“If you want to go fast, go alone; if you want to go far, go together”
We as humans have basic needs…. we must breathe, eat, shit, sleep etc. We need to be safe, healthy and have a roof over our heads. That’s obvious.
What comes next is our need to belong. Our desire to love and be loved, be a part of something greater than ourselves, is one of the primal drives to being human.
This is a precursor to self-esteem, confidence and our pursuit of more.
It’s part of the puzzle. And I believe that it is the missing piece in large chunks of society today.
We live in a world where we are more connected than ever before, yet many of us are isolated and alone.
Our ability to communicate with humans on the other side of the world, unfortunately, does not guarantee connection, and certainly doesn’t promise a sense of belonging.
That needs to come from a community, a tribe, a family.
When we started Virtus Performance 3 years ago (almost to the day) and one of our goals and ambitions was to create a family. The tribe we are all seeking. I’m proud to say that we have achieved and continue to achieve that ideal.
We are just one of many local businesses whose mission is based around connection, love and growing their community. Commonfolk Coffee and Jetty Road Brewery are two who are doing this better than most, I’m proud to be a part of not only our community but the tribe of local businesses leading the charge.
Change doesn’t happen overnight, it takes time to build. But if the world needs anything right now, Its a sense of belonging.
Those feelings of isolation, loneliness and a lack of belonging and the rise in mental health-related issues, can be partly remedied by the induction to a family of people, a family who will cheer loudly when you win and lend an ear or a shoulder when things aren’t going so well.
I’m a big believer that (almost) everybody wants to contribute to their community. Everyone wants a platform to help and to give to others.
We love being able to provide that platform.
Each year, on our birthday, Virtus throws a party. Yes, we are celebrating a milestone, but the reason for the party is much, more important.
We have an opportunity to do good things for good people. So we do just that. The Virtus Family and wider community rallies together to raise funds for this little legend and his family.
Rye Johnson is a 7-year-old kid who has been through more in his last 7 years than most of us will go through in a lifetime. Unfortunately, Rye had a stroke early on, and has been diagnosed with Cerebral Palsy. Rye man has been regressing and we want to do all we can to help this legend and his family in any way that we can.
You can follow the little man’s journey here
Tomorrow night, If you find yourself with a few hours spare, come on down to Virtus HQ for a night filled with auctions, trivia, raffles, prizes and shenanigans. If you can’t make it, you can hit here to donate, or stick your head into the gym before tomorrow night.
Wallace.
