By Dru Johnson

SHARE YOUR SPECIAL GIFT W 22

e call them com- munity associations, but are they really a community? A com-

munity can be defined as a locality inhabited by a group with the same government. Well, that sounds ac- curate, but I’m not getting the warm fuzzy feeling. For most of us, the concept of community comes with the idea of being friendly with our neighbors, even liking many of them, and being different from the general society because of our common inter- ests. It is a concept attainable only if we choose to make it happen and it can only happen if we reach out to others in our communities.

So how do we reach out to others? Just walk up to someone and in- troduce ourselves, shake hands and ask another about their day? Sure,

but that might be uncomfortable to some. Not everyone has the cour- age to strike up a conversation with a stranger.

Maybe you have a particular skill you want to share with others. Per- haps, for example, you are a yoga instructor.

You assist people daily

with bettering themselves and show them how to live a healthier and ac- tive lifestyle. Why not take your job into your community and help your neighbors? You know, that neighbor who has to hike from his car to his home along three different walkways and up a flight of stairs while carry- ing an armful of grocery bags and looks like he might pass out from be- ing out of breath.

Something as simple as a regular yoga routine can benefit both cardio and

circulatory health. It may sound cli- ché, but sharing is caring.

Any hobby, really, any special gift, skill or trait, can be shared with others with the potential of improving their experience and bettering their lives.

So take your knowledge and share it to your community. Offer a weekly class at the clubhouse. Advertise in the monthly newsletter and tell your neighbors. Who knows, maybe your breathless neighbor finds the cour- age to make a change and in a couple months you see him carrying all of his groceries with a smile.

This article was written and submitted by Dru Johnson of Accurate Termite and Pest Control.

March / April 2017