I recently had the privilege of attending an awesome celebration event at a local community college here in Memphis. Prior to the start of the event, one of the people with whom I was sitting that shared his concept of what he believes it means for a person to “belong.” His example was focused on the workplace, but the same concepts seem transferable to other situations – neighborhoods, communities, families, sports teams, schools, fraternities and sororities. His use of the word belong seemed to indicate a person feeling comfortable and valued within the context of a safe, secure environment. After some discussion, he even expounded on the post-belonging feeling and jokingly said at some point you’re expected to start contributing to the environment which supports everyone feeling like they belong.
For years now I have felt like I belong at the Corps of Engineers. To help support this culture of belonging, one of the things I like to do is give stuff away after returning from a trip. In doing this, because we often bring back something happy, fun, or interesting from a trip, I feel like I’m sharing some of the joy from my journey – no matter how large or small the gift and no matter how exciting or mundane the trip (most of my trips would not qualify as exciting). In turn, this act of sharing passes along something small to others and helps give them a good feeling because they know someone has thought about them.
Another thing I like to do at work occasionally is bring in food. It’s often something I’ve smoked or grilled over the weekend (pork sliders, smoked bread pudding, burnt ends, pork ribs, smoked Chex mix, etc.). I usually bring something I’ve cooked to work as part of a larger effort at my house, essentially making extra to share with others at work.
Whether you want to call it “making someone’s day” or paying it forward, small acts of kindness in the form of sharing are so important to helping people feel like they belong. It brings joy to their lives and gives them a good feeling. But you don’t have to bring back gifts from trips or bring in homemade food to help create this environment. There are other ways of sharing which help people feel valued and safe. You can ask someone how their family is doing. You can recognize a person for a job well done (no matter how large or small the person’s contribution). One of the easiest ways to help a person feel accepted and appreciated is to share an affirmation with them about something he or she did or said. These acts of sharing can really boost a person’s confidence and self-esteem.
So, the next time you’re on a trip and you stop at Bucee’s or some other place, consider buying some extra snacks for the folks back at work. Or the next time you’re making your favorite pie, make two so you can take one to work. Sharing is a great way to help support the culture of belonging every single day. Thanks for stopping by!
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