Here are a few New Year’s resolutions that everyone can do to feel better and make a difference in Columbia Town Center.
New Year’s Resolutions shouldn’t be so hard that we give up on them before the end of the month. Bigger isn’t always better, and sometimes less is more. Additionally, New Year’s resolutions shouldn’t just be about self-improvement and how we can help our community while improving ourselves. Here are a few resolutions that everyone can do to feel better and make a difference in Columbia Town Center.
Meet Your Neighbors
Getting to know your neighbors makes life richer and is the first step in weaving a fabric of care in your community. Research suggests that neighborhood connectedness leads to more active citizens, greater happiness, and greater resilience in the face of crisis. Some easier ways of meeting your neighbors include:
- Learn their names
- Take walks around your neighborhood
- Live more of your life in your front yard
- Bring a welcome basket to a newcomer
- Make too much of your favorite dish and share a plate
- Attend a neighborhood meeting
- Ask for help
- Offer help
Take More Walks
Walking the neighborhood is one of the simplest yet most intimate community-building practices. It can be done by yourself, with a friend or partner, or with the whole family. Walking is one of the best ways to meet your neighbors. It also slows you down enough to notice your community’s cultural and natural rhythms. There’s the bonus of the health benefits: lower blood pressure, reduced risk of cancer and osteoarthritis, improved heart health, improved mood, etc.
Donate to the Less Fortunate
Whenever you notice your pantry is overflowing with too many cans and boxes of food or your closet is getting full, this is your cue to donate extra non-perishable food and gently used clothing. Find your local food pantry or check with a local church for donation locations. Help your neighbors in need by donating to Columbia’s Little Free Pantry when you can—located in Vantage Point Park, just off the main street at 5440 Vantage Point Road.
Create A Community Garden
Community gardens have many benefits. They increase food security, improve access to healthy foods in food deserts, promote healthy eating habits, and increase community connectedness. Imagine transforming a neglected corner or a vacant lot into a garden overflowing with life. If creating a community garden sounds like too much work, start smaller. For example, why not turn that strip of land between your sidewalk and the curb into an edible garden?
Save Some Energy
We all know how expensive heating and powering our homes can be. Turn off the lights as you leave the room, don’t let the faucet run when you brush your teeth, put on a sweater and lower the heat, leave the car at home, and walk to your destination for quick trips. Getting out and walking through your neighborhood will also allow you to greet and get to know your neighbors!
THRIVE AT COLUMBIA TOWN CENTER
Town Center is one of the ten villages of Columbia, Maryland. Our Village offices are located in Historic Oakland, one of the most beautiful historic buildings in Howard County. In the heart of Columbia, Town Center’s residents enjoy living in an urban community in a suburban setting with close proximity to all Columbia amenities, attractions, and cultural activities. Visit us to learn more about our community at 5430 Vantage Point Road, Columbia, MD 21044. Call us at 410-730-4744 or visit our website https://www.columbiatowncenter.org/