52 Weeks of Neighboring - 11/12

Tip of the Week – Reflect on the neighboring experiments you’ve attempted during the last three months. Journal your thoughts or share them in a conversation with a friend.

The point of reflecting is that if we only do something once and never think about it again, it is less likely to stick. By reflecting on our neighboring experiences we not only have a better chance of doing them again but also we have a chance to explore why some of them failed. Keeping in mind that we are free to fail, as we look at what worked and what didn’t, we will also have a chance to learn more about ourselves.

Step 1: Look back over the neighboring tips:

27.  Utilize public spaces: visit a park, walk or ride your bike on a trail, visit your public library or community center.

28.  Attend your Neighborhood Association, District Advisory Board, or PTA meeting. Introduce yourself to someone new and ask them what they like to do.

29.  Host a fall block party.

30.  Read a book in your front yard. Or if you see a neighbor working on a project outside, go and visit with them and offer to help.

31.  If there is anyone on your block whom you have not met, go and introduce yourself to them.

32.  Join Nextdoor.com or check out your neighborhood’s Facebook page.

33.  Have a picnic in a neighborhood park.

34.  Rake a neighbor’s yard.

35.  Send a Trick or Treat invitation to the parents on your street.

36.  Meet your trash collector - offer them a cup of coffee.

37.  Find a way to thank a neighbor who is a good neighbor.

38.  Invite a neighbor to your Thanksgiving dinner.

Step Two: Reflect

·      What neighboring experiment was your favorite and why?

·      Was there one practice you really failed at? Even if you just failed to even attempt the practice, that counts. What might that failure teach you about yourself?

·      As you look over the list, are there 1 or 2 tips that would be beneficial to do again or try now that you may be more comfortable with your neighbors?

Happy reflecting!