Community Beautification

Matrix Key: Personal Awareness - Community - Beautification

"Ugliness is so grim.  A little beauty, something that is lovely, I think, can help create harmony which will lessen tensions." - Lady Bird Johnson

Lady Bird Johnson fought for improving city neighborhoods throughout Washington DC - high traffic tourist areas and dilapidated inner city neighborhoods received equal support. She recognized that a neighborhood's appearance did not just reflect the status of the neighborhood, but could also influence the status of the neighborhood.  

Bringing a little beauty into the situation makes everything brighter, happier, livelier. Whether fixing up the first house in a run down Detroit neighborhood, or planting wildflowers on an empty lot, bringing new life to an area brings new life to everyone in the area. People have something positive to talk about, a reason to engage with a smile or a laugh.

I have identified four elements of bringing more life to your community:

1. Public spaces
2. Common Areas
3. Beautification
4. Environmental Impact

Maybe you are motivated to start a project on your own street, or join a community-wide effort.  From your local school or scout troop, to your city government, to a nationwide organization such as Habitat for Humanity, opportunities abound. Reach out and make a new friend, make a positive impact, and create something that brings beauty to your community.

Are you ready to Win?

Creating Community

Matrix Key: Personal Awareness - Community

"What should young people do with their lives today? Many things, obviously. But the most daring thing is to create stable communities in which the terrible disease of loneliness can be cured.” ― Kurt Vonnegut

With all of the technology buzzing around us today, in some ways we are more connected to others than at any other point in evolution.  But some would say the connections are shallower, and focused on ourselves rather than the people and world around us. 

How often do you move straight from your car through the garage to plug into an electronic device at the end of your day?  When is the last time you stopped and chatted with your neighbor?  What helps you take a break from yourself and do something with and for others?

With the WholeLife Matrix, we have identified four key elements to connecting with and building community:

1. Participation

2. Service

3. Beautification

4. Legislative

Consider taking some kind of action to reengage with your community.  Get out and do things with other people.  Get to know your civic and community leaders.  Find a place to belong.  Share your ideas and concerns.  As you engage in conversations and activity with others, you may be surprised by the possibilities that open up for you.

For conversations specifically focused on the WholeLife Matrix, join the community taking a Deeper Dive into the WholeLife matrix.  The group meets every other Tuesday from 11am - Noon Pacific time for a group phone conversation.  Email me to sign up - Ralph@Consulting2Win.com.

Are you ready to win?