Community. Do you have one?
So what can you do to help define the community that’s around you? There are the obvious answers – one being to get to know your neighbours, but for some that’s an intimidating prospect. Not sure where to start? Then try these well-known, but often neglected suggestions:
– Go to or hold a neighbourhood BBQ
– Garage sales – go chat with the neighbour who is hosting it, or host one yourself
– Go for walks in your neighbourhood and look those you pass in the eye and say hi
– Though somewhat cliché – go ask your neighbour for a cup of sugar. Really. Go do it.
– If you hear that a neighbour has been ill, bring over a meal
– Offer to help shovel a driveway or mow a yard
– If someone new moves into your neighbourhood, bring them a plant or a treat and welcome them. Unfortunately this is a lost act of kindness in a lot of neighbourhoods.
There is strength to be found in having a community. If you don’t have one yet, then take a moment and reach out to those around you the next time an opportunity arises. You never know what lifelines you may be establishing without even realizing it.
