The Gift of Belonging: Finding Connection Even Far From Home

Music, dance, and community help us find warmth during the holiday season

The festive feeling has finally hit me! 🎄✨

I just walked in the door from the annual Welcome to Taipei International Women's Club (WTIC) Christmas luncheon. It struck me today that my Zumba group of international women has been performing there for 11 years now! 😲

The WTIC is dedicated to international friendship, bringing together local Taiwanese ladies, foreign dignitaries, and women from all around the world. It is truly beautiful to witness a place where women receive a warm welcome, no matter where they are from.

The standout moment from today was leading a few Christmas routines after our performance. The entire club stood up to dance with me! As we filled the ballroom with holiday cheer, I was reminded that despite our differences in culture, religion, and background, things like music and movement allow those divisions to fade away. You don't need to speak the same language to feel the warmth of belonging that happens when we move to the beat together.

This connects perfectly to our theme this month: "Inner Gifting." A powerful gift we can give ourselves is the Gift of Belonging – seeking out those places and communities that make you feel like you.

It also brings to mind the wonderful work of The Community Center (which I mentioned recently). They are another incredible resource for connection here in Taipei. I’m honored to be their December Spotlight, where I shared a bit about myself and my favorite Taipei food spots! (Check it out here!)

It often blows my mind that I can have such a deep sense of belonging so far from my original home. While Taiwan’s friendliness is special, I also credit the power of dance for breaking down barriers.

We all have days when we feel disconnected or lonely, especially during the holidays. That is why finding a place where you can just show up and be comfortable is such a wonderful gift to give yourself. Whether it’s a club, a community center, or a class, you deserve a space where you feel welcome.

As always, I am happy to welcome you to our dance floor. You know you can belong here!

Keep moving!

xx,

Katie