Last Word
come together
by: Eryn Austin
We all realize that there is not much in life that is free. Even love is sometimes bought at a hefty price. We work hard to make enough money to afford the things that we need and want. Invest, save, and keep working hard until way past retirement, and then you can afford the life you want. Well, if this is the way life must be, then I say, “Let’s enjoy the things that cost us nothing but time.”
My absolute favorite freebie in life is community. I love that all around me are people I have yet to meet and know. Still, we have a common ground: we all live in a great big, wonderful county! A county full of opportunity! So, my question is, “Why on earth do I not know any of my own neighbors?”
I live in a town-home community. We couldn’t get any physically closer to our neighbors next door. Now, I will say that I know one couple and their little girl. But, only knowing one couple out of the possible 60 couples in my neighborhood? A social butterfly such as myself should know at least half of them. Still, I tend to park in the garage, quickly grab the mail, shut the garage door, and head straight inside. We don’t have block parties, or social gatherings. We all simply exist in a row of tightly attached houses and never interact with another person. The saddest part of this story is that I know that there is someone living near me who could possibly become a great friend of mine, if I’d just reach out and introduce myself.
Isn’t this true of life today? We’re so bogged down into our schedules and our busyness that we cannot see past our own daily agendas enough to look down the road and wave at a neighbor. We choose our email over picking up a phone and giving someone our “hello” in person. We would rather spend an evening cuddling on the couch with our laptops than go out with friends. What happened to the lazy
days of barbecues and neighborhood cookouts?
I want to be the type of person who always takes a long look around. I want to know the people I pass by each day. I want to know their names, where they comevfrom, and what they love. Reaching out to meet someone does no harm to either party. If anything, our lives are enriched by the people we know. I have learned something from every person I’ve known in my life, regardless of the depth or brevity of the relationship. So, what’s the big deal?
I’d say that my challenge to Gwinnett County this fall is to step out and meet someone. Take five extra minutes to speak to the lady walking her dog in front of your house. Be nice to the man who bags your groceries. Say thank you to your bank teller and ask a stranger if they are having a nice day. Who knows? You may meet a new friend! Maybe that friend will be me!
About Eryn:
Finding balance between living the writer’s life and starting an exciting career in advertising sales is Eryn Austin’s modus operandi.
Her sensitive and intense nature allows her to reach into the heart and soul of her own life for inspiration and motivation. Austin loves books at bedtime, crème brulee, passionate people and seeing lives change.
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