Sense of Belonging
Sense of belonging is the feeling of security and support when there is a sense of acceptance, inclusion, and identity for a member of a community or a group. A sense of belonging fosters community cohesion and cooperation, which could lead to a stronger community. Also, a shared sense of belonging can contribute to more harmony and understanding. In short, a sense of belonging is crucial for overall emotional health, fostering positive social dynamics, and community development.
I think this gonna be a short writing from me because I’m lost of word…
I went to a completely different environment in college. All of my best friends and close friends went to a different uni, it was a fresh start. So to make new friends and to find my new home I decided to apply in a lot of activities — in Indonesian university we called it program kerja (proker) or basically a program in an organization. It was so fun and I got to meet a lot new great people. But, I end up falling in love with this one organization.
Every person in this organization have a lot of similarities, but the most importantly this organization support and empower freedom to think and to act — something that is a little hard to find in Indonesia. That’s why we called this organization our safe place. We can be ourself in this organization without them judging us or hating on us, this was everything that I’m searching for. Because of that, this organization make us have this sense of belonging, make us have a we feeling.
But it didn’t last long, along the way I think we’re falling apart. People outside of our organization think that our organization are exclusive because every single one of us here are a really good friends, which they’re not completely wrong. As well as that, people outside our organization think that we lost our purpose, which they’re not wrong either, I think we didn’t have any legacy and that’s also why a lot of people don’t know our existence too. And the worst part of it, a lot of people in this organization did not realize that, they always thought that people outside this organization are the one who are treated us unfairly.
I confronted those problem to our leaders, but they didn’t even bother, they didn’t even concern about those. That sense of belonging make me tried my best to restore our reputation by joining other programs and promote my organization. I don’t want other people think that our organization is shit and I don’t want people who have authority dismiss us. But I can’t do this alone, it get more and more tiring over time. I give up…
I sacrificed a lot to be in here. There are a lot of opportunities that I declined to be with them. There are a lot of things that are more beneficial to do than to do things with them. But I chose them, I focus on them and leave everything for them. Nevertheless, I’m not regretting any of these…
It comes to the point that a journey that once filled with passion and love no longer resonates the same vibe — vibrancy. ‘I give up’ doesn’t mean I surrender, it’s a realization that love and passion persist but are now overshadowed by the compelling need for personal growth. To me, the decision to step away from something you once loved is not a betrayal but rather an act of self-love. The decision to give up is NOT a conclusion, rather it marks the beginning of new chapter — one where growth is the guiding star and the journey continues to unfold with endless possibilities.
I will always love you owlets🖤 See you on top!
