Interest in self-improvement and self-reflection is gradually increasing. Help books are constantly being released, and classics like Dale Carnegie’s are still beloved. Many people start or end their days with a five-minute journal, answering questions such as “What I am grateful for?” or “Three amazing things that happened today,” among others. Some people meditate during the serene morning, utilizing tools like “Calm” or “Headspace” – meditation apps.

But sometimes it is hard to manage all these activities alone. People can become exhausted, lack motivation, or lose their initial resolutions. The most important thing in this whole process is to encounter the “real me” by listening to inner thoughts. In San Diego, two women are willing to build healthy connections for women by sharing stories and experiencing ventures together: Hannah Brooks y Victoria Diehl de San Diego Dreamers.

“After COVID, everyone was isolated. It’s still hard sometimes to get out, and all of a sudden, everything became digital,” said Diehl. She moved to San Diego during the pandemic and had a hard time connecting with new people. Moreover, it is not easy to find new connections, especially in adult friendships after graduation.

“Everyone is in different seasons. Some of the girls are single, some of them are married, and some of them have kids. There are a lot of different walks of life, and people usually drift apart because there isn’t a central place to gather,” she said.

Brooks and Diehl are both from Northern California, and they are both therapists. They have met a lot of people while working, but they wanted to get to know people who could become friends, not just as therapists and clients. They attended a journaling group together and acquired ideas to build their community.

“We wanted more of a wellness-inspired group that focuses on creating deeper friendships,” said Brooks.

This is how San Diego Dreamers began. The event takes place every Tuesday at 4:30 p.m. at Fanuel Street Park. Each event has a different topic – Galentines Day (instead of Valentine’s Day), Self-love and Love Languages, and Creative Expression with Art and Music have been some of the themes.

As their goal is to inspire each other, make friendships, and create lasting memories, Brooks and Diehl allow members to engage in deep conversations so that the group can run itself, akin to someone opening the sluice gate of sharing. They believe this will create an environment conducive to vulnerability.

“If one person shares something vulnerable, that creates a ripple effect. Others might think, ‘They shared something personal. Now I feel encouraged to share something I’m dealing with.’ It’s about establishing group norms by allowing people to be themselves,” said Brooks.

Every member can act as each other’s therapist without realizing it, by sharing their lives. Brooks and Diehl don’t have to be therapists; they are just individuals within the group. Each woman faces one another and themselves as human beings, not as careerists.

“We haven’t asked what they do. It’s not about ‘what you do’; it’s about ‘who you are,’” said Diehl. This is how they strive to model healthy friendships and healthy professionalism.

The main parts of their activities are journaling, self-reflection, and meditation. Some readers might question whether these are activities that people normally do alone. What is the benefit of doing these things together?

They bring together women from different backgrounds in the same place once a week. As members share their thoughts, they empathize with others who have been in similar situations and worry about the same subjects, even if they come from entirely different worlds.

“It’s interesting to see how [San Diego Dreamers] relates to people in different professions and experiences. We don’t realize that we’re all the same. We’re still very isolated,” said Diehl.

San Diego Dreamers serves as a public sphere where women can tear down the walls of isolation. “Half of the groups that showed up (to the second event) were the ones that came to the first one. We’re already seeing community being built,” said Brooks. Joining a new group might initially feel like stepping out of one’s comfort zone, but it is now becoming another comfort zone for the members.

Their final goal is to create human connections that have a ripple effect within the community. “We want to inspire people to be their best selves while also providing a community for them to do so,” said Brooks.

“Every monthly event is free to join by RSVP through San Diego Dreamers Link Tree, all of which are donation-based. Donations are available on the same page. Additionally, for weekly events, you are welcome to just show up. Upcoming themes for March include Perfectionism and Success, People-Pleasing, Family and Home, and Creative Expression with Potted Plants.

*Writer’s note: I participated in last week’s event, which was about “Creative Expression with Art and Music.” There were 12 people, including Brooks and Diehl, and everyone was welcoming. We introduced ourselves briefly and talked about the forms of art that we love and enjoy the most.

After that, we painted on small canvases with acrylic paint, crystals, and different kinds of glitter. While we drew, Brooks sang with her guitar, and at first, I thought the song was coming from a speaker – her voice was phenomenal. I was able to empty my brain, which is normally full of realistic and trivial thoughts. It was like meditating with my eyes open.

I don’t know what members do for a living and where they live, but one thing is clear: we were all relaxing and enjoying the evening together. It was the best way to refresh for my week.

SAN DIEGO DREAMERS

When: Tuesdays at 4:30 p.m.

Where: Fanuel Street Park.

Info: Instagram @sandiegodreamers.