Lately I’ve been thinking a lot about community, not just the big one we all live in, but the many micro-communities that shape our days, lift our spirits, and give our lives purpose.
When we hear the word “community”, we often picture the whole of our town within Sonoma County, mine being Healdsburg. We think of our neighborhoods, our schools, our businesses, our shared town pride. But within that larger circle are dozens of smaller circles that enrich our lives in ways we don’t always stop to acknowledge.
For me, one of those is my tennis community. Between my Wikiup teams and the social groups I play with, these are people who celebrate a great shot, laugh off the missed ones, and show up for the simple joy of tennis fun. It’s amazing how a couple of sets can remind you how good it feels to belong.
Another is my beloved Rotary Club of Healdsburg, a group of about 60 people who all share one guiding principle: Service Above Self. For ninety minutes each week, we come together with a shared purpose, and no matter what kind of day you’re having, you walk out feeling uplifted, inspired, and grateful for the familiar faces who greet you with warmth. The work continues outside of that Monday afternoon, and that’s where the real work happens.
And of course, there’s my Luxe Places International Realty community, our agents, and our partners in this ever-changing world of Northern California real estate. These are people who have chosen to be part of our company, and to trust our vision. That’s a community I hold especially close.
But community is bigger than clubs or teams or businesses. It’s the neighbors who wave from their porches, the barista who remembers your order, the fellow business owners downtown who celebrate each other’s successes. It’s the friend who gives you a hug when you need it, and the stranger who brightens your day with a simple, genuine smile.
As time goes on, these micro-communities feel even more meaningful. They remind us that we don’t have to navigate life alone. Humans are wired for connection, and being part of something, no matter how big or small, makes a real difference in our sense of belonging and joy.
Whether it’s a garden club, a running group, a church community, a fitness studio, or a circle of colleagues, your communities matter. They anchor you. They support you. They enrich your life in ways you may not even realize until you pause to reflect.
This month, I’m celebrating every community I’m lucky enough to be part of, and I encourage you to reflect on yours, too.
Because at the end of the day, community isn’t just where we live.
It’s who we live it with.
