Leland Insider Spring 2020 Insider SPRING 2020 FINAL | Page 8

Getting to know your neighbors
In our fast-paced, stress-filled world we often don’t create the
opportunities that we need in order to get to know our
neighbors. In days past, good neighbor relations were the staple
of every strong community. Being able to share life’s
experiences, both good and bad, with those who live so close to
us was once considered one of life’s greatest blessings.
These days it is the exception rather than the rule to take the
time to create strong relationships with the people we share our
community with. Each one of us has a story to tell, a hand to
lend, a laugh to share, and friendship to give. What keeps us
from extending so much of ourselves to the families that live around our own may be those same things that prevent us
from experiencing many of the great blessings of our parents or of our youth. A changing world that focuses more on the
individual than the family and the need to remain isolated in order to feel “safe and secure”.
Someone once said, “If you always do the things you did, you’ll always get
the things you got.” If you want to grow as a community then we have to risk
breaking free from the bonds of isolation that are so easily created by and for
us. We must reach out to our neighbors and let them know that they matter
and that we care. If we do that, even in the most seemingly insignificant of
ways- like a wave as we pass on the street- then we are moving toward a
better community and a better way to live. Just because our culture has
pushed away from ourselves doesn’t mean it is right. It just means that we
must work that much harder in order to reconnect with one another and
create a better environment in which to live.
If you are ready to reach out and
connect with your new neighbors, it's
easier than you might think. By
creating opportunities to meet your
neighbors and making good
connections in your community, you
will be well on your way.
You can create an opportunity to
engage with your neighbor in many
different ways. Talking to your
neighbors is one great way to build a
relationship. Start by making the first
move, you will reassure them that you
want to be a good neighbor to them, so head on over and introduce yourself!
To break the ice, bring sweets or give your neighbor a compliment. This will
show your new neighbors that you are both friendly and thoughtful.