There was a time, not too long ago, when people didn’t need apps to connect.
They had firesides.
In every village, people would gather around the crackling fire—elders sharing stories, children listening wide-eyed, friends reflecting on their day. These weren’t just moments of warmth and light; they were community. They were connection. A place to belong.
Fast forward to the digital age.
We swapped firesides for timelines. We gained access to millions but lost the intimacy of a few. We could talk to someone across the world with a single click, but struggled to talk to the person next door. Our lives became more efficient, but often less human.
Then came COVID.
The pandemic forced us apart—and pushed us further online. Zoom calls replaced office chatter. Livestreams stood in for concerts. Digital spaces became the only spaces. At first, it felt like innovation. Then it started to feel like isolation.
And that’s when something interesting happened.
We began to crave what we once had.
Not just connection—but real, human, physical presence.
People started seeking each other out again. But this time, they didn’t just want to “hang out.” They wanted purpose. Intention. Belonging.
The modern community meetup was born.
The Rise of the New Fireside
Today, it’s painting sessions in art cafés.
It’s 7am fitness meetups that end with coffee and conversation.
It’s book clubs on rooftops, DJ nights with strangers who become friends, and quiet coworking sessions where productivity feels communal.
It’s entrepreneurs gathering to share wins, vent frustrations, and dream bigger.
It’s not nostalgia—it’s necessity.
These modern-day tribes are our attempt to remember that we are not just users, followers, or subscribers. We are people. And we thrive in proximity to others who see us, get us, and grow with us.
My Communities, My Catalysts
I speak from experience.
I’ve found myself in rooms where nobody knew my name, but everyone understood my path. From the Attic Chapter, a space for young, driven entrepreneurs, to Arata, an accountability community that has redefined how I approach my work and discipline. From my gym tribe that pushes me physically, to Enkare Oltau, a volunteering community that grounds me in service—every one of these spaces has shaped me.
They’ve given me more than support. They’ve offered perspective.
I’ve learned from people ahead of me, mentored those a few steps behind, and discovered friendships I never expected. In these rooms, we share resources, trade wisdom, and remind each other that we’re not building alone.
Why Community Still Matters
In a world that moves fast and often feels loud, community slows us down. It invites depth over noise. Presence over performance.
It’s where you can show up without a filter.
Ask questions without judgment.
Dream bigger—because someone else already sees it in you.
If you’ve been feeling disconnected, scattered, or just tired of scrolling endlessly, maybe it’s time to find your tribe ,your people.
Look for the communities where people speak your language. Join the spaces that energize you, not just entertain you. And if you can’t find one—create it. Because someone out there is looking for it too.
Learning never stops.
Take a moment to reflect and act on what resonates with you.
Keep Shinning.
