What does it mean to be part of a community?
For some, it’s about coaching a youth sports team or volunteering with a service club. For others it’s about lending a hand to a neighbour. And for many, it’s about supporting the local economy by working in and buying local. But at the end of the day, it’s about belonging to a place where we can feel safe, trusting that when in need, the community will have our back.
Over the past several weeks I’ve seen many gestures of community at its finest. Kindness, generosity of spirit, and neighbours helping neighbours.
I’ve seen staff at local businesses working hard to ensure we have groceries and other essential services. And I’ve seen dedicated essential workers at hospitals and charities serving the needs of our most vulnerable residents. That’s how a community shows it is accountable to everyone.
So how then should we as citizens best reciprocate?
I say we can best reciprocate by adopting a service-minded attitude. The healthiest communities are those where all citizens adopt an attitude of regard for the common good, looking out for each other, especially when times are tough. Like the famous quote from JFK that I have modified to say, ask not what your community can do for you, but what you can do for your community. Communities work best when they think “WE” instead of just “ME”.
I see community as sacred. It’s an extension of the promises I keep to myself, then to my family and my friends and then to the next spiral in the sacred circle that connects us all. So today I ask you to think about one thing you can do to make your sacred community better — to help patch the social fabric when it needs some tender loving mending, like it does now.
What one thing will you promise to do today? Your community is better because of you.
Here’s a daily mantra to remind you to keep promises that matter:
Love from your Joy Mama,
P.S. What does it mean to you to be part of a community? And what one thing will you promise to do today to help patch our social fabric. Please share your thoughts in a comment below.
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Image courtesy of Pixabay.
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Pay it forward!
There are little things we can each do for each other all the time. These gestures might not seem like a big deal, but they can mean a great deal to others. Simply showing interest and listening can be meaningful.
Don’t dismiss the little things, sometimes they can mean everything.
I so agree with you John. Especially being present while in the company of others. Simple kindness always makes a difference. Thanks for your comment!