Belonging

[sbagman]

I was wondering what thoughts people had on belonging to something, and that forming part of one's identity. Childhood or adulthood. Do you need to belong to something, be it a family, a workplace, a footy team, or a country, to feel a sense of one's self? In theory we shouldn't need these sorts of things to define us, but is it really a vital part of our own sense of place in the world?

What of kids who never fit in? Does this lack of being a part of something affect their future perspectives of the world?

What do you belong do? How do you identify yourself? A Hawthorn supporter? An Australian? A member of your family? Someone who works at Company X? A graduate of University Z?

 

[ThePowerFromPort.com]

I think most people feel the need to belong to someone or something. I know as a kid I felt a bit of a loner even though I had friends. I was never one to be clicky but whenever I did belong, whether it was the local netball team or whatever, it was always a nice feeling to be part of something. I have my family now but it wouldn't worry me to be alone. I think if I was I would probably want to get involved in something though just for the social side of it.

 

[Dean3]

I think a sense of belonging is perhaps the most basic need that people have. Whether that's a club, family or community, I don't think it matters as long as you feel that you belong to something, or belong somewhere.

Indeed that's why we have a terribly high suicide rate amongst Australian men aged 15 and over. The most common reason for unsuccessful attempts seems to be "isolation" — "I don't belong anywhere" — "Loneliness".

Of course belonging to something is connected with identity, self image and acceptance. I think the salvation for a lot of people, especially men, is to just volunteer for community work. Whether that is helping at your local footy club, or standing for school council...whatever.

 

[Spidergirl~RiCkChiCk]

fashion slave

 

[Darky]

Brothers of metal!

 

[Katthawk]

Originally posted by Dean3
I think a sense of belonging is perhaps the most basic need that people have. Whether that's a club, family or community, I don't think it matters as long as you feel that you belong to something, or belong somewhere.

Indeed that's why we have a terribly high suicide rate amongst Australian men aged 15 and over. The most common reason for unsuccessful attempts seems to be "isolation" — "I don't belong anywhere" — "Loneliness".

Exactly what I would say. But also I would add that it is important to learn to accept yourself as an individual. Belonging is as much about feeling you can offer something to others as it is about getting something back.

I am a member of my footy club, I know I love my family, I support my friends and I give my time to volunteer but at the end of the day, I still have to accept myself when these things are not around to make me feel good.