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NewsDay

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It takes a village: The importance of community and how we can play our role

Opinion & Analysis

In a day, we will have dozens of conversations.

From trivial ones like morning greetings, to more serious ones such as a school presentation or a business meeting.

An average person will have 27 conversations each day.

Given how much we interact with people, it is important that we pay attention to the quality and content of the conversations that we hold.

Being part of a community gives us a sense of belonging.

“We cannot seek achievement for ourselves and forget about progress and prosperity for our community. Our ambitions must be broad enough to include the aspirations and needs of others for their sakes and for our own.” (Unknown).

In a healthy ecosystem, every organism has a specific niche into which it fits.

Likewise, we should practise discernment and categorise the people in our lives.

We should separate our friends from our acquaintances, colleagues and so on.

We should identify those we seek advice from and those we have casual conversations with.

Above all, we must strive to fill our own niche so we can bring a benefit to the community.

It has become an increasingly popular solution to “cut off”, “cancel”, or “ghost” anyone we feel offends us.

Although sometimes this is needed, we often fail to acknowledge the role we play in our own suffering.

In this article, we will discuss the various habits one can adopt as they find their footing and fill their niche in the community.

Always start with your why

“True belonging doesn’t require you to change who you are; it requires you to be who you are.” (Brene Brown).

Complications always follow when we pretend to be someone else.

These may manifest as jealousy, resentment, feeling inferior or anxious.

Instead of telling people what you think they want to hear, tell then the why behind your being, your purpose.

Those who can help you attain your goals will reveal themselves to you. (The law of attraction).

Focus on meaningful connections

These include mutual respect, trust, interest and positive regard.

When our connections are intentional, we lower the rates of anxiety and depression, while simultaneously growing our self-esteem and empathy.

Until we die, we will forever be communicating with those around us.

It is, therefore, imperative that we learn how to direct our energy towards forging meaningful relationships.

Be consistent

When we are consistent, we prove that we are reliable.

It is not what we do once in a while that shapes our lives, it is what we do consistently, according to American author and coach Tony Robbins.

Whether it is in school, at work, or in our personal lives, we should strive to be consistent as this shines a light on the type of individual we are.

Let go of all expectations

A wise man once said, “Expectations are the root of all heartache.”

We should let go of expectations because they limit our experiences in the present moment and leave little room for understanding.

When we have high expectations, we create room for disappointment.

Instead, direct your energy inwards, set standards for yourself and work towards those.

Be a giver

The law of prosperity is generosity, if you want more, you should give more. If you want joy, you should be joyful. If you crave material affluence, you should help others.

There is no greater way to express gratitude over what we have than giving back to the community. Find a way to give back to your community.

It is easy to pass the blame to others and accuse them for the flaws we see without looking at ourselves.

Take the time today to reflect on your life and see how it has influenced those around you.

Where some may be content, others will not. Instead of dwelling on past failures, find ways to move forward and make the future a better place. Start today.

  • Rutendo Kureya is a medical student at Saint Petersburg State Paediatric Medical University, Russia. She is passionate about issues concerning the state and welfare of fellow Zimbabweans. She can be reached at  [email protected]
  • Mobile: +7 996 274 98 66 Facebook: Rutendo Kureya. She writes here in her personal capacity.

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