After the last post on “A Year Later” I realized that in order for us to get back to whatever “normal” is, this will require us to get back to basics. How can we grow our community without the basics? What do I mean by “basics”?
- Be kind to one another.
- Show respect for each other.
- Serve others and not expect to be served. (It is better to give than to receive!)
- Listen – truly listen to one another. We all have something to say, but sometimes your friend just needs a listening ear. Don’t give advice unless you are asked for it.
- Be present in the moment. This goes a long way with children. The best gift you can give a child is the gift of your undivided attention (time).
- If you don’t have anything nice to say – then find something! (I’ll bet you thought I was going to tell you to keep your mouth shut – like your mother used to say!)
- Volunteer for a cause that you believe in.
- Cook a meal for a friend.
- Buy someone standing behind you in line a coffee.
- Offer to babysit for a couple to allow them special bonding time.
These are just a few things to help us all get back to basics. Stop living in fear – smile. Even while wearing a mask you can tell when someone is smiling. Their face lights up and their eyes squint!
Life is meant to live in community. We are not meant to live our lives in seclusion. You can still do all of the above and stay safe. Talking to someone over video is nice (especially if they are in another state), but seeing someone in person is even better. Do what you are comfortable with. Let’s start building each other up, instead of pointing fingers and blaming for things that may be out of our control. Take it one step, one action and one favor at a time. Just do it!
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