When Ten Minutes Changes Everything
There is so much more in the world than we can ever imagine.
When I started Postcrossing, I assumed I would simply be sending my art out into the world as a way to connect with others. Last week, after noticing nothing was happening on my account, I checked the forums and discovered a local meetup.
Part of my ongoing self-care is finding new ways to connect outside of my home. That isn't always easy with a family of five, each with their own unique needs. But this meetup was on a Friday evening, at a comfortable time, in a local coffee shop. Even so, I felt that familiar flutter of anxiety at the thought of walking into a room full of strangers.
Instead of trying to make the feeling disappear, I gave myself permission to be nervous while also creating a plan that would help me feel safe.
Ten minutes.
I would order a tea, sit down, wait for my drink, maybe talk with people, and if the discomfort became too much, I could quietly leave. Giving myself an "exit plan" made it easier to say yes.
What I found was surprising.
There were people just like me—new to Postcrossing, attending their very first meetup. Before long, I found myself talking about art, travel, books, creativity, and interests I had almost forgotten I still carried with me. It was a reminder that parts of ourselves don't disappear; sometimes they simply wait for the right environment to come back to life.
This experience also reminded me of research discussed in the November 2023 issue of Psychology Today, which explored the surprising power of our social circles. While most of us only need a handful of deep, emotionally close relationships to meet our attachment and support needs, our "weak ties"—the barista who knows our order, a librarian, neighbors, classmates, coworkers, or someone we chat with at yoga or a community gathering—can be equally important for our well-being. These brief, everyday connections expand our sense of belonging, introduce us to new ideas, and remind us that we are part of something larger than ourselves.
Sometimes self-care isn't about doing more yoga, reading another book, or finding the perfect morning routine. Sometimes it's simply saying yes to ten minutes of discomfort in exchange for the possibility of connection.
Those ten minutes didn't just introduce me to Postcrossing friends. They reminded me that community often begins with the smallest act of courage: walking through the door.
PostCrossing Meetup at TOV Coffee on Hawthorne in Portland Oregon 7/31/2026
