Reflections on belonging—big and small
When we talk about “community” in the context of Virginia Pages, I think of it simply as:
Everyone who lives or works in Virginia and the surrounding areas. That’s our starting point.
We don’t need to share the same beliefs, backgrounds, or interests to be a community. What connects us is this place—and the quiet understanding that we’re all living parts of it, side by side.
Within that larger sense of community, there are smaller communities too—families, friends, sports teams, faith groups, creative projects, volunteer circles. You can belong to one, or many. That’s the beauty of it.
To me, community isn’t about conformity. It’s about respecting each other’s space, showing up when it matters, and staying curious about the people around us.
Whether you’ve lived here all your life, just arrived last week, or (like me) returned after years away… you’re part of the story now.
Still considered a blow-in by some—but I like to say I’m a blow-back. And I’m proud to be back.