Living a life without regrets is about living for things that matter, not about filling our lives with things that distract us from who we were made to be. While all of us seek to create meaningful lives for ourselves and our families, everyone plays a valuable role in creating meaning for our communities. Creating a no-regrets culture in our neighbourhoods changes our life and the lives of those around us.
Being a no-regrets neighbour is simply a creative way way of engaging with your community and thinking about the places we call home. Here are ten things you will not regret as you seek to bring meaning to your neighbourhood this summer.
• You will not regret spending time with your neighbours. There are so many amazing people who live nearby, invite them over and find common connections as you get to know them.
• You will not regret exploring your neighbourhood. Go for walks, find pathways, visit a local shop, attend community events, and sit for awhile on a bench. Memories are made when we go on small adventures.
• You will not regret speaking kindly of others. No neighbourhood has ever benefited from drama and gossip. Make it your goal to create a healthy culture everywhere you go.
• You will not regret being yourself. There’s no need to keep up with the Joneses. In fact, it would be great if you had the Joneses over for coffee sometime.
• You will not regret creating fun for kids. Go and play, set up a street hockey game, and go to the park – it is good for you and the kids in your life.
• You will not regret starting a group for people who share your interests. I started a beekeeping group, some friends are starting a disk golf group. Be a gatherer, because if there is something you enjoy doing, you will likely find others in Chestermere who enjoy doing it, too.
• You will not regret learning about other cultures. Meeting people from different ethnic or cultural backgrounds can be exciting and it offers new experiences and stories.
• You will not regret growing trees. You may not be around in 40 years, but others will. Give the gift of a big tree for some future kid to climb, it’s a gift to the future of our city that raises value and makes our city beautiful for generations to come.
• You will not regret throwing a block party. Block parties are one of the few times that all of your neighbours gather together. Organize a party, it is easy and creates an amazing sense of community.
• You will not regret visiting with other leaders in our city. Sharing your hopes and dreams about Chestermere, and listening to others, builds common ground that helps us weather the storms, take steps forward on big projects, and fosters trust.
When we become neighbours who are courageous, kind, and bold in our passion for making Chestermere the best city in Alberta, we not only give meaning to our community, but we find meaning for ourselves. May we be a city without regrets and neighbours who make the most of every moment.
