I know a lot of cool people. Smart people. Funny, creative, talented, generous, loving, wonderful people. They encourage me to be myself, push me to be better, and give me goals for the kind of person I want to be when I grow up. This series is all about the lessons I’m learning and the ways they inspire me. This month, I’m inspired to enjoy my community.
I have several fantastic sisters-in-law, and each of them has inspired me in different ways, but for today’s post I want to tip my hat to my brother’s wife Emily. She is a gem and we are so lucky to have her around. One of my favorite things about her?
Everywhere she goes, she creates a place for herself and participates.
She has shared some of her favorite traditions with our family. She sends cards and treats to her nieces and nephews for every holiday. She helps out with chores and projects when she visits, and she is legitimately interested in what is going on with everyone. And her knack for being an enthusiastic member of our family translates into other areas of her life too…specifically the way she becomes an active part of her community.
Before she even goes to a new place, to live or to visit, she researches local events, parks, libraries, farmer’s markets, classes, and on and on and on. Then, once she arrives, she jumps right in. She makes friends from all walks of life. Joins clubs. Takes classes. Creates a place for herself and participates.
I remember before they moved to their current city, she discovered there was a competition for community members to submit art and possibly have it displayed around town. While I would’ve thought, “Hm, that’s nice. Maybe we’ll have to check that out after we get settled in,” she made a painting and entered it.
She’s brave and creative and awesome like that.
Because of her example, I’ve made a concentrated effort to participate in and enjoy my own community. We’ve taken art, music, yoga, tumbling, and swimming classes through our city’s parks and rec department. We go to the library for story and singing time. I keep an eye out for art installations and family friendly events that seem interesting. We check out different parks, restaurants, and small businesses all the time. We like to have season passes to museums, the zoo, the aquarium, and other places so we can visit more often. Once Mila starts kindergarten at our neighborhood elementary school, I fully intend to be an active parent participant there. I’m not super aware of local politics, but I’m definitely registered to vote.
Given that my tendency is to isolate myself at home, I’m pretty proud of myself. I’m learning to create a place for my family within our community so we can be active participants too.
As a result, I’ve begun to fall in love with this sprawling metropolis and this crazy desert. We have found hidden local gems that we now visit regularly. I have fewer boring days at home with the kids and more fun days full of little adventures. Our lives are so much richer than they would be otherwise.
And I give Emily credit for inspiring me to do it, one hundred percent.
Do you like where you live? I haven’t always, but over the last couple years I’ve decided this place is pretty great. It definitely helps to seek out things to love! What are some of your favorite things about your community?
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