I've been thinking a lot lately about things I can do to be more present and connected to community and small ways to make a real difference. I started a list and thought I would share and ask for additional ideas. Please share yours! Take a co-worker you don't know well to lunch and get to know them better. Bring a plate of cookies or bowl of fruit to a neighbor. Start an office or neighborhood coat drive and donate winter coats to a local homeless shelter. Volunteer to listen to kids read at a local school. Let someone go ahead of you in line, just because. Put treats out for neighbors who walk their dogs. Explore a part of town you typically don't visit to shop, go to a play or musical event. Share your talent by volunteering some time to teaching even one person how to play an instrument, paint, draw, sing or act. Do handyman/woman jobs for a neighbor. Mow or take a lawn or shovel a walk for someone who needs help doing it. Organize a trash pickup day at a local park, beach, creek side... Give someone a compliment each day. Start a cooking club and take turns hosting dinner for friends. Invite a guest. Look at the checkout clerk when they say "hello" and ask you how your day is going. Ask them how their day is going too. Listen to their answer and be present.
…see more