I am writing this blog with a fresh cup of coffee in my hand.
Oh, there is nothing better than COFFEE. However, I have to admit something to you. I am not a fan of Starbucks coffee. I would rather have a hot caramel latte from McDonald’s, a French Vanilla cup from WaWa, coffee from my local diner or the wonderful fresh ground deliciousness I make at home. Starbucks is most likely my least favorite. It is bitter tasting, too strong or too weak, and WAY too expensive. Don’t hate me Starbucks lovers!
So why has Starbucks become such a phenomenon? Why do people spend the type of money they do on Starbucks? Well, one is that we are creatures of habit and after a few cups of anything we are hooked. Most importantly, it is because Starbucks has done a marvelous job of creating a product that promotes community.
Most of us love the culture and community that comes along with Starbucks. We love ordering the cool drinks with the fun, hip baristas and meeting our best friends, future business partners or significant others in that trendy shop. We love the conversations, the collaborations and most importantly, the community that comes out of having coffee in that place. We feel like we belong when we step into a Starbucks and it is safe. Most of us thrive off interacting with the ones we love and what better way then to do that over conversation where our only distraction is coffee.
Starbucks is also convenient and located on almost every corner. If all else fails, let’s just meet up at Starbucks. You know the feeling, right? It is not for the coffee- it is for the community.
Community can be defined in several ways (94 to be exact). A unified body of individuals, people with common interests, or an interacting population. In common terms, community is a place of belonging. Although, we enjoy our lone moments each one of us crave to be a part of something bigger than ourselves. We want to find other people who are like minded, have our same passions, and view life similarly. We want to be a part of a group that goes to church, loves to speak French, enjoys kayaking or in my case, loves the arts. We migrate to people who share that common ground and we build relationships, niches and families. When we experience community, we experience being a part of something we love. Although, we crave community it is also very hard work. We must drop the facades and build genuine, authentic relationships so that this community is not a farce but a journey of people doing life together, making each other better.
What does community bring us?
Laughter-Tears-Learning-Adventure-Challenges-Joy-Diversity-New Doors-Common Goals and so much more!
What community are you a part of? Where do you belong? What group of people make you a better person? I encourage you to satisfy your craving and walk among people that are your community, your family.
I know Central Florida Community Arts has changed my life, what will change yours?
Back to my coffee…..
Much Love, JV