![](https://www.photographybystudiol.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/Self-Portrait-black-and-white-Fine-Art-Photography-by-Studio-L-Photographer-Laura-Schneider-_0977H-1024x731.jpg)
Finding Community Is Possible
Finding community is hard, but it's possible.
I’m very proud of the community I live in so I decided to hold a FREE rummage sale in June. Everything was free; although, I accepted donations for the Club 44 Foundation and Mount Calvary Fire Department. I know someone needs these clothes and baby items more than we do so it was the least I could do.
As a result of the rummage sale, I was able to donate twice as much money compared to that which I made last year. I consider this a success and couldn't do it without all of you.
![Rummage-0268 Rummage-0268](https://www.photographybystudiol.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/06/Rummage-0268.jpg)
Whether you like it or not, I'm a truth teller.
I have to admit I never thought in a million years I would live in this small town. I grew up just five miles from here in another Wisconsin small-town. It seems less than desirable to travel 3 miles to the closest gas station and ten miles to the grocery store, but I like it here. Before considering marriage and the possibility of children, I thought the big city was where I wanted to be.
After 12 years of marriage, my husband and I still live in the ‘bachelor pad’ he purchased 16 years ago. Finding community can be hard, but when you speak your truth, your community will grow organically.
![Rummage-0274 Rummage-0274](https://www.photographybystudiol.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/06/Rummage-0274.jpg)
With our family complete, it was time to purge some clutter that comes with children.
Let’s be honest, children come with a lot of crap (considering all definitions of the word). People suggested this FREE rummage sale wasn’t such a good idea, that I was crazy for leaving a rummage sale unattended. Others stating the likelihood of stolen donations. Personally, I trusted this idea from day one. At least I could give it a try.
And that, my friends, is one benefit of living in small-town Wisconsin. A place where trustworthy individuals look out for each other. The neighbors that look after your home when you’re away are some of the best kind.
![Rummage-0258 Rummage-0258](https://www.photographybystudiol.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/06/Rummage-0258.jpg)
I’m not moving anytime soon, therefore, the big city will have to wait.
I can travel the world and return home with confidence. I’m right where I’m suppose to be and this new feeling is liberating. As an achiever, I often keep chasing, trying to find happiness in the next level of success. Truth is, happiness is right where I am. Letting go of perfection is freeing. Since I'm no longer seeking perfection, I convinced my four-year-old to snap a few photos of me for this post. Joy and presence is what I seek these days.
Remember last week when I talked about gratitude?
I told you so, each of us has something to be grateful for.
Your generosity is appreciated and not overlooked, I couldn’t do this without you. Thank you!
Let's connect virtually for now!
And we'll connect in real life later, I promise. We have so much to talk about.
The community came together to support a good cause.
As a result, I might just do this again next year. Finding community is possible.
Resources
- Learn more about our free rummage sale CLICK HERE
- Donations are going to both the Club 44 Foundation and Mount Calvary Fire Department
- Let Go of the Need to be Perfect by Psychology Today
- Want to Feel True Belonging? READ ON
I love your beautiful pictures about life.
Barbara Schmidt