Eric Fletcher, Author at Grow With Eric

A man laughing at a lopsided pot on his first try at the pottery wheel, ready to be a beginner again

You’re Allowed to Be a Beginner Again

Eric FletcherUpdated on 10/22/202610/22/2026Leave a Comment4 min read

You know what good looks like, but your skills are still catching up. John Imah says that is exactly where a beginner is allowed to start.

Two middle-aged friends talking over coffee at an outdoor café.

Why Making Friends After 40 Feels Like Dating (And What to Do About It)

Eric FletcherUpdated on 10/19/202610/19/2026Leave a Comment5 min read

Making friends after 40 is a strange experience. Nobody tells you that the same feelings you had at 22 on …

A man pauses at an open community-room doorway while a small adult craft class gets settled inside.

Community & Belonging Confidence

How to Be Bad at Something in Front of Other People

Eric FletcherUpdated on 10/04/202610/04/2026Leave a Comment8 min read

You are standing in a doorway. Inside, fourteen people already know where the equipment lives, who the instructor is, and …

People gathering in a welcoming third place community

Community & Belonging self Improvement

Rebuilding Third Places: How to Find (or Start) Your Own Community Hub

Eric Fletcher 08/17/202608/17/2026Leave a Comment9 min read

There was a time when you didn’t have to “plan” to have a community. You just showed up somewhere often …

Hopeful illustration of a person stepping through an open iron gate from a shadowy area onto a bright winding path through a lush landscape with birds in the sky, symbolizing leaving the prison of a closed heart and moving toward freedom and connection.

Emotional Well-being happiness mental health mindset self Improvement

The Worst Prison

Eric FletcherUpdated on 12/28/202512/28/2025Leave a Comment4 min read

How a Closed Heart Impacts Your Mental Health Discover how closing your heart can impact your mental health and well-being. …

group of people wearing blue and red shirts

Community & Belonging mental health relationships

Why Third Spaces Matter

Eric FletcherUpdated on 03/02/202503/02/2025Leave a Comment7 min read

The decline of third spaces in communities, crucial for social interaction and well-being, stems from societal changes and increasing individualism. While children engage in structured activities, adults struggle to find similar opportunities due to work demands. The loss of these venues reduces social and civic engagement, leading to isolation and diminished community cohesion.

Group of people sitting in park participating in a community event

Community & Belonging relationships self Improvement

The Crucial Need for Community in 2025

Eric FletcherUpdated on 02/23/202502/23/2025Leave a Comment7 min read

In 2025, a decline in community engagement, exacerbated by political divides and the focus on work, has led to increased isolation. Shared experiences are vital for mental well-being. Reviving common spaces can foster connections and support. Emphasizing community initiatives and local leadership is crucial for building resilient societies and enhancing interpersonal relationships.