Community

Following the challenging past week, I’m not sure what I would have done without the people who were here for me. If there is one thing I recommend to anyone getting out of a bad marriage, especially under circumstances where they isolated you for years, is to build your community. This is my present one, which I happened upon by chance:

This morning, I woke up filled with gratitude. I am living in a tight knit community where people are humble and kind to one another. I’ve never lived anywhere like it. I grew up in a wealthy suburb and always ventured out with my camera to explore Miami’s hidden underbelly on my own. This neighborhood was my favorite place to visit. I don’t think it was a coincidence that I ended up here or that I reached out to who I did. As cliche as it sounds, I believe in fate and in the signs the universe lays out for us everywhere.

I happened to rent a place in an AirBnB that functions like a constant scene out of Eat, Pray, Love. There are people always meditating, gardening, talking, and cohabitating. Peace permeates the air around us. Everyone is environmentally conscious and determined to make an intentional space for themselves. Anytime of day, you can walk out to someone meditating, working out, or to discussions about healthy food, cooking, relationships and culture.

There are dogs and cats running around, which as an animal lover, make me feel at home. There are even chickens next door because the neighbors like to eat organic eggs. I no longer use an alarm because a rooster likes to welcome me into each day and I love it. A lady I met comes to feed all the stray cats twice a day. The owners who I now consider friends, go on their walks to assist elderly neighbors with tasks they can no longer complete at home without help. This place and its people have become a safe haven. I’m hoping to find a job and apartment nearby when I’m ready.

I drove to the bookstore today because it has always been my home away from home. There is nothing I enjoy more than to be surrounded by books while I work. When I walk in, I receive a knowing glance from other regulars. It’s so important to carve out your spaces. If you like having a cortadito in Miami, become a regular at one so the lady and the Cuban men in their guayaberas at the counter grow to expect you. If you prefer solitude, drive to the beach.

Make your presence known on this planet. I know it’s hard at first. We get so used to walking on eggshells and retreating into a quiet space but there is no safety there. Find the courage to reach out to people you love. If they aren’t around, establish new ones. Every person you run into is longing for connection. There was a girl who came to Miami for surgery and was upset she was too weak to do her own hair. I walked in and did it for her. We have since become friends. It’s that simple. Today she texted me how happy she was to see me smiling. I melted. People can be so lovely. Remember that as you venture into your next chapter.