Come Join Me in my new Neighborhood Challenge!

Lately, there has been so much hate and violence on the news and it so frustrating.  I have so many things that I want to say, but I don't want to focus on the negative.  I want to focus on the positive and all the good that is going on and I want to help others to see and focus on the positive too.  There is so much more love in this world than there is hate, but the hate is easier to see and react to.  

How much better could it be though if everyone would just slow down and set down their electronics for a few minutes each week to do something kind for someone?  Not for your normal group of friends and family (though that is fabulous too!), but for someone in your neighborhood that you don't know that well.  We live in a time where everyone is rushed.  Rushed to go to work, rushed to get the shopping done, rushed to get the kids to soccer or softball or a gazillion other activities, rushed to grab fast food for dinner because we don't have time to actually cook it.  To often, we "THINK" we just don't have enough time for others.  How many times do you "WANT" to help, but just don't have time?

I get it.  I do!  I've said it many times.  Honestly, it doesn't take a lot of time or even any money to be kind. I am challenging myself to be better.  I am going to make a concious effort to do extra this next month for my neighbors.  

NOW is the time to be kind.  NOW is the time to get to know your neighbors.  NOW is the tie to be sincere.  NOW is the time to strengthen our communities.  NOW is the time to make actions speak louder than words.

So, here is my "Neighborhood Challenge".  I'm not asking for big huge events (though that would be fun).  I'm just asking you to take a few minutes out of your week to do an act of kindness for someone you don't normally associate with.  Get to know your neighbors.  Let's bring back the friendly neighborhoods an get rid of the uncertainty and hate.

I've made a list of some things that we can try.  If you need to plan it out, go ahead and mark 1 day a week on your calendar or at least every 2 weeks to set aside time for acts of kindness.  Let's hold each other accountable.  Let's not just say we're going to do this, but let's do it!

Take a photo of what you're doing if you can and share it on Facebook, Twitter or Instagram using #NeighborhoodChallenge
so we can see how much love is going around.  Let's fill our lives with the good!Do you have 20 minutes in the next month that you can spare?  Will you join me?

#becauseIcare  #spreadthelove  #lifeistoshort  #dontletitpassyouby


Challenge options (I'd love to hear more ideas if you have some)

1. Take 5 minutes to pick up the phone and call a neighbor you don't talk to often.  It doesn't have to be a long conversation, it just needs to be sincere
2. Make a treat and take it to a neighbor with a little note saying why you are glad they're your neighbor and thank them

3. Write a note to someone you admire in your area that you don't know well and take it or send it to them

4. Next time you drive by a neighbors house and think "I should visit them one of these days", HIT THE BREAKS!  Do it now!  One of these days will never come, but you really can spare a few minutes to sop and say hi.  I promise, it will make you feel better.

5. Next time you are at the store, smile at someone who looks down or frazzled.  Maybe even go out on a limb and say hello.  That may be all they need.  You never know the effect that a simple smile may have on others.

6. Compliment a random person next time you go out.  Be sincere!  
7. Invite a neighbor over for dinner so you can sit down and visit while you're eating.  

8.  And since we're on my crochet blog, if you crochet, make some simple items that you can take to a nursing home or to children in a hospital and go in and visit someone.  Don't just drop them, take a few minutes to see who will receive them.

Now, I'm out the door to deliver some homemade cinnamon rolls to neighbors!