Member-only story
You Are Welcome Here
When was the last time you felt a sense of belonging?
Belonging is a basic human need. We all crave connection and acceptance, but unfortunately, not every community offers it. Some communities slam their doors making some people feel unwelcome and unwanted. But when a person hears the words, “You are welcome here” or you just know you belong and are openly welcome, you are able to be present with your whole self.
You are relaxed and appreciative. When was the last time you felt that deep in your soul? Think back to a time when you entered a place and immediately felt welcome. What did it feel like?
Take a moment to pause and think about that.
It seems that so many stereotypes and judgments stop people from opening their hearts to people. Why is that?
Are we spending too much time putting people into boxes and molds, wanting everyone to fit or look like us? And when someone doesn’t fit our imagined mold, they become an outlier or an outsider, right? What that really means is that they don’t belong in our circle. So we gently tiptoe around them.
Maybe you have been the outsider. I’ve been on both sides of the fence. I have struggled with welcoming everyone and I have stepped into spaces where I knew I didn’t belong and certainly wasn’t welcome.
