Civic Spirit

A community, however large or small, is made up of individuals and never before, I think, has the individual had such an important part to play in making a difference to their community and those they come into contact with, whether this be their family, neighbours, friends or strangers.

We have all heard of examples of kindness, generosity and selfless acts that have made such a big impact on individuals, whole communities, and the whole nation – from millions raised for the NHS, to delivering the post, making sure everyone has access to food, putting out the bins for an elderly neighbour, to caring for others both seriously unwell or needing help with everyday living, to enabling others to do their part by making sure their own children are cared for. Everyone has their part to play, and however small and unnoticed by the wider community it is valuable nonetheless.

Not everyone can be a superhero. Not everyone can help to save lives or raise large sums of money for good causes.

So what can we do from young to old that will help make our lives and the lives of others a little bit better?

As I have been walking around the village where I live, I have been struck by how lovely everyone is – I am greeted by smiles, hellos and friendship by those I would have walked straight past a few weeks ago. As I am greeted by a smile or I see things like painted rainbows in windows or crocheted rainbows on road signs, I smile and I feel happier, despite everything that is going on and the terrible stories of grief we hear every day.

I have thought about what I can do to help – I have decided to smile as much as I can and to try to be kind each day. Who doesn’t feel better to be on the receiving end of a warm smile? Try it and you will, I am sure, find lots of smiles coming back your way!

And do try to remember that despite everything going on, the world, in which we all live, is a wonderful place. I think Louis Armstrong says it all:

I see trees of green, red roses too
I see them bloom for me and you
And I say to myself, what a wonderful world

I see skies of blue and clouds of white
Bright sunny days, dark sacred nights
And I think to myself, what a wonderful world