Homework

The homework is to ask people in our community what it is they love about living in their community. What's interesting is their response.

The majority of the time, they go into glowing speeches of what they love, love, love about living in the area, working, or studying at that place. I have one occasion where the gentleman could not find one thing he liked about Arizona. So I had him talk about where he loved to live and be in, and why he moved, and what about the choices he made. I learned so much about him and that he was the owner of the fast food Hawaiiin place I frequent often.

From this conversation what I get is the opportunity to just listen, validate, listen, and give reflective listening as the person is so into what they have to say and I get to hear their love for what's important to them.

During my conversation yesterday with Janet, I also saw where I try to focus on the positive can invalidate someone's comments - especially when they are busy making wrong. So I checked myself, heard her out, just being present and listening. Allowing her to fully self-express however that is for her. I was then able to listen for something else that could be said, that was relevant, insightful, and far better accepted than by my jumping in to re-direct the conversation to a more positive slant.

What I love about living in my neighborhood are my neighbours who are friendly, chatty, and will always stop to say "Hi," and there is shared history. My kids at my school are just the best - squirrelly sometimes, never malicious with malintent, always wanting to be the best for themselves and aiming to create good results. There is never a dull moment and I am always energized by their presence. Yeah... I could go on

So what is it that you love about where you live, your community?