Small Town Pride

Last week, I wrote about my joy in moving back to the small town I was from. Why do I love living in a small town instead of a city? Because there are so many aspects about the life I grew up knowing that are still present here. There is still the presence of values that are often only ever seen in small towns anymore.

What am I referring to?

Remember when we all knew our neighbours? When you knew the person who lived across the street, down the road, and on the next block? When they all took turns asking how your mother was, if you father managed to fix that thing he was working on, what your brother or sister was up to, how things were going with that sport you played or that hobby you enjoyed?

When we went out and did things together rather than staying home and watching tv or playing video games?

Remember when people helped people, and looked out for one another?

Do you remember the days when a loose dogs owner could easily be identified, if not by you then by someone you knew?

I remember when the answer to these questions was yes, and I've come back to the town where the answer to these questions are still yes.

Growing up here, we took care of each other, and we celebrated together. We found interesting ways to raise money for each other, and we prospered together. From unique fundraising of non-perishables for the food drive (including polar dips which I proudly participated in a couple years in a row), to local firework shows and impromptu concerts in the streets, this town was through and through a community, and coming back here I still see traces of that.

In just my first days back, I had strangers come to my aid in bringing my things up three flights of stairs for me (read about that Here). I was welcomed back to town by store staff members I'd known a decade ago, and immediately introduced to new people. I was invited to join the local women's curling team next year. I was enthusiastically told about the new performance theater in town. I was invited to get involved in upcoming community events. I made new friends simply by saying hello and plans to hang out were agreed upon.

Two weeks, and my apartment wasn't just home.. the whole town was once more 'home'.

Life gets hectic, and in our rush to get things done, one to-do after another, one screen before another, it's easy to lose sight of the things that make life worth living, that make the place we live in a community. It's easier to become shy, complacent, and apathetic, but it's worth so much more to take the time to get to know those around us.

When I was younger, living in this very same small town, some new people were moving in next door and I went to offer help. Yes, it might have been easier to let them do their thing and meet when we happened to be passing each other by, but in this small gesture my family became friends with their family and now, over a decade later, that very same woman I went to help that day, was one of the first people to show up to see my new apartment and give me a house warming gift.

So my dear Rambler's, a little something to reflect on before we part ways until next week: what way of life do you remember valuing growing up? More importantly, what can you do to set that way of life back on it's feet? Perhaps it will mean introducing yourself to a neighbour, or saying hello to someone at the post office. Maybe it's time to volunteer for that thing you've said you'd help out with someday. Or it could very well mean starting your very own initiative to bring people together. Yes, it will take a little effort, but consider it an investment in your community, in something that will bring joy to yourself and those around you.

Cheers!

The Bra Street Rambler