I went to karaoke with a few of my girlfriends the other night. And honestly? There’s just something magical about belting out a slightly-off-key ballad with women who genuinely hype you up.

And here’s the best part… it’s not just fun. It’s biology.

When you laugh, sing, dance, or even have a good natter, your body releases a cocktail of feel-good hormones:

•  Endorphins: your natural painkillers.
•  Oxytocin: the “love hormone,” released when you bond.
•  Serotonin: the calm-me-down, everything-is-going-to-be-okay hormone.

Why Community Matters More Than Ever

You know this already but I’m going to say it anyway. We were never meant to do life alone.

When you spend time with your people, the ones who refill your cup instead of draining it, your emotional and physical wellbeing shifts in ways you can feel instantly. Here’s a fascinating fact: strong social connections can increase your lifespan by up to 50%. Yes, fifty.

What Japan Can Teach Us

If you’ve ever wondered why Japanese people, especially those in Okinawa, live some of the longest, healthiest lives in the world, here’s why:

Part of the secret lies in their deep sense of community.

They have something called “moai”- small lifelong social groups built on friendship, mutual support, and accountability. These groups don’t just catch up when life gets busy; they are woven into everyday living. It’s sisterhood with intention.

And if you’ve read the beautiful book Ikigai: The Japanese Secret to a Long and Happy Life, you’ll know this sense of community is one of its core principles. The book explains that belonging, feeling held, connected, and supported, is a key ingredient in longevity.

The people of Okinawa don’t just live to 100.
They live well.
Happy. Connected. Purposeful.

Imagine that. A whole lifestyle built around not going it alone.

Community Is Medicine

Think back to the last time you spent time with your people.
Your real people.
The ones who know your laugh.
The ones who clap for your wins and hold you when you wobble.

How did you feel afterward?
Lighter?
Seen?
More you?

That feeling is healing.

Studies show that women with strong friendships experience lower rates of depression, better heart health, and even stronger immune systems. One statistic I love: women with thriving support networks recover from stress three times faster than women who feel isolated.

That’s the power of community care.

Did you know that laughter boosts your immune system for up to 24 hours?

One belly laugh with your girlfriends and you’re basically taking a natural supplement.

Meanwhile, a single heated argument can suppress your immunity for the same amount of time.

Let’s Bring It Back to You

You deserve joy.  You deserve ease.  You deserve women who celebrate you, not tolerate you.  So reach out.  Show up.  Laugh loudly.
Let your community love you into your next chapter.

Because the power of community?
It’s real.
It’s healing.
And it might just be the secret to living a long, juicy, joy-filled life.

Caroline’s Daughter, Diahanne. xxx