Belonging~ One of the Basic Needs of Man

One day while walking, I met a lady who at the time, lived in our large community. She had placed her charming home up for sale as she told me she was moving to the Active Adult Community nearby. Why? Sadly she told her story...she had loved talking to the young neighbors when they were out with their children. She felt she was making friend, even though she was the only senior. When time came for the friends on her street to host a baby shower for one of the young moms, with hurt and sadness she related that she was not invited. "How I would have loved going to a baby shower," she said.

That was the day she decided to move. She needed to feel she belonged. I felt her pain.

Our community had lost a beautiful person because she felt alone living on her street. Our community had failed to meet her needs.

Was soon afterwards at a neighborhood picnic, I met a delightful retired couple who lives across the way and remarked that we need a way to get the retired people together. We needed a social group just to bring our age group together. They agreed that would be a great idea.

The following Newsletter for our community, I posted a notice for an "Over 50 Social Group" and was delighted with the response.

These notices continued to post in the Newsletter for more than a year, however, found a personal invitation to join was best.
A personal invitation to join a Over 50, can be a bit touchy. That in itself could lead to insulting someone..."Hello, I would like for you to join our Over 50 group..." What if they are age sensitive and think they look younger?

Finally, we learned how bet to manage this. If a new neighbor mentions they are retired, that opens the door.. I say, "by the way, when one of you reaches age 50, you are eligible to join our Social Group here in our neighborhood." That approach keeps me us out of trouble. Haven't been socked yet and have brought aboard some totally delightful people

Our group is into our third year, and have formed very close bonds with fun and fabulous "Seniors."
As a group, we enjoy a pot luck supper monthy and lively conversation. The warmness of the homes is preferred to restaurants.

We love living here with our friends who are peppered throughout this large community of 527 homes. I smile to know we have built in a wonderful sense of belonging. We belong to our community. The community belongs to us.

Belonging ~ one of the basic needs of man and follows the most basic need of man~ Survival.
Belonging to family, social groups, work groups, church, clubs, etc. beings a warm happiness into our inner being. Hope your sense of belonging is full to the brim.

June Daab