Goodness Weekly 1.27.25

“We don’t accomplish anything in this world alone…and whatever happens is the result of the whole tapestry of one’s life and all the weavings of individual threads from one to another that creates something.”
-Sandra Day O’Connor

What’s Good

We had a fantastic turnout for our DreamWeek event, with a full house brimming with energy and connection. Each speaker shared deeply personal stories that resonated with attendees, highlighting the importance of coming together as neighbors and as a city. The evening was a powerful reminder of the strength found in shared experiences and the transformative potential of the Global Human Flourishing Program. Take a moment to relive the event by listening to the full recording on YouTube.

*Pastora Norma Fuentes Quintero, El Templo Cristiano and Kayla Carter, For Her*
*A Dreamweek 2025 Event hosted by Sunset Ridge Collective and For Her*

No Person is an Island

Jess Lowry, Executive Director, Sunset Ridge Collective

Have you ever noticed a theme or topic that keeps surfacing in different areas of your life? For me lately, it’s been the importance of social connection and the growing issue of loneliness.

It’s ironic. We live in an age where we can be instantly connected through technology, yet loneliness has reached epidemic levels. People are spending more time at home than ever before. I’ll admit, when I finally get home at the end of a long day, it takes a lot to get me back out. I often feel relieved when plans are canceled. While I deeply value intentional times of solitude, I’ve noticed myself withdrawing more over the past couple of years. According to research, I’m not alone in this.

Here’s the challenge: intentional solitude is good for us, but the self-isolation many of us are slipping into isn’t. We’re relying on technology to manufacture connection, but instead of feeling less lonely or more fulfilled, the opposite is happening.

We are wired for connection. And in a time when “othering” has become far too easy, we need to relearn how to live as a village.

Experts say true connection requires sacrifice. A social media post, a Facebook comment, or even a text message doesn’t cost us much. These interactions can’t replace the deeper connections that come from giving our time or resources to others.

Neighboring Our Way to Flourishing,
A Dreamweek 2025 Event hosted by Sunset Ridge Collective and For Her

This week, I invite you to reflect on your own web of connection. Start by writing down the names of people you feel connected to. Then, draw a line to anyone you’ve recently sacrificed time or resources for. This could be listening to a struggle they’re going through, sharing a cup of coffee, or bringing them soup when they are sick.

Take a look at your web. What does it reveal? Where might you be more intentional in connecting with those around you? Are there opportunities to build new connections?

Living like a village also means engaging with people who don’t think or live exactly as we do. It means encountering others as human beings worthy of time and attention—whether we’re at the grocery store, a coffee shop, the park, or wherever life takes us. Through these connections, we can rediscover empathy, tolerance, and compassion.

And here’s the beautiful part: as we build these connections, we’ll also find ourselves more fulfilled, resilient, and joyful.

May it be so.

Love,

Jess

A Look at February

*Katie Best-Richmond, HE Butt Foundation and Taryn Tipton, For Her*
*A Dreamweek 2025 Event hosted by Sunset Ridge Collective and For Her*

Second Saturday - Saturday, Feb 8th
Betty’s Co on Campus - Feb 13th-19th
Offices and One Another Coffee Closed - Monday, Feb 17th, President’s Day

Event Rentals - Interested in hosting your event at Charis Park or in our facilities? We are currently booking for 2025–please email rentals@sunset-ridge.org

Community Partners: For updated schedules and events please follow One Another Coffee, Sunset Ridge Farmers Market, NYX Wellness, Scott’s Pizza, Mission Compost, Sprouts School, Good Acres, Community First Food Pantry, and Betty’s Co.