Most people understand what it means to have good physical health. By applying a few, well-researched habits - eating a well-balanced diet, getting some regular exercise, and getting a good night’s sleep - most people will enjoy physical health. However, mental health and a sense of well-being are a little more complicated to attain. It may be surprising to some, but the two most important words for feeling better mentally are “me too.” An unknown, but very insightful author once wrote: “Some of the most comforting words in the universe are ‘me too.’ That moment when you find out that your struggle is also someone else’s struggle, that you’re not alone, and that others have been down the same road.” — Unknown This insight strongly supports the very human need of belonging to a “community” in order to have better mental health. Building this feeling of a supportive community has been incorporated in an innovative program of the master-planned community of Morningstar located near Fort Worth in Aledo. The “Lifestyle Program” and planned community events have received rave reviews because they bring residents - of all ages - together as a group of friends. Of course, the amenities of Morningstar are stunning. The amenity center and clubhouse are complete with resort-style pools for kids and adults, cabanas, play yards, outdoor grilling space, and lakeside entertainment lawns. Residents also enjoy miles of hike and bike trails that wind along creeks lined with large mature trees and natural landscape. However, there’s a “secret sauce” that families who live here love. It’s a sense of community. Why a Sense of Community is So Important Having friends and belonging to a group larger than oneself seems to be hardwired in the brains of human beings. According to Happiness.com , “Humans are social beings, and the need to belong is deeply ingrained in our nature. That’s why, since the beginning of time, humans have been drawn to creating their own communities. Today, important communities continue to be formed around different shared interests of characteristics, such as religious or spiritual groups, professional associations, neighborhoods, volunteer groups or sports clubs. “In fact, belonging to a group or community we can identify with helps us develop a stronger sense of personal and collective identity. It can also give a boost to our self-esteem and to our willingness to take on the world and make our dreams happen. But the importance of community goes beyond that. “So, just why is community important? To answer the question, we can look at what happens if we don’t have a community, we can call our own. Since we’re inherently social beings, feeling disconnected from others can deeply affect our self-perception and emotional health. Community is important to us at Morningstar and bringing neighbors together through a variety of events, planning committees, and social groups is at the heart of our team's yearly mission. Neighbors Who Become Friends The on-site Morningstar Lifestyle Director and management team are masters of event planning, and these activities bring the entire community together. Whether it’s a visiting guest who has special insights to share over a cup of coffee, movies on the lawn overlooking the lakes with the family, or a trip to the Fort Worth Cultural District for a day of museums and world class art exhibits, the Lifestyle Program offers something that’s rare in our modern, fast-paced world: interaction with neighbors who become friends. It’s all about the Morningstar community. Learn more about the Morningstar lifestyle and explore our events gallery to see how much fun we are having. If you are looking for a place to really belong, click here and schedule a time to take a look at Morningstar. It could very easily change your life.