52 Weeks of Neighboring - 9/10

Tip of the Week – 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.

This week’s neighboring experiment is adjustable for both introverts and extroverts. Our SoCe Life staff includes both, so we’ve seen firsthand how each personality type can neighbor differently – and beautifully.

For the introverts – read a book in your front yard. Allow yourself to be present to your neighbors by sitting on your front porch. Take in the beauty you see in your neighborhood. Give a smile, a wave, or even a good morning/evening to any neighbors passing by. Remember – reading your book is simply the pretense that gives you the chance to neighbor. If your experiment goes well, you might not even make it through a chapter.

For the extroverts – go help a neighbor with a project. Drive or walk around your neighborhood and keep an eye out for a neighbor who might be working on a project. If you see someone, stop to visit and ask if they would like some help. Be prepared for them to say no, but don’t let the fear of rejection stop you from asking. Remember – in the Neighboring Movement, you are free to fail.

Really want a challenge? Switch these experiments. If you’re an introvert, offer to help someone with a project. If you’re an extrovert, crack open a good book on your front porch. Comfort zones only limit us if we refuse to leave them.

Happy neighboring!