Building community isn’t a spectator sport
You have heard me use the words “thriving,” “vibrancy” and “vitality,” in this column. I have talked about various projects in the region such as “Thriving in Place” and “Healthy Communities” and Maine Highlands Senior Center which are working to improve the health, well-being, and quality of life in our region for seniors and for all. While there are many opportunities in the region for people to become more vibrant including the YMCA, churches, Friends of Community Fitness, granges and clubs, Foster Grandparents, Penquis Higher Education Center, the truth is building community vibrancy and personal vitality is not a spectator sport!
In order to thrive each one of us must ask ourselves three questions: What can I do to improve my physical and mental health? What can I do to bring vibrancy to others? How can I contribute to the health and vibrancy of my community?
Personal thriving involves taking responsibility for staying active physically and mentally. It means eating well, exercising regularly, stopping smoking, getting needed preventive care (including flu and pneumonia shots), avoiding isolation and boredom, engaging in life actively. This is impossible to do without reaching out to others and maintaining connectedness. Even people who do not drive and cannot afford “memberships” can invite a friend to come over and do exercises with them at home, play cards, plan next year’s garden, or share a cup of tea and conversation. While retirement might allow for welcome time to read, reading alone will not create a vital life.
Sharing your vitality with others is a sure way to remain independent and healthy. At this time of year especially think of how you can build a vibrant web of relationships. Make a call to someone you have wanted to get to know better and invite them for Thanksgiving. Spend time with a senior who no longer drives; take them for a ride to look at leaves. Connect with a neighbor and invite their child to come help bake an apple pie or learn to play cribbage. Walk, hunt or have coffee with a friend.
Build a community culture of sharing, interaction and mutual support by joining a club or grange, becoming a volunteer for the Maine Highlands Senior Center, the schools, hospital or YMCA, or becoming a Foster Grandparent. Most importantly, share your energy and enthusiasm for living every day. Attend workshops, learn a new skill, attend a movie at Center Theater. Notice others and be aware of people who might need encouragement or support to join in.
Community vibrancy is a team effort. We need everyone to play. Sitting on the sidelines waiting for others to make our community healthier is not a winning approach. We need everyone on the team to do their part.
We invite readers to offer feedback about this column and to suggest topics for future articles. You may do so by contacting Meg Callaway at 947-1410 or meg.callaway@charlottewhite.org or Lesley Fernow at 992-6822 and lmfernow@rcn.com.