Brené Brown once said, “In the absence of belonging, there is always suffering.” Those words cut straight to the heart of what it means to be human. We are wired for connection, for community, and for a sense of belonging so deep it becomes part of our identity. Without it, life feels fragmented—like we’re standing outside in the cold, looking through a window at the warmth we long for but can’t quite touch.

For most of my life, that’s exactly how I felt. I carried the quiet ache of not truly fitting in. I felt unloved and unwanted – like I did not belong.

But now, something has shifted. I am fortunate to live in a community where I feel loved, valued, and celebrated—not for what I can do or how I perform, but simply for who I am. It’s more than inclusion; it’s belonging. For the first time in my life, I feel like I don’t have to try to belong—I just do.

This experience of belonging has transformed me. It’s like an inner sigh of relief, a grounding in my soul I didn’t even realize I was missing. Belonging gives me courage to show up authentically, to speak my truth, and to extend the same welcome to others. It’s a reminder that no one should have to live on the outside looking in.

If you’re still searching for that kind of connection, please don’t lose hope. You are worthy of belonging—not when you’ve done enough, changed enough, or earned enough, but right now, as you are. Sometimes, finding your people takes time, but when you do, it’s like the missing piece of your heart finally clicks into place.

Because in the presence of belonging, there is healing. There is joy. There is freedom. And we all deserve that.