Finding Belonging: Community is critical to our growth

This past weekend, I had the privilege of facilitating a breath work and mindfulness session for a women’s community. While driving home from it, I was struck by the power of community and how, in different spaces, we can find deep connections when we allow ourselves to be vulnerable, open, and present.

I’m part of two volunteer communities that, on the surface, seem worlds apart. One is a group dedicated to women in construction, and the other is focused on supporting women in their journey to change their relationship with alcohol.

Both communities are rooted in the same core need: a desire for connection and a safe place to be seen and heard.

The construction community (Women On Site) was founded by young women who recognized the isolation that many women in the industry face. Construction, as we know, is a male-dominated field, and women often encounter unique challenges. Feelings of being an imposter, not being "one of the guys," or facing outright exclusion are common.

These women created a space where there’s always "a seat at their table"—a tagline that perfectly captures the heart of their mission. When I first came across this community, I knew I wanted to be part of it. Having started in construction back in 2005, I saw firsthand the lack of female-specific support. There were mentors, but no real community where women could come together and share their experiences.

Last year, I reached out and asked how I could help. That led to me facilitating mindfulness sessions at one of their camp events. Over two days, I met incredible women and made lasting connections. Being part of that event brought so much joy. There’s something deeply fulfilling about helping create space where people can breathe, reflect, and just be.

On the other side, in my work with women who are redefining their relationship with alcohol with She Walks Canada and the Uncovery Community, I see the same need for connection. These women come together, often feeling isolated in their journey, unsure if anyone really understands what they’re going through. But as we sit together every Wednesday, talk, and listen, we realize that we’re not alone. The shared experience of isolation—whether it’s in a male-dominated industry or in sobriety—brings us together. We begin to let our shoulders down as we relate to one another’s stories, bit by bit.

In both spaces, I have the honour of holding space for women—listening, sharing, and facilitating their healing. I’ve walked the path of overwhelming stress, feeling isolated, and believing I wasn’t good enough. I’ve worked through my own journey of sobriety, without community.  I’ve found my way out, and now I have the opportunity and responsibility to share what I’ve learned.

These communities, whether in construction or sobriety, remind us that no matter how alone we may feel, there’s always someone who understands. There’s always a seat at the table. And sometimes, all it takes is one conversation, one connection, to remind us that we’re not navigating life’s challenges on our own.

If you are a woman or know a woman who works in constriction and could benefit from community I encourage you to check out Women On Site .

If you are a women or know a woman who wants to change their relationship with alcohol, check out She Walks Canada or message me for how to navigate the process.

If you need help finding a community on your own, reply to this and I’ll help you with some other options!

Breathe it in, Be Deliberate, and please be good to yourself!

Chelsea

aka The Deliberate One