Cycle-ology: #

What is this “#” new prefix to words, sometimes words scrunched together? #ExploreElgin, “#” is a metadata tag. In simple terms, it will search the internet for the words after the “#”. I searched definitions for Hashtag and this one spoke to me: the hashtag not only connects you with your followers, but your followers with each other.

This is what I feel when I am biking around Elgin, connected. A participant of my environment. Meaningful conversations develop with others over time. What first started out as a friendly nod or cheery greeting becomes connected dialog. I am inside my community, not just skating the edges and flying by in a blur.

My address does not define me, my community does. I do not create all social gatherings at my address because gatherings are frequently occurring in my community. If I feel lonely, stressed, curious, tasked, disengaged…being among my community, feeds my soul. Biking to a community location or taking in the scenery are guaranteed cures for my wellbeing. The bison at #LordsPark are constant guaranteed company.

If biking is not favorable due to the task at hand then public transit is a welcomed form of transportation. Sitting with your community creates a strong bond. A sense of sharing an experience together. Even if words are not exchanged frequency creates a sense of familiarity. Familiarity can lead to reassurance and safety, at least what to expect from one another. Like the man on the bus who makes the sign of the cross when passing by the funeral home on Villa street.

Follow me to a community where #EveryoneBelongs #BikeElgin #JoinTheRide