Written to inspire positive change in small regional communities ...
Something a little different ... I wrote a recent article for a local, small regional community newspaper ... a place where I am currently living and working from. Why here? My partner accepted a work contract here ... simply another chapter for us.
You see, we've both moved around a bit; lived and worked in various states, cities and small communities. We embrace change as opportunity for adventure, new experiences, and personal growth. Yes, that means we often view surrounding things through different lenses than long-term locals.
My analytical thinking and inquisitive mind feeds an avid need to explore ‘WHY it is so’. I absolutely
love that life is full of choices, chances and changes. So, the intent of sharing my thoughts in the 'local rag' is to provide an alternative view,
encourage positive thinking, challenge the status quo, and maybe influence a change
of approach.
I'm sharing it here on my BlogSpot ... as a helpful reminder to my readers to check in on the message YOU portray to others.
Wherever I go, live and work, the purpose of my life is to make a positive difference.
Do
you know the purpose of YOUR life? … Or are you living the life of a robot; shuffling
slowly without much thought, mindlessly going about life with the same old
routines, doing the same old stuff; days blending into weeks and years slipping
by.
Do you have a ‘woe is me’ … ‘whinge and whine’ … ‘can’t change it’ …
‘that’ll do’, approach to life and your community?
Maybe
you ARE passionate and mindful about what you do each day, where you live, and
why you choose to live where you do. Great
stuff! Do your thoughts, words and actions positively showcase your enthusiasm
to others? Are you purposely contributing to the growth and positive spirit of
your community, or just focused on your own personal goals?
Ok,
so I ask a lot of questions … perhaps a tad challenging for some people. I ask with
genuine interest to find out WHY?
For 7 months now I have been reading the
stories and columns in my local paper [yes, every word … my partner thinks I’m
mad taking so long to read a thin newspaper]. As a Life Coach, I am a strong
believer in the impact words, phrases and tone has on influencing the
perception of others. I try to read it with several hats on: a local’s response … a new resident’s thoughts
… and a visiting tourist or perspective investor’s impression. Needless to say, I'm often shaking my head with a 'what the ...?' look on my face.
Now,
I’m not saying that community culture is totally reflected in its local
newspaper … but, it does provide some of the painted images, good and
questionable, that make up one’s overall picture of a place ... especially if you are actively searching for connections or a reason to stay.
Imagine
this … a positive and
creative community spirit that is immediately, visually evident as one enters
the town; a bright, happy, place-making theme that is echoed everywhere … in
parks, entrance gardens, street plantings, main streets and business frontages
… on information brochures, websites, Facebook pages, event promotions, local
newspapers - everywhere. A branding that
the community helps design and proudly owns; that represents the positive
things about why you choose to live here, and showcases why others should take
a look and consider staying longer.
A great step for attracting more visitors to stop and check it out.
OK ... so what about those new residents already here,
or potential investors sniffing around?
Imagine this … a central business area that is buzzing with vibrant, interesting, uniquely
different shops – you know, not just the same old stuff that’s in every town. Café’s
that showcase local produce, great coffee, inviting décor, local art works, and welcoming
outdoor circle seating to stop, rest and chat to a friendly local.
Aaahh … now I’m interested in leaving my home
office for a curious wander. Exploring
just became more interesting …
Imagine this … Anybody
and everybody who walks into each shop in your local business area is greeted
with positive enthusiasm; with curious interest in who they are; and genuine
intent to help make their experience in this community, enjoyable and memorable
… for the right reasons … so that they keep coming back, support local businesses, and stay longer.
Imagine this … new
residents and potential investors are given welcome packs with details of all
businesses and services in the local area, key events, invites to community
group meetings, and vouchers to use at local businesses. Let’s take it up a notch – what if businesses and locals actively collected contact details of new residents to pass onto community leaders,
so that key, positive ‘movers and shakers’ in the community contacted them personally to ensure they feel welcome.
Now that’s how to WOW them; involve them and
embrace the skills and potential positive growth they bring to your community.
On recent travels, I drove through and visited many rural and
regional towns ... and it was immediately obvious which ones showcased positive
vitality, pride and a welcoming feel ... and which ones were struggling to
attract and retain businesses and residents. Yes, it sure helps if
positive culture and attitude is led by enthusiastic, pro-active leaders ...
not just 'seat-warmers'.
However, the great thing about vibrant, small
communities is that positive change is often driven by small groups of
passionate people who have a vision of what it could be … and a purpose to make
it happen. Are you a leader of positive
change? If not, are you actively
involved in supporting those in your community who are … regardless of how long
they’ve lived there, or where they come from?
Be mindful of the way you communicate with
others.
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