Editor's Letter: The Power of Community & Human Connection (Plus What's Trending On 30Seconds This Week) by Elisa Schmitz


Editor's Letter: The Power of Community & Human Connection (Plus What's Trending On 30Seconds This Week)

During some very dark days of the pandemic, it seemed like fear, illness and death were winning. The news was filled with grim updates that made it seem as though life as we knew it may forever be changed.

Then science and health-care heroes shone a bright light that pierced the veil of darkness with hope. Vaccines rolled out, creating a path through the misery.

I was so grateful when it was our turn to get our shots. (You can read about my first vaccine experience and my second vaccine experience.) And not only did we get vaccinated, I also made a friend.

Claire was the nurse that I met briefly at my first vaccination, when she spontaneously posed for a photo as I was passing by. Even in that brief instant, I felt her energy and she felt mine – as we smiled from behind our masks.

After my second vaccination, Claire was the nurse that watched over me as we chatted in the post-vaccination observation area. When the ABC-TV news crew appeared, it was Claire who recommended they interview me. And after my interview, it was I who insisted they interview her. We had known each other only a few minutes, and yet we both wanted each other’s energy to be captured and shared – to inspire others.

Afterward, Claire found me through 30Seconds and sent me an email. An email exchange led to a couple of phone calls, where we learned even more about each other and our families. The next thing I knew, Claire, who had shared her passion for pottery with me, sent me a box filled with handmade pottery treasures she had made. These works of art included a colorful assortment of stunning vases and pots adorned with dragonflies, ribbons and “hope,” which now add warmth and joy to my home.

As part of my thank you to Claire, I sent her a package of 30Seconds tribe gear – not nearly as awesome as handmade pottery, but it was a start, and my way of welcoming her to our community of those who come to inspire and be inspired. Because, Claire is truly an inspiration. I am grateful that we connected and look forward to growing our friendship.

I share this not only because it is a story about the power of human connection, but also because it is a story about building community – no matter where you are or what you’re doing. I have been building communities my whole life; it’s just part of what I do.

Why?

Because we can learn something from everyone we meet, and we should never stop learning.

Because we can draw strength from each other, and we are much stronger together than we are on our own.

Because we can be inspired in unexpected ways, then pass on that inspiration to others.

Because we can grow from each and every interaction, and we should never stop growing.

How can you help build community? We can’t wait to find out!

Here's What's Trending On 30Seconds This Week

Want to Contribute?

If you have some inspiration you'd like to share, we invite you to join our tribe and become a 30Seconds contributor. On 30Seconds, we realize that time is your most precious resource, and we’ll help you make the most of it. We look forward to having you join our thriving community. You can learn more about me at ElisaSchmitz.com, and get my inspiration for achieving career and life success at BecomeTheFire.com.

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We work with companies we feel good about. To learn more, get in touch with us at info@30seconds.com.

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Tribe
What a great story of friendship. I try to make friends wherever I can, too. You never know who you'll meet or how they'll touch your life.
Donna John
What a beautiful story! It's funny how some people come into our lives. Two beautiful souls meeting in an unfortunate situation. I look forward to your editor's letter every week. Elisa A. Schmitz 30Seconds
Elisa Schmitz
Thank you so much! Claire is very special and I’m grateful we connected in this way. Even when it’s dark, we have to find the light. It’s the only way through. Thank you for helping me build community, Donna John ! Tribe 🙏🏼
Cassiday
We are nothing without each other. I find the best way to build community is by giving back, volunteering, helping out. 💗
Elisa Schmitz
Donna John , check out the beautiful photo Claire sent me, rocking her 30Seconds tribe gear (I updated the post to include it). She is such a bright light in this world!
Dieter Schmitz
Claire brought such care and patience to Elisa A. Schmitz 30Seconds and me for our COVID vaccines!
Elisa Schmitz
She really did, Dieter Schmitz . We were so lucky to be under her care, and to have made a new friend at the same time. :-)
paulvijaylal
Thank you so much!
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