Why it's important to welcome new friends to 7 Cups
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Have you ever walked into a party and nobody said hi to you? You walked around the room, trying to make eye contact, just looking for a friendly face to connect with?
Weve all experienced this at some point. It is a very isolating and uncomfortable feeling. 
Now, lets replay this same situation one more time but this time imagine you walked into the party and someone came up to you right away and said, hello, welcome to the group, we are really happy you joined us. What would this feel like?
You would smile and feel like you are wanted. 
Being brand new to a group is always little scary. When we enter into a new place or group, we are outsiders and we dont know what to expect. These scary feelings can be compounded by the fact that people come to 7 Cups for the purpose of receiving support for a personal challenge. They may already be isolated or in pain.
One of 7 Cups core values is to create a welcoming and safe environment for all people to join in. When people feel welcome and included, they feel safe. When they feel safe, they are able to explore the new space or group with ease. They are able to open up to their listener or therapist with more sincerity. In essence they are able to get higher quality support.
Many of you have already started helping us welcome new members to the community! We are so thankful for your contributions and we encourage you to keep up the great work!!
But we still need more help in this initiative.
Here are the simple steps you can take to get involved (both listeners & members welcome):
Step 1: Check out this project intro thread to review welcome message templates & how to log your welcomes for bonus cheers/ growth points (members learn how to get get involved here & listeners check out this thread)
Step 2: Start Welcoming new members & log your work in this thread!!!
Step 3: Fill up this form to earn cheers for you work!
Are you willing to give members the gift of a friendly welcome? Hooray! Post to this thread and let us know youll be joining the team!
Hi everyone,
I got this app probably a few weeks. Check it out here and there. I was having a real hard time at that point but didn't know what to say and was nervous about putting myself out there. Here it goes though lol.
I have suffered from anxiety/depression for most of my life. I'm 29 now but since 15 I alcohol to get over things. Later in life I experimented with drugs. But alcohol has ALWAYS been a constant. I recently got a DUI and have been forced to quit drinking. I didn't think it would be a big deal, but I have been struggling for months now to quit. So I knw I have a problem. That with my anxiety has been making my life really hard lately!!
@Murphyslaw101 That is a monumental post! I'm humbled. What courage! 1 day at a time!! If every day was as big as the day you posted this I'd say you're in good shape... I wish you all the momentum behind this!! I worked a lot in addiction and know no stronger people
@CrystaDLCSW
Thank you very much for your response. It really means a lot to me. It was hard admitting this all even though it's all online. I've only recently started talking about my addiction with family, even though I knw I've had a problem for years. But thank you again. I appreciate it!! I will keep your words.
that makes them feel not alone and there is some one cares
All my friends are fakes and I just want someone to make me feel better and not feel so alone.
@Chloe0987 Oh boy if I had the power to Make people feel better I'd be out of a job real quick lol I do see being a therapist as 'trying to put myself out of a job though' because we help YOU to make yourself feel better! We're here if you need more support!! And Listeners are WONDERFUL too! Hope you're finding some support! And thanks for reaching out!!
I had a project about stress, made a booklet explaining everything about stress and solutions and consequences. It was all very good but i was proud to put " 7 cups of tea" and their link on the end of the book, as a solution. When i used it the first time, i felt welcomed in a community and felt the need to also become a listener and " pay it forward".
Thanks, 7 cups 😊
That is so superb, DareYouToTry! We are glad to have you as a part of our 7 Cups Community! Thank you for making this place better for everyone!
@DareYouToTry
@Laura This is amazing. I know I would feel happy with a warm welcome! Thank you for this lovely idea.
@Laura
Great idea..you like to be part of it..thank you
@blindHeart12
Best of luck with it!
I've got a really funny response but dare not post it as it might be misconstrued.