Fitting In vs. Belonging

Recently I came across content from Brené Brown, author of Atlas of the Heart, saying there is a vast difference in fitting in vs belonging, and I couldn't relate more. I wonder if most youths are spent trying to fit in, and ultimately feeling further isolated and awkward as a result. Does this future generation run a greater risk of what it means to "fit in", and as a parent what can I do to help my kids find how they belong in their community instead?

How are kids expected to find a place to belong within their communities, when outside of home, school, and organized activities, there doesn't seem to be much local content created specifically for them?

Hello Garbage Goat and Kid!

Garbage Goat and Kid sparked in my imagination when I took my newly one-year-old daughter to visit Garbage Goat for the first time. I wanted some kind of memento to document this unique Spokane tradition, but apart from a couple photos there wasn't anything tangible that ground this memory and serve as a reminder of the moment. Hence the idea of softening our Spokane's gruff Garbage Goat and giving him a free-hearted friend.

How does a children's book and nurturing a sense of belonging correlate?

Honoring a Legacy

In my twenties I met a quirky, pure-hearted friend who truly marched to her own drum. It was the first time I saw a peer who had enough confidence and security in herself that wherever she went and whatever she pursued, she attracted and inspired others to form confidence in the unique aspects of themselves. What can be more unique than a welding nun?

Spokane is lucky to have been home for most of Sister Paula Turnbull's life. Her ironic work is scattered throughout Spokane, and her most iconic and well-known work is Garbage Goat. Sister Turnbull's security within herself allowed her to practice her faith in a very extraordinary way, specifically combining artwork and welding. She modeled for all residents and visitors that the most impactful person you can be in your community is by fostering and sharing your passion.

What's my culture?

Define culture: "the customs, arts, social institutions, and achievements of a particular nation, people, or other social group."

When first meeting my husband, I told him I didn't think I had a very deep cultural connection, he challenged me by asking what kind of traditions I partook each year. I could easily list off dozens of things from huckleberry picking to apple picking. From celebrating tree-lightings to running races. From jumping in the lake to skiing down the mountain. I could see how big of a part the local seasons played in creating special customs that I had become so accustomed to that I couldn't see how others around me also shared in similar experiences. I belonged without knowing it.

Knowing

I first asked, how are kids expected to find a place to belong in their community? I think it is by building confidence and security in their home. Children experiencing and learning about the world right outside their front door is a natural expansion in their social development, but multi-generational bonds can be strengthened when a child can choose to hold a parent, grandparent, or teacher's hand when exploring these spaces.

Garbage Goat & Kid is full of small local adventures over the course of a year and highlights the fun experiences each season has to offer in Spokane. When reading through the book it will be an opportunity for not only children to reflect on some of the experience they share with Kid, but for older generations to realize that they too have, or can, experience these old Spokane traditions. We can teach belonging by leading by example and sharing the small special moments together. We can all learn from each other and together.

And as Garbage Goat says,

Explore! I'll be here waiting for you.