Creating Community We All Crave
“New Year, New Me!” We’ve all heard it, and maybe a few of us have even said it. It is a statement that implies we all have the potential to make the changes we believe will catapult us into being the person we have wanted to be at the stroke of midnight on January 1st. It is therefore no surprise that Gilda’s Club historically sees an increase in participation every January. As the new Program Director for Gilda’s Club Middle Tennessee, I am already noticing and enjoying more participation in the Clubhouse so far this year. It serves as a reminder that in a post-pandemic world, embracing community has become a choice people make in the hopes of holistically improving their lives.
We cannot expect that our mental and emotional needs will be fulfilled after a movement class or an art workshop. Not because those programs don’t have potential to enrich our lives, but because they can only do so much if we are not showing up as our true, authentic self. If we are going through the motions of these changes while hiding that authentic self from the community around us, we are stunting our full potential for growth.
Facing ourselves authentically, let alone showing it in public, can feel like a daunting task; many of us have learned from hardships over time that we need to shield ourselves in one way or another. In an act of survival, we develop defense mechanisms and put on masks to protect. Adding cancer to the mix can complicate how those defense mechanisms show up: chemo brain, changes in appearance, and keeping up with treatments and appointments can make strengthening those defense mechanisms even more tempting. We can respectfully acknowledge these defense mechanisms as tools that our mind and body have learned to protect our authentic self; however, the real change that we seek every January 1st comes to fruition when we learn how to lay down those defense mechanisms that are no longer serving us. The change takes effect when we understand how the defense mechanisms are actually hindering us from experiencing that community we are all craving.
Creating a Safe and Welcoming Space
Therefore, the key to having success in fulfilling your community-oriented goals is knowing when it is safe to show your authentic self. While we at Gilda’s Club cannot control anyone’s internal ability to let that authenticity emerge for all to see, we do have the ability to create a space that is conducive to letting that shielded part of ourselves poke its head out of its shell. Our hope is that every time someone walks into the Clubhouse through our red door, they feel like they are in a safe and welcoming space. A space where they can hug an old friend, meet someone new, learn a skill, share a laugh, or create something beautiful, all while being able to show their authentic self.
How are we creating such a space? It starts before anyone even walks in the door; intentional outreach to the communities we serve is a task taken seriously. In every outreach decision we make, we want to understand the intersection between the cancer experience and someone’s identity. Next, we can make sure there is a kind, welcoming presence when you walk in or call the Clubhouse. Our Member Relations team is always present to make sure each person is not only greeted but embraced and celebrated for making the decision to choose community that day. Additionally, at Gilda’s Club Middle Tennessee, we have many opportunities for each person to explore avenues of community building. Whatever fits your fancy, whether that’s artistically, educationally, emotionally, or socially, we have something on the calendar for you (with virtual options, too)! Can’t make it to the program you wanted to because of your schedule? No problem, you can still come to the Clubhouse any time during operating hours to hang out, lounge, socialize, or do whatever meets your need that day!
And More to Come
That’s not all! As Program Director, I want to ensure that we are continually working to make our space more accessible and inclusive. This year my goal is to make intentional changes in how we are reaching out to the community to ensure that all races, genders, socio-economic statuses, sexualities, ethnicities, religious orientations, and all other identities are not only informed of what Gilda’s Club has to offer but know that they are welcomed with intentionally designed programming. I understand that in order to make individuals in marginalized groups feel safe to show their authentic self, I need to be mindful that our physical space is inviting, and our programming is engaging. My goal is to assess the needs of all people impacted by cancer in Middle Tennessee in the hope of being able to help meet those needs.
“New Year, New Me” is not a mentality that is needed to be a part of the Gilda’s Club community. We are here to welcome and embrace whatever version of yourself that walks through our door. If your goal is to discover and embrace your authentic self, know it is equally our goal to make sure that authentic self is seen, welcomed, and celebrated every time you walk in the Clubhouse.
Want to get involved in programs at Gilda’s Club? Check out our program calendar or give us a call at 615-329-1124.
About Christina Healey, LPC-MHSP
Christina came to Nashville in 2015 to attend graduate school, conferring her degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling in 2017. Her clinical career has exclusively been in non-profit work, where she has gained experience in both clinical work and leadership.
In her downtime she enjoys trying a new restaurant or going on a walk with her husband, friends, and dog (Cannoli).
Christina can be reached via email or by calling the Clubhouse!