Set aside your fears, introduce yourself, participate, and have fun!

I have an exciting post for you today!

First is a delightful guest post from my dear bloggy friend Theresa over at Faerie Moon Creations. For those of you who didn’t recognize it was her blog that I featured over in Monday’s puzzle. I asked Theresa if she would write about community for us because I thought she is the very best embodiment of that word! Everywhere she goes she is fostering connections and sharing her finds with the world at large. In a very short amount of time she has built a thriving on line business and developed her own unique community of artisans and magical thinkers. Her tribe is warm and welcoming due in great part to her generosity of spirit and ability to find whimsy in every corner.

We are lucky to have her insights and the invitation to meet others from her community!!

Following Theresa’s post is a little announcement about our friend Jingle’s BIG giveaway extravaganza. We both are giving something away as part of the fun so you won’t want to miss that!

Take it away Theresa, I’m delighted to have you as a guest of Bliss Habits!

 

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“We cannot live only for ourselves. A thousand fibers connect us with our fellow men.” ~Herman Melville

Here at Bliss Habits, community is defined as “sharing, participation and fellowship.” I really like that definition because it truly does sum up what community means to me. When I was young, I didn’t feel like I belonged to any “community”. I was very shy (and to an extent still am) and felt more comfortable keeping to myself. I preferred standing at the water’s edge instead of leaping into the inviting waves. Many times fear overtook my desire to “be.” But as I’ve grown older, I have come to welcome and embrace community for all that it offers.

There is a favorite television show of mine called “Community.” It centers around a lawyer who got disbarred after fabricating his law degree and the ragtag study group he “accidentally” forms – including a salty student trying to get her life back on track, a millionaire on a voyage of self-discovery, a young straight-laced student, a former high school star quarterback, a single mother attempting to jump-start her baking business, and a very quirky film student. Not only is this show witty and often hilarious, but in its own unusual way it shows how an unlikely group of individuals can come together to form a common bond.

Two years ago I made the decision to begin writing a blog and also sell my handmade jewelry and art on etsy. I was terrified at the thought of joining two of the biggest and most influential online communities, but I bravely set my fears aside and jumped in. Of course, I was plagued by insecurities and thoughts such as “will anyone want to purchase my creations,” “will they want to read my blog,” “what if they laugh at me.” But I was overjoyed to discover that I was warmly welcomed into both communities with open arms. What an extraordinary feeling it was! Here I was so shy and nervous – only to discover that people wanted to know me and accepted me for who I was. With my new-found confidence, I created a Facebook page for my shop and blog. And then I joined twitter. On etsy, I participate in a number of teams and enjoy adding artisans both known and unknown to my growing community circle.

 

I feel so welcomed in the blogging and artisan community. It quickly awakened in me a confidence to succeed and a deep desire to give back by helping others succeed. I love introducing the talents of others – and I do so by sharing their work on twitter, Facebook, and on my blog. Another way of sharing the gifts of my community is by showcasing their work through etsy treasury collections. This is a great way to meet new people and continuing to build community by connecting artisans and sellers.

Of course, not everyone is going to be as enthusiastic about community as you are. You are sure to occasionally encounter negativity and perhaps even jealousy. Perhaps someone will leave you a nasty comment or maybe stop following your tweets, Facebook or blog. It happens; and although it hurts, there will be others waiting in the wings who want to join you, offer you support, and share in your community. Try not to take things personally. The benefits of being part of a community far outweigh the negatives.

There are a number of fun ways that you can foster community – whether it be in your actual “physical” community or online:

• Start a book club! Book free space at your local book store or coffee shop – or create one online.
• Create a blog party! Pick a theme – any theme! Then invite others to play!
• Initiate a Facebook “Fan” page! The choice is yours, really. You can create a page for your favorite television show or music group. Don’t feel like creating one yourself? There are plenty already available to choose from!
• Join an Etsy Circle or Team! You don’t have to be a seller to participate. Circles are all about forming relationships and discovering new artisans and friends. There are thousands of teams devoted to common themes and likes – just pick one…or even two. Many teams embrace consumers as well as creators.
• Don’t be afraid to create treasuries on etsy. What a great way to discover new artisans and make friends! Again, you don’t have to be a seller to do this. Just pick your favorite goodies and group them together.
• Create a nature walk group in your neighborhood. What a great way to foster community while appreciating the great outdoors.

This is just a small sampling of things. The possibilities are truly endless! I really enjoy being part of a community that I love. And I hope that you, too, will find a community that speaks to you. Set aside your fears, introduce yourself, participate, and have fun!

Here are some members of my etsy community who you might enjoy visiting:

Here are some members from my blogging community who you might enjoy visiting:

Whatever type of community you choose to join, be sure in your heart that is the right one for you. Embrace it and actively participate…you will be most happy you did!

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Thank you so much Theresa!

You can find Theresa over on her blog Welcome to My World and in her Faerie Moon Goddess ETSY Shop. If you liked her thoughts on community, why don’t you stop by and tell her! While you are shopping in her ETSY shop… feel free to pick up one of my favorites:

Now on to the announcement. Our dear friend Jingle of Just Jingle is approaching her 1000th follower on her fabulous little blog Just Jingle and for the occasion has decided to sponsor a giveaway day. Both Theresa and I have provided prizes for the event and we would like to encourage you to stop by Jingle’s blog for all the details.

I have also decided that in conjunction with Jingle’s Extravaganza, I am going to host my own giveaway for everyone who follows or is following Bliss Habits. In this giveaway, you can win a $25 gift certificate to spend in the ETSY shop of your choice. That’s right, those beautiful things you saw in Theresa’s ETSY shop could be yours for entering…

Check out the Bliss Habits/Just Jingle Giveaway Extravaganza giveaway HERE!