Jan 04 2009
The Power of Neighbors
Have you ever wondered who your neighbors are. Growing up in a small town in Wyoming this was never a problem. I knew every person that lived in my small town and likewise they knew me. When I was a teenager I wanted to make a t-shirt that read, “Welcome to Medicine Bow. Where your neighbors know your business even before you do”. As a kid I found it very frustrating to think that my parents would be told every thing that I did. I looked at it as a battle that I must leave here to win.
Now as an adult I can see a much broader picture. Now I have not lived all over the world but I do travel from time to time. And one thing in particular that I see is that in today’s society we don’t know our neighbors. That is a shame that needs to be addressed sooner than later. With the country up in arms over this economical crisis and the idea of change looming around every corner we need to become a country of helping hands. The best place to start is in your very own backyard. The idea of borrowing something from a neighbor is lost in major cities, why do I need to borrow a cup of sugar when I can stop what I am doing and run to one of the fifty grocery stores in town and pick it up. The answer is a simple one, to meet some one different.
In my town of 265 people we tend to watch out for one another. I know what the normal schedule is for the neighbors around me and tend to notice when it is out of whack. Then instead of just asking myself what is up with that I make it a point to go over and check on them. A novel idea but one that is quite difficult for many of us to do. What would it hurt for you to go over and take a plate full of cookies to your neighbors house and introduce yourself?
Here are some helpful tips to reaching out to those that live around you.
1. If you have houses with lawns go over and mow your neighbors yard some time. Your out there any way so what are you out but a few more hours in the warm outside.
2. After shoveling your own drive way or sidewalk go and shovel some one else’s. Leave a nice note that says pass it on. Who knows maybe the whole neighborhood can get done with just a few hours from each and every resident.
3. When baking baked goods go and make a few extra dozen and take them to the folks that live next to you and across the street.
4. When having a party with friends and co-workers make it a point to invite your immediate neighbors.
5. During the major holidays take some extra folks a hand delivered card.
When you actually make it a point to get to know the people you live around, it really makes the neighborhood become some thing more than a place to lay your head at night. It becomes one big happy family.
