@ As Barbara said you have covered every point very well, and i see

btw i like point 6 No one likes to be lonely., it is so true in my case, i cant stay without talking to people more then 5 minute, i feel like i am half dead

By: Eric Hamm

Eric Hamm — Fri, 12 Sep 2008 11:09:19 +0000

@Barbara: Thank you so much for the kind words!

“Community is SO important. One thing with blogging, we can often help those who don’t feel connected in their real life. It’s a good feeling. ”

I couldn’t agree more with this.

By: Barbara Swafford

Barbara Swafford — Fri, 12 Sep 2008 07:07:14 +0000

Hi Eric,

What a great post. You’ve covered every reason I can think of, and some I didn’t think of until I read your words.

Community is SO important. One thing with blogging, we can often help those who don’t feel connected in their real life. It’s a good feeling.

I checked out your community page, What a grand idea. I’ll keep an eye on it and watch as it grows.

By: Eric Hamm

Eric Hamm — Fri, 12 Sep 2008 02:31:33 +0000

@Matt R: Like you, I’m more of an introvert, but have found that all people, in one form or another, do better when they have a community to support them.

By: Matt R.

Matt R. — Thu, 11 Sep 2008 15:35:42 +0000

I couldn’t agree more. I’m more of a person that makes a few really good close friends, but recently I’ve seen the befefits of creating a large group of close aquaintances, people who you do favors for without asking for anything in return, one day knowing that if you’re ever in a bind, they’ll be there for you too.