Back in January of this year, I started my community for solopreneurs. It was born out of my own desire to bring more community into my life and that longing for day-to-day interactions with others that I miss most from my corporate days. I have loved the virtual gatherings that happen every week and the relationships and friendships that have developed these past six months.
But a few weeks ago was truly a peak experience within the community. I knew early on that I wanted in-person gatherings to be a part of the community, even while it is still a young community that is spread out across the states. This would not deter me and a few months ago I set the intention and the plan to meet officially for the first time IRL. Chicago. June 2024. Come hell or high water, there would be a meeting spot and a gathering space for members of the cul-de-sac.
And the buzz from that weekend is still coursing through me. I continue to marvel at the depth of conversation, the reminder of how we all hold the same questions and inquiries, and the longing it seemed like we were filling collectively by coming together. At times, our conversations blazed forward, other times they wove side-to-side, and sometimes meandered gently. It was the most beautiful ebb and flow of intentional togetherness I have experienced in a while.
Over the course of three gatherings across three days, we talked about the loneliness of solopreneurship, the uncertainty, the myths that confused us, the challenges we all face (alone, but simultaneously). We brainstormed, we complained, we contemplated, we reassured, we laughed, we shared vulnerably. It was, truly, a complete and heart-full human experience.
I had suspected it before, but it was a bright, shining reminder of how fiercely we want to be in close community (in person!) with others with whom we can have these long, important conversations and build close connections. We are simply not meant to travel this life-road alone.
And it was a call. A call for more togetherness. A call that reconfirmed my commitment to continue to gather those who, also, are seeking that community and connection.
