Life at home has felt especially full lately. Two young boys set the pace of my days, and by the time evening rolls around, energy is often in short supply. Most evenings, I can be found rocking on my front porch watching the neighborhood kids take over my front yard. Free time looks different in this season, and getting dressed up for a night out rarely makes the list. I have settled, perhaps a little too comfortably, into being a homebody. However, a handful of invitations came my way this past month, and I made the decision to accept them. That choice required a bit more effort than it once did, but it proved to be well worth it. Time spent at those events reminded me how much I enjoy being part of this community. I enjoyed reconnecting with familiar faces and making new introductions even if my networking skills felt a little rusty.

Knoxville has a way of making people feel welcome, whether you attend every gathering or step out for the first time in a while. Spring offers the perfect opportunity to lean into that idea. Knoxville’s calendar is filled with events that offer a chance to experience something new or to revisit something familiar. Consider this a simple encouragement to say yes. Time spent out in the community reminded me that showing up is often the first step.

I hope to see you out there this spring.