Do you know what it’s like to live in a town who’s team has just been crowned Champions? I do. See, I live in Columbus, Ohio. It’s the Buckeye State and people here bleed scarlet and grey (the colors of the Ohio State Buckeyes). In fact, I was at lunch one day and heard a mother introducing her one year old twins to a new friend. Their names? Scarlet and Grey. I can’t make this stuff up. Dog are named Brutus (the same as the mascot) and Buckeye by the hundreds. There’s even an entire dessert called a Buckeye (it’s delicious). Walk around campus on a game day (or any day, really) and you’ll see a sea of red shirts. Scarlet and grey…. everything.

Last night the Buckeyes defeated the Oregon Ducks in the National Championship. Over the past few weeks (since the Sugar Bowl where the Bucks sealed their fate and secured the trip to the Championship game) the feeling in the air around Central Ohio has been palpable. Buckeye Fever they call it. And the Ohio State Buckeyes will tell you that they couldn’t have won without their fans. Without the cheers and pride and excitement. They know they, as the players, are just a piece of the Buckeye puzzle.

THIS IS COMMUNITY. A group of otherwise unrelated people rallying around the same cause. Sometimes led by one person (or group of people) but often something all it’s own. Building a movement with gear and high fives and camaraderie. Being “one” together.

THAT’S why the Simplified Systems Facebook Group exists. It’s a community of like-minded people who exchange knowledge, laughs, and (virtual) high fives. If you haven’t joined us yet, this is your official invite. Click here to say hi. Yes, I’m involved in the group and I pop in to say hey and be a part of the fun but, truly, this group is powered by YOU. It’s yours.

Just like the Buckeye family. This is the Simplified family. Welcome to it.

xo