"We seem to need to see ourselves as going somewhere - as
being on a journey in pursuit of a significant purpose."
Kenneth Thomas
Politicians speak all the time about community values,
strength of the community, and community responsibilities.
Are these just words? Or does the rest of the country
really believe in a concept of community? Generally, every
human being has an innate respect for the community in
which he lives. However, in practice it is a different
story. A lot of us don't even know our neighbor's last
names (if we know their first names). We get involved with
our own lives and don't see those around us.
A healthy community can contribute a great deal to
individual, family and community success. A community,
like those of very old African and Asian cultures, benefits
the individual by sharing the individual's responsibilities
and commitments. A helping hand relieves stress and opens
the door for more time to pursue other goals. If each
mother on a single block agreed to take one another's
children one night a week, once a week, you save money on
child sitter's and you get an extra day out of the week to
focus on something that does not involve the children.
Your neighbors benefit from the same generosity. Each
member of the community protects the others' property and
families from predators, burglaries, and vandalism. In a
community like this no one has to feel alone.
We live in a busy world. Well, at least that's what we are
constantly told. So, we are continuously moving to
accomplish something. Most of the time, we are not even
sure what we are trying to accomplish. We are constantly
moving because that's what we've been taught and trained to
do. To what end? Are we so busy that we have lost sight of
our values?
Each individual in the community plays a part in the
perception of the community. If individuals within the
community hold themselves to a higher standard others will
see this, then visitors to this community will conduct
themselves in the same manner. Everyone makes a difference.
We need each other, or as the once popular song went,
"People who need people are the luckiest people in the
world".
Think of ways that you can benefit by knowing others in
your community. Think of ways that others in your
community can benefit from knowing you. This will also
open your mind to possibilities of a strong community.
----------------------------------------------------
Steven J. Brazis
Visit http://www.GiveYour2CentsWorth.com . Its members are
encouraged to express their opinions. Members also have the
opportunity to win monthly cash awards and donate to
charities at the same time. Visit
http://www.givemy2centsworth.com for more information.
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