Finding Your Sunshine: Building a Community You Love

Remember the time you moved across the country with two little ones, and the biggest worry was them feeling lonely? Yeah, me too. We traded Maryland winters for Florida sunshine, but friendships weren't exactly part of the beach package.

Fast forward three years, and guess what? We have an incredible community! Not only did our Maryland crew hold strong, but we found amazing friends here in Florida too.

Making friends as an adult, let's be honest, can feel like climbing Mount Everest in flip-flops. But trust me, the view from the top is worth the climb. Here's what helped me (and my family!) find our sunshine:

1. Be a ray of sunshine yourself. I met my bestie by the pool, her infectious energy impossible to resist. Turns out, our husbands get along famously, and our kids are practically best buds. The lesson? Smile, introduce yourself, and be genuinely friendly. Even if it feels awkward, you never know who you might connect with.

2. Ditch the small talk, embrace the real you. Don't fake it till you make it. Be open, be vulnerable (it's okay to not always be okay!), and let people see the real you. Sharing your genuine self paves the way for deeper connections, and those who resonate with the real you will become your true tribe.

3. Be intentional, not accidental. Life gets busy, but friendships need nurturing. Schedule playdates, invite families over, and make time for genuine connection. Remember, it's not just about the kids; adults need their tribe too.

The magic happens when you put yourself out there. It might not always click, and that's okay. But when you find your people, the connections are life-changing.

My son was feeling sad this year on his birthday because his Cha Cha (grandma) wasn't around. But our tribe stepped up in incredible ways. Despite having a jam-packed day, one of our friends drove an hour to spend time with him. Another surprised us by purchasing the birthday donuts we had ordered. And during his basketball game, the entire team rallied around him, making him feel loved and supported, even if he didn't score.

These moments, these connections, these are the gifts of community. So, put on your sunshine smile, be your authentic self, and start building your tribe. You might be surprised by the beautiful friendships that blossom along the way.