Bahá’í Neighbors

There was someone coming behind me at the store for a cart, so I gave them mine. I found myself actually slowing down specifically so I could do this for the challenge :)

Tuesday was busy with appointments and shopping. I wanted to find one way to compliment / recognize the expertise of the staff at several doctor's offices or grocery customer service. The reason: My day was made easier by their work and shared a smile

My 88 y/o neighbor and I have the same house number, but one street away. Over 25 years, her mail has often come to my mailbox. This mis-delivery is a chance for me to stop by and make sure she is doing well or listen to her misadventures. The reason: It is polite. More so, we have cultivated a sincere a sense of reciprocity and caring.

My next-door neighbors' son -who lives with them- is a young man in his 20s. And I have never spoken to him in 3 years! He and I both now have pet rabbit(s). When walking down our street, I saw him in the backyard and consciously set aside anxiety about approaching him-a male person- out of the blue, knowing we could chat about rabbits. All went well. My reason: Young people need to know their neighbors are accessible, have common bonds and are interested.

Funny, I found that because I was doing this challenge, when the time came to offer, I immediately thought of being neighborly. I would have done it regardless, but it was an interesting thing to notice and I found myself exuberantly offering - like I was hoping to do a side job while at the gas station ;) Hah!

My friend is a busy professional with a husband, a puppy, and extended family. And often a bit downcast. Our infrequent, but intense "catch-ups" covers every topic and we usually circle back to our spiritual faith. We fuel each other with food, humor and compassion and good advice. My reason: All this makes me braver and keen to do the same with those on my street.

A big smile and a wave is so fun to give to a stranger! Couple people even called back well wishes :)

I hadn't seen my neighbor out walking his dog in a while and was afraid that maybe something had happened. Turned out he had to put his dog down :( The dog was so sweet and I was sad to hear, but I think he appreciated someone checking in with him and I plan to again soon :)

I normally would have just waived, but instead I took an extra minute to chat and had a nice conversation... also heard about what their kids were also up to these days. Seems good for the soul, I plan to do more of this.