I do like a bit of word play. A crash landing. A close distance. Seriously funny. A community of strangers. I especially like the last example. Let me tell you why.
I remember the first time I visited a Together I’mPossible event. It was early 2023, and I went to see a friend tell her story of how she had overcome personal tragedy to form her own business to help others develop emotional resilience. To be honest, I was completely blown away by what I had heard. Firstly, it takes huge courage to stand in front of a room full of strangers and tell them a personal story. More noticeably, however, I sensed a marked shift in the energy of the room after both speakers of the evening had finished. There was an instant feeling of camaraderie and support, but, other than one of the speakers, I knew nobody there. I was a stranger to them, and they were strangers to me, but I felt welcomed in like an old friend.
Together I’mPossible
So, what is Together I’mPossible? Together I’mPossible is a CIC founded by Linda Archer and Sukhee Munkhchulun. It is a monthly event in which individuals share their unique stories to encourage and inspire those around them. The idea is that each person we meet in life has a story which is theirs and theirs alone, but we may never get to know what that story is if it is not shared. From the events that I have attended, I have heard inspiring tales of entrepreneurship, resilience and world travel, to name but a few. Each month is different, and I am always keen to know what chapter of someone’s life will be revealed to me and how it can inspire me to grow.
It should be noted that the effort both Linda and Sukhee go to each month is commendable. From the chocolates placed on the tables for attendees to nibble on, to the conscious effort both of them make to connect people who may otherwise pass each other on the street. Together, Linda and Sukhee have created a compassionate, constructive community of sharers, doers and enablers. And they do all of this on top of their working lives and family commitments. The company recently celebrated its second birthday, which is a testament to their community spirit and initiative.
I am pleased to say that I have also presented at a Together I’mPossible event. For months, I was like a nervous substitute waiting on the benches, half wanting to be asked, half wanting to continue sitting on the sidelines. And yet you never know how well you can actually play until you get on the pitch. Preparing my presentation made me reflect and identify my own story, which turned out to be one of re-entry shock after years of living abroad. I can quite honestly say that had I not been asked to present, I would probably still be working out what my story is, and how it might benefit someone in some way. Reflection is a powerful tool, and the Together I’mPossible events allow us to work with this tool, but, more importantly, there is an underlying sense that we are all just trying our best at life, trying to make it work.
Today many of us feel quite disconnected, despite having more ways of communicating than ever before. However, nothing replaces a face-to-face community, and you are never treated like a random stranger at the Together I’mPossible events. Quite the opposite, in fact. Get involved. Come along. Listen to people’s stories and learn from them. You may well be pleasantly surprised. After all, stranger things have happened…
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