I’ve been struggling over what to write for this issue, as I have so many things I want to talk about.
I’ve actually already written a 550-word piece about stress in life and how to deal with it, as someone close to me is going through some difficult challenges. But then, after reading Pete Zubersky’s introduction to our Men To Watch feature and all the other perspectives from the men in our community talking about life, careers and inspirations, I felt I had to write about “community.”
So, what makes up a great community? Is it the architecture? The people? The scenery? The gathering places? When I was a little girl growing up in the Maritimes, it was the park at the end of our street, where we had an ice rink in the winter; the local church, where we had Brownies; the public school I went to; and our favourite gathering place, the beach, where we boiled clams we’d dug that day.
I think about what was important back then, and it was the sense that you lived somewhere safe with nice places to go and play. I don’t think it’s much different now, but what has changed is where those places can be found. As the prevalence of online communities grows, this question becomes more and more relevant and worth reflecting upon. In fact, the notion of community itself seems to have changed due to the growth of Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and many more. Add to that all the various apps and online games and things do get confusing!
Still, it seems natural to think there is something that makes some communities good, and others not so good. Many wonder whether the loss of a real connection in online communities makes them inferior. Have we lost the ability to form communities in the real world? I don’t think so, but it is a question worth asking.
I’m of the opinion that many Canadians are shifting back to the idea that neighbourhoods should include a shared outdoor space, where communing with nature and each other goes hand- in- hand. It’s kind of like going back home, so to speak.
I have the privilege every month to provide content in the magazine that speaks about the Saanich Peninsula community – speaks about our home. We have become the “community spirit” in every sense of the word and every day I feel honoured to be able to do this and help connect the people of our community together in one place.
The good news is, if you need an escape, you’re holding it in your hands. Every month, Seaside Magazine offers you a mini-escape from the harsh realities of life. Whether it’s a glimpse of local people, places and ideas, it’s what’s happening in our community. But before moving forward with this issue – 80 pages to get through this month! – get yourself comfortable. Allow yourself a good chunk of time, maybe an hour or so. Sit down. Put your feet up. Turn off your phone. Turn off the TV. Turn off the computer. Relax. Are you settled? Good. Go slow. Get lost in each page.
Now, begin your journey and enjoy reading about your community …
