Even when you’ve made the healthiest choice for your nervous system… even when the boundary is clear and necessary…loneliness can still feel like a punch to the gut. But the truth is—belonging is part of healing. And you don’t have to be whole to be welcomed.

I think serving together builds connection in a way that feels natural, grounded, and sustainable, especially for women who experience social anxiety, busy lives, or hesitation around traditional networking spaces. Volunteering has helped me break into communities as a person who isn't comfortable with small talk or starting conversation with strangers. Most times I have given back, there hasn't been a continuance of community with the people I work alongside. Instead it's a