Learn to celebrate life for no special reason
HELLO, MI neighbour! A few weeks ago we had an AA – an amazing afternoon in the community. The climate was superb, the food was good, the fellowship was great, and the singing was awesome. It was an NSO – no special occasion. We were celebrating life and the daily blessings from the Almighty.
Customarily, we celebrate birthdays, births, anniversaries, holidays and so on; but how often do we just pause to celebrate the gift of life and the blessings of being a part of a good neighbourhood? How many neighbours do we greet in passing? Do we know their names? Would we feel comfortable leaving our children with a neighbour for even 10 minutes?
Food for thought/room for improvement.
One neighbour describes his neighbourhood as a very friendly place. Why? Neighbours know one another, say hello and talk often. The experience gives the neighbourhood a happy feeling and a sense of living in a safe zone. When walking home from school, children feel at ease knowing they can call on neighbours in an emergency.
Unfortunately, this kind of communal life has been eroded across the length and breadth of Jamaica for reasons too numerous to mention. Everything must therefore be done to maintain safety and friendliness wherever they are found. Oftentimes, our biggest stumbling blocks to healthy communities are fear and selfishness.
OPEN-DOOR POLIC Y
According to one neighbour, “Since having children, I’ve become more aware of my own street. I try to live in a way which ensures that my children have a positive experience, make balanced, intuitive judgements about strangers, and get around the neighbourhood on their own. It’s been my experience that the actions required to grow a sense of neighbourliness are perhaps smaller than we think.”
To create a friendly neighbourhood can be an effortless activity. It may begin with an open-door policy: open your front door (provided it is safe) and observe your surroundings, its inhabitants and rhythms. Smile and say hello to neighbours and passers-by. Share a quick word of encouragement if they stop.
In some communities, householders sit out front on chairs with a cup of tea, newspaper or a book to demonstrate that there can be opportunities for recreation and reflection in the community, despite the presence of traffic and noise in the surroundings at times. Yes, it takes some courage but we are equal to the task.
Small actions inspire other actions which lead to big changes. It may take a small action to help someone from list below, but it could make a big difference to the life of that neighbour.
THANKS TO NEIGHBOURS
I Shekinah – for offering to assist Tabean with bed and table I Neighbour – for financial contribution. I Annmarie, St Andrew – for offering clothing to neighbour.
I Latoyer – for donation.
NEIGHBOURS’ REQUESTS
I Sister Williams – Lost everything. In need of chest of drawer and dresser.
I Christal, single mother of two – Boy four months, girl three years old. Not working and unable to pay rent – asking for help to build a room on a piece of land she owns. Also need clothes and shoes for both children.
I Sister Alicia, unemployed – asking for a sewing machine.
Romayne – in urgent need of dialysis. Unable to work, no money. Also in need of basic things like water and food, etc.