Monday Mood: Sense in Community

By: Violet McCleod, Madeline

Sometimes, it takes a whole crowd to hold what one person used to carry, and that’s not a flaw: that’s the magic. One spark becomes a bonfire. One hand raised becomes a chorus of cheers. That’s the power of being part of something bigger than yourself. Whether you’ve been building from day one or just wandered in under the neon lights, you belong here. Your presence adds color. Your voice joins the music.

To the first-timers: jump in. Messy, unsure, unrehearsed: do it anyway. Post the half-finished sketch. Stream with the camera propped on books. Sing off-key. Start the thing. You don’t need to be perfect to be powerful. What matters is that it’s yours. And if you’re not ready to make, be someone’s audience. Share their work. Hype their launch. Tell them their story stuck with you. One kind word can be the thrill that keeps someone going.

And if you’re not in a place to make or support right now — that’s okay too. Not everyone moves at the same speed. Not everyone consumes media in the same way. Life is unpredictable and hard, and sometimes all you can do is exist in the space. That’s still showing up. That’s still part of the rhythm of community. Lurking is valid. Being quiet is valid. Resting is necessary. Cheer for others even when you can’t join in. Do what you can, when you can. And when you can’t? Know that you’re still welcome here. You’re not falling behind. You’re not letting anyone down. You’re human. And you’re amazing. Send likes, share excitement for projects, boost crowdfunds and awareness campaigns. 

This is the kind of space where we hold each other up. Where we let things be imperfect and in progress. Where the load is shared, the spotlight rotates, and everyone has permission to move at their own pace. That’s what makes it work. That’s what makes it beautiful.

"A Great Impression" - Original Composition (Doctor Who: Starlit Saga)

I’ve had a few attempts at joining communities. It’s a difficult thing for me to do, as I’ve always been a very private person. A few years ago, I rarely went out of my way to join groups of like-minded individuals, or even to reach out to them if I needed help. I was writing music for personal projects for almost four years before I finally embedded myself in a community that I felt comfortable in, and it was a welcome change from previous misguided attempts. The first contact with that particular Doctor Who fan audio community has allowed me to find many others these past few years.

I feel that the experience of interacting with others goes hand in hand with finding more about oneself, and both can happen in tandem in a welcoming community. It’s allowed me to branch out from my personal, isolated safe space and find others, and it’s comforting to know that it does the same for so many people around the world. It’s an experience that’s so much more readily available to people nowadays, more so than ever, and I feel lucky to have received that chance as well. I certainly wouldn’t be who I am now without the people I’ve met.

“A Great Impression” is a variation on a theme I wrote last year for jazz ensemble, and this one’s a fair bit on the cheerier side compared to my usual fare. Sometimes, regardless of outside circumstances or the general vibe of things, a pick-me-up can mean a world of difference. I find this particular song to emulate that little personal moment of pride that can be found when being welcomed into a community. Granted, the lyrical version of this theme tells a bit of a different story, but all things considered, it’s the context that matters.

Thanks so much for reading. Ember & Ink runs on community support — if you’d like to help us keep creating, you can leave a tip on Ko-Fi or reach out for marketing, design, voice work, and more.