Have you been wishing for a path to building community but don’t know where to start? On this inspiring episode of hello community®, Shameka Andrews, shares with host Catherine Jura, how she journeyed from a life of isolation to a life of global connections: one step, one book, one bus ride, one friendship at a time.

· Shameka’s story is a masterclass in uncovering how your current life may actually be guiding you towards the connections you desire

· Discover how social media--when used with discernment and balance—can lead to a global community of friends

· Shameka offers strategies on using boundaries to create a community that is nourishing—and not draining

· Learn how using a gratitude journal can be part of a comforting spiritual life

· Shameka shares how important it is to admit, ask for, and accept help: including therapy

Shameka has used a wheelchair for mobility her whole life—and this indeed impacts her daily life--but nevertheless she has blossomed into a traveling, dancing, vibrant women who revels in community building. Her spunk is captured in her contribution to the title of this podcast-- “Keep Rolling On: From Loneliness To Connection!”

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What we discuss (timestamp):

00:00 Welcome and Introduction

01:21 Meet Shameka Andrews

02:35 Shameka's Early Life and Challenges

05:46 The Power of Books and Education

09:24 Discovering Social Media and Building Connections

15:41 Spirituality and Community

29:16 The Importance of Boundaries

36:26 Final Thoughts and Contact Information

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Shameka’s biography:

Shameka Andrews is the community outreach coordinator for the Self Advocacy Association of NYS she also the founder of Disability Empowerment Consulting where she provides disability workshops on self-care, self-advocacy and disability awareness

In 2006 she won the title of Ms. Wheelchair NY, and she has been the coordinator of the program since 2013. 2017 she wrote her first children’s book butterfly on wheels

She serves on the NYS Developmental Disabilities Planning Council, Developmental Disability Advisory Council for OPWDD and the NYS Human Rights Disability Committee

Follow and Contact Shameka at:

Email: disabilityempowered@gmail.com

YouTube--https://www.youtube.com/@shamekaandrews

FB-- https://www.facebook.com/ShamekaLAndrews

Instagram--https://www.instagram.com/disabilityempowered/

Linkedin--https://www.linkedin.com/feed/

Books Shameka Has Written:

Could I possibly be lonely? On this deeply moving episode of hello community®, host Catherine Jura talks with Andrew Barnes on how he came to recognize loneliness within himself and the steps he has taken to re-build connection.

• Andrew realizes that although he appears to “have it all” on the outside he is silently struggling on the inside
• Discover how isolation can disguise itself as something useful
• Small moments matter: During an unexpected conversation with a stranger, Andrew realizes how disconnected—and lonely—he has been feeling
• Learn about the three types of loneliness and how Andrew uses this knowledge to uncover possibilities
• Follow Andrew’s story as he re-builds the life he once loved: meaningful connection with others and a life of purpose

Andrew’s story isn’t about dramatic life changes—it’s about how even one conversation can awaken your inner world. Let Andrew’s powerfully vulnerable story remind you that a life of connection begins with honesty.

Timestamps:

00:00 Introduction to the Podcast

01:22 Meet Andrew Barnes

02:37 Andrew's Journey in Human Services

05:33 The Revelation of Loneliness

08:34 Understanding Different Types of Loneliness

10:39 The Impact of a Simple Conversation

16:15 Moving Forward and Finding Purpose

24:30 Final Thoughts and Resources