I know I’m showing my age here, but I recall the day the big black wall telephone was installed in the living room of my house. My phone number was “North 3156” and the neighbors used the same “party line.” Picking up the phone it was common to hear Myrtle and Joyce planning a potluck supper, or Irvin asking Dean about the cows out on the road. (I lived in a small farming community in northern Wisconsin.)
The party line wasn’t a problem – in fact people seemed to like the connection between neighbors. When my mother picked up the phone she generally took the time to say “hello” to whoever was talking. It would have been rude to hang up without at least sharing a greeting! And the beauty of a friendly neighborhood party line was that my mother often ended up adding her opinion, and a “dish-to-share” to the potluck. Then my family would join Myrtle’s and Joyce’s for dinner that night. Or, if Mom knew who owned the cows on the road she’d share her insights so Irvin and Dean could help the cows get to their right home. That was community. Those people knew about relationships.
How does that compare with your community? We certainly need those same caring relationships. Do people drop in at your house without an invitation? Can you list a few neighbors who are generally available for a spur-of-the moment glass of wine and half-hour conversation? Shared, spontaneous joy is one of the best parts of life! We miss out when most of our contacts have to be planned and scheduled. Stop here for one moment and think about what you can do differently today to increase your community. Who are two people you would like to connect with today? What can you do to initiate a connection? What do you need in order to make that connection happen?
When you're met with a challenge, even though it's probably not cows on the street, do you have people to call? Or do you tend to tackle things alone? Friends make work lighter. Have you ever painted a room, with the help of a friend? When your neighbor is doing his lawn clean-up this spring, how would it feel to grab your rake and lend a hand? Sharing in work is sharing life. What task or work is on your schedule today that can be shared with a neighbor or friend? Do you have the courage to ask for help? Is it easier for you to help someone with their burdens? What do you need in order to reach out to lighten someone's load today?
I think the lesson to be learned from the party line telephone is that people need connections today as much as they did years ago. When I gather my confidence to join in a conversation, invite myself to spend some time with a neighbor, or lend a helping hand, I’m building relationships. Relationships make my life full, interesting, and joyful!
Would you like to expand and improve your relationships with neighbors, family members, or co-workers? Does this seem like a stretch for you to initiate new friendships? Do you sometimes feel isolated and alone? Let’s talk about that. Please e-mail me at Diane@BeginAgainLifeCoaching.com to schedule a free ½ hour phone call just to get acquainted. Positive relationships make all of life better and life coaching can be just the jump start you need to build new skills in this area.
Want to use this article on your website, ezine, or blog? Great! Just be sure to include the following bio with link back to www.BeginAgainLifeCoaching.com: "Diane Overgard, CFLE, is a Family Life Specialist and Life Coach whose main goal is to help people who are experiencing change to unwrap a new future. Find out if Life Coaching might be right for you by visiting www.BeginAgainLifeCoaching.com.
