SENsE OF
COMMUNITY
By Monte Martin
Seeking a better sense of community? Look to neighbors and find new friendships that build upon a
foundation of identity.
In today’s fast-moving world, relationships can seem fleeting or don’t deepen past a superficial level, yet
these connections, as trivial as they can seem, have the potential to grow into something more. Focus
attention on casual acquaintances with neighbors.
Actions speak louder than words. Say hello. Smile. Wave. Offer a helping hand. Ask how someone is
doing, and mean it. If a yard needs mowing, newspapers pile up in a driveway, a neighbor isn’t around
like they used to be, don’t assume they are lazy or don’t care. Check on them. Call. Knock on their door.
Leave a friendly note. They may be ill or have a serious family issue! Knowing your neighbor cares can go
a long way.
Ensuring the well-being of our neighbors is a nice way to build a sense of community. Not everyone is
open to the idea of sharing. But, most of the time it is because neighbors are strangers! But by connecting,
you may discover those neighbors as eager as you to have personal connections defined by substance as
well as proximity.
march 2015
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Winter Garden Magazine
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9