Spring brings plenty of rainy days, where it is difficult to get outside. I long to be outdoors every day as it helps me gain a bigger perspective on life. I have noticed that when the days are stormy, it is much harder to be positive about the stay at home order. At times, I need to be reminded that our community is larger than my home.
One way for me to shake off the melancholy feeling is to think about others in my community. Having an attitude of gratitude for neighbors, health care heroes, small business owners, and other community members helps me appreciate the outside world. Expressing appreciation and caring for these community members can brighten their day.
Cultivating care for our community, gives the girls and me a creative outlet to think of fun ways to bless others. These random acts of kindness are fun to plan, create, and deliver.
may day
Over the last seven years, the girls and I have enjoyed delivering flowers to my parents’ community. My mom buys beautiful plants and attaches a handmade spring card. Then we head out with a wagon full of flowers.
The neighbors know our routine and even tell us that they anticipate our arrival. They comment on how much the girls have grown and express how they enjoy the visit each year. Since my parents live in a retirement community, we felt that it was best to skip this year’s delivery.
This year to celebrate May Day, the girls and I passed out flowers to our immediate neighbors. During this quarantine, we have spent more time on the corner talking with our neighbors as well as catching up with them over the fence. The girls and I were disappointed that our tradition was switched up, but we were excited to share flowers with neighbors.
The stay at home order has given us more opportunities to connect with our neighbors. It is a blessing to know those in our neighborhood and more about what is happening in their day to day lives.
Thanking Community helpers
Our family loves watching John Krasinski’s Some Good News. This program has been the girls’ inspiration to spread joy to all the helpers in our community. We look forward to watching the latest episode and hearing all the good that is happening even in the midst of uncertainty.
The girls made a poster to thank all of the healthcare heroes. Elyse made sure to add a police officer and a doctor as her uncles are in those professions and keeping their communities safe. Then Mike helped the girls record and edit their very own SGN for Kids.
Our mailman is another one of the community helpers that gets overlooked and is working hard for our community. We bought him a few tasty cake truffles and left them in the mailbox as a thank you for all that he does. We hope that this simple act of kindness brightens his day.
Patronizing small businesses
My favorite shops are small, local, and family-owned businesses. I appreciate the effort that these businesses go-to for the public’s safety and helping us purchase our favorite products from them.
I want to give a shout out to some my favorite businesses!
Recognizing the obstacles that small businesses are enduring and purchasing through them when possible is one way to extend care to my community.
Wrapping Up
I have spent more time walking my neighborhood, which has given me a deeper appreciation for my neighbors. There are more smiles and waves exchanged as we are all longing to connect with people. I am so encouraged to see the best coming out in people when I get out from behind my computer and into my community.
We are all in this pandemic together and can chose to show kindness and compassion wherever we are planted.
How are you cultivating connection in your community?
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