Community Improves Your Health

Before I left for Thailand, I made sure to forward my mail to a local address. Two weeks before my move, I filled out the necessary forms and handed them over at the post office. Yet, weeks after the move, only my husband’s mail was arriving at the new address.

Frustrated, I reached out to the realtor who sold our home to see if my mail was still being sent to the old address. He confirmed that the new homeowner had received ten pieces of my mail within the first week of moving in. To her credit, she had reached out to the other owners in the building, asking if anyone knew where to forward my mail. Yet, not a single person contacted me.

The new homeowner eventually took the mail back to the post office, hoping it would find its way to me.

This experience left me deeply disappointed—though, sadly, not surprised.

The Impact of a Missing Community

A major factor in my decision to leave the United States was the lack of community I experienced. I would hear from neighbors when something was needed from me or when there was an issue, but rarely—if ever—did I feel the warmth of a genuine, caring community.

Years ago, I emailed my building to warn my neighbors after someone attempted to break into my home in broad daylight. I included a video of the incident, hoping it might prompt dialogue or shared concern. Not a single person responded.

Experiences like these chipped away at my faith in the value of modern "community." I began to see the ripple effects of isolation, cynicism, and self-centeredness that seemed to grow stronger each year.

Why Community Matters

The community you live in isn’t just your address—it’s part of who you are. Even if you don’t see your neighbors every day, their actions (or inactions) affect you, just as yours affect them. Public health experts agree: strong communities lead to healthier individuals.

“Good community health equates to healthy people, as a community is the ecosystem or environment in which people live,” says Thomas G. Bognanno, president and CEO of Community Health Charities. “It’s difficult to be healthy personally if your community is unhealthy.”

This interconnectedness requires us to look beyond our own needs. “Strong community health requires residents to take collective responsibility,” says Caleb Backe, a health and wellness expert. It’s not just about healthcare systems—it’s about adopting healthy habits that benefit everyone.

When communities thrive, individuals thrive. Unfortunately, I’ve only ever caught glimpses of what this could look like, leaving me longing for something more meaningful.

A Path Forward: Building Community Through Movement

As I embark on a new chapter in Thailand, I’m inspired to create a space where people can reconnect—with themselves and with others. Community, after all, isn’t just about geography—it’s about shared experiences and mutual care.

This is why I created Move with Mysti, a program designed to foster both physical health and a sense of belonging. Through movement, mindfulness, and connection, we can begin to rebuild the bonds that so many of us are missing in our lives.

Whether you’re seeking to improve your physical health, reconnect with your inner self, or simply find a supportive group of like-minded individuals, Move with Mysti is here to help.

Join the Movement

If you’re tired of feeling isolated, overwhelmed, or out of balance, now is the time to take a step toward change.

Join Move with Mysti, where you’ll find live Pilates classes, wellness challenges, and a growing community that’s focused on connection and growth. Let’s work together to build a healthier, more connected future—starting with you.

Click the link below to learn more and sign up today.

👉 http://mystideepblue.com