IGNITE August 2021

Hello events: Check out what IGNITE has planned

If you had told me during the pandemic that I would be excited to be around large groups of people again, I would have told you that you were talking nonsense. I am an introvert by nature and large groups of people usually freak me out. This is no longer the case. No, I did not suddenly become an extrovert overnight (still an introvert over here…), but I am finding myself actually searching for events and being excited to go to events, both in my professional and personal life.

Professional Life

When I was told we would be planning in-person events again, I was excited and nervous. I was excited because I missed the planning process (no matter how stressful it can get at times) and the people, but nervous because I had not been out in groups much since the pandemic. I have been to about 6 or 7 work events now, and I have to say I am happy to be back!

I did not realize how much I missed the people. It was so good to see familiar faces … even though it still takes me a bit to put a name to a face. I missed being in a room full of people. I missed the small talk and the catching up. I missed the laughter scattered throughout a room while the voices of 20, 30, 40, 50+ people all mesh as one. It felt so good to laugh with others.

Personal Life

In my personal life, I have found myself interested in seeing what is going on in the city of Rockford/surrounding areas and actually going to the events. I have had so much fun and have found so many new things to do in our area!

I also have found that I want to travel and see the world more! We traveled to Tennessee in June, and I already have ideas of where to go next (which is saying a lot because I am a self-proclaimed homebody!)

What I’ve Learned

I have a few realizations now that we are “getting back to normal”:

1. Recently, I have felt as if I have the energy to attend events and expand my social horizons a bit more. This could just be me, but I truly do feel more energized and ready for events!

2. Gathering in person again has helped me become more intentional. Before the pandemic, people would ask how you were and would want to catch up, but we were all so busy, it was easy to not be fully present. Now, everyone is so eager to find out how the rest of the world is that I think we are taking the time to hear others and actively listen to them.

3. I am more of a people person than I realized. I like to be surrounded by individuals. I like to hear their stories and how they got to where they are today. I missed people!

If you miss this feeling as well and have been wanting to get out, but don’t know what to do, be sure to check out IGNITE’s Facebook page for upcoming events, such as Lunch with a Leader, After 5s, volunteer events and more!

Carmen Kellerman is event & program coordinator at IGNITE Rockford.