Seeds of Hope Community

“In every community, there is work to be done. In every nation, there are wounds to heal. In every heart, there is the power to do it.”

– Marianne Williamson

With so many people looking for thriving lifestyles, perhaps the answer is closer than you realise…

Have you ever heard the saying, “home is where the heart is”? Or let me ask you this, have you ever desired to live in a neighbourhood where you loved being part of the community? The people are friendly and kind to one another, it has that warm, welcoming feel to it, where you feel safe, and it’s a good place to raise kids.

No matter what your answer is, I think it’s safe to say that we would all desire to live in that kind of community. No one wants to live in an area where you can’t walk out your door without feeling anxious.

When anxiety is on the rise and things are out of our control, consider the question, what is in your control, and how can you make living in your own home and neighbourhood better? 

Research reveals that strong, healthy and safe communities where people thrive are built by several factors:

1. Good neighbours. It makes people feel happier living next to good neighbours. This doesn’t mean you have to live in each other’s pocket. Rather, knowing that good neighbours watch out for your property or can be relied on in times of need can be reassuring. Good neighbours are generally aware of what’s happening in the neighbourhood. They have a sense of ownership and responsibility for what’s going on in their community, resulting in lower crime rates and a sense of calm and safety.

• Taking pride in your home and community. There is something about an area that is cared for and looked after – you can see it, and it feels good to be there. It may be beautiful tree-lined streets, well-maintained gardens, lush parks or well-maintained homes. It generally comes with a feeling of safety and belonging in the area. Simply maintaining or caring for your home, whether you rent or own it, send a message that homes are valued in your area.

• Good areas have good services for the community. Things like parks, playgrounds, community gardens, sporting facilities, volunteering opportunities, places to socialise, worship and contribute to the wellbeing of the people in your community. Having good community leaders that understand and care about the needs of the people are crucial for healthy, safe and thriving communities. And, if you work in your local community, each time you go to work you are creating the culture and atmosphere in your own community!

• People that care and have hope for the future. More often than not, it’s not the big things we do but the little things. People who place value on creating a healthy and thriving community will take time to build into their family and neighbourhood. They establish healthy relationships and connections and contribute to the needs of others through kindness and generosity, in words and deeds.

There are lots of things we can do to make our homes, neighbourhood and communities a great place to live, but the most important of them all is YOU! 

You shape your home and community by the choices you make. I want to encourage you to remember the next time you walk out your home to go to work, school or take a stroll in your neighbourhood, consider how, by taking a couple of minutes each day, you can create a thriving community for yourself and the people that live in it.