Neighbors

These days it seems that everyone sits in front of a computer - whether they are socializing with friends, playing games, doing business, etc. The internet has been good for a lot of reasons but it has also isolated people from socializing with other people outside of the "virtual" world.

I wish that people would get back to the basics, especially neighbors! What ever happened to sitting outside socializing with their neighbors, watching kids play and watching over neighbors houses when they are on vacation?

Don't get me wrong there are good neighbors but they usually go unnoticed and taken for granted. Think about it - people usually discuss their bad neighbors but rarely do they talk about their good neighbors.

So, what can we do as American Citizens to be good neighbors?

First, we can introduce ourselves to any new neighbors that move into your neighborhood. Host a "Block Party" to get to know your neighbors better - it is really fun and super easy!

Second, be helpful whenever possible. This goes a long way! If your neighbor is outside trying to single handedly rake their lawn, offer to lend a hand.

Third, always smile and wave at your neighbors and start a conversation with them. It only takes a minute of your time.

Fourth, knowing your neighbors increases everyone's ability to share or pool your resources. Some neighborhoods share dinners, some trade items to help each other out - for example at Yozilla.com you can add your friends/neighbors to your "block party" and swap or barter items. It also gives you security when buying, selling, or trading online because you know everyone in your "block party". This will also give your friends/neighbors a way to meet each other. Knowing the people around you will bring you a sense of security. It's nice to know that you can depend on those around you and they can depend on you as well.

Knowing your neighbors and the people who live around you will give you a sense of pride of your neighborhood. It makes coming home a little bit nicer! These are just some simple things that (most) people love.

While you cannot change your neighborhood you can change the experience that you have in your own neighborhood by getting more involved with those around you and taking pride in where you live.

Below are some pictures of one Halloween of our neighborhood block party. Everyone had a wonderful time and we all watched out for all the kids to make sure they were safe!

Acts of Kindness - Giving Back A Little At A Time

Now, more than ever, people keep to themselves and the people that they know. What would happen if you did an act of kindness for a different person each day? It would make you feel better and also make your community a better place to live. Please note that these acts of kindness should be done without recognition - something simple goes a long way!

Here are a few ideas that I have regarding acts of kindness:

1. If someone doesn't have enough change when you are at a store - give them the change! It isn't going to break you but it will help your neighbor out.
2. Cook a meal for someone (friend, neighbor, etc) that isn't feeling well.
3. Offer to babysit for someone that never has time for themselves.
4. Give a lottery ticket to a stranger.
5. Pay the highway toll for a stranger behind you.
6. Help the elderly! Often elderly people are alone and would love some company! Play a game, read to them, cook them a meal, clean their house, run an errand or just sit and visit for an hour.
7. Always donate any unwanted goods or money to people less fortunate.
8. Forgive someone that cuts you off in traffic - you never know if they have an emergency or not but you can give them the benefit of the doubt.
9. Let someone in front of you at the checkout counter - especially if they have only a few items and your basket is full.
10. Always tell people that are close to you that you love them. You never know what the future holds and it can change so quickly!
11. Offer to push an elderly's basket or carry their groceries.
12. Please, pick up trash on the ground! Even if it isn't yours just pick it up and throw it away!
13. Compliment at least one person a day.
14. Always hold the door for someone that is coming in behind you.
15. If someone drops something - bend over and pick it up for them.
16. Smile at people that you make eye contact with even if they don't smile back.
17. Instead of calling a company and complaining about a service - call or tell their manager about how good your service was for a clerk that gave you good service.
18. Provide a backpack loaded with school supplies to a child who needs it.
19. Provide water and food for a stray animal.
20. Go to www.yozilla.com, set up a garage, sell any unwanted items and give the proceeds a needy person.

I know that these aren't big things but they are things that can be done in this busy world that we live in and it will make a difference in someones life. Please let me know how you think or if you have any ideas that I left off! I would love to hear from you!

Let's get back to the basics America!

God Bless,
Caryn Stewart
http://www.yozilla.com/