The Newsy Neighbour Magazine
June Issue 104
All Rights Reserved
www.thenewsyneighbour.com
If you feel there is less interaction between neighbours or people
in general than there used to be, I would have to agree with you. I remember as
a youngster, I knew every single person on my street. In fact, I was very
reluctant to go shopping with my mother because it seemed that the whole
“shopping” experience ending up being a “visiting” experience with every person
in the grocery store (we grew up in a small town).
Life seemed much simpler back then and I believe people were
friendlier and less suspicious than the world in which we live now. I
understand life is far more complicated than it used to be and, yes, we do have
more to fear and have therefore become less friendly, even with the people in
our own neighbourhoods!
But, I have come to realize people still have those “old fashioned”
ideals within them. Maybe they are just a bit more guarded these days. Nothing
feels better than that moment when you are driving through your neighbourhood
and a neighbour gives you a wave and smile and you think to yourself, “Well
isn’t that nice—I don’t even know that person”. Or you’re walking down the
street and someone says “good morning” and you think to yourself, well isn’t
that nice?
Why don’t we do more of that sort of thing—are we afraid they might
ignore us? Have we become afraid to step
out of our comfort zone? What’s the worst that can happen? Maybe you’re just a
little insecure, too busy, or just have never tried it.
You could change someone’s entire day with just a little smile or a
simple hello – it’s like all of a sudden something changes in that exact
moment. You have made a conscience effort to live to your full potential, take
control and make a difference. All this with just a little smile or wave OR a
“High Five” (imagine such a thing) – you are sending out positive energy. You
have more power than you think. Just try it and see the reaction you receive
and feel your inner energy change in the blink of an eye.
Have you heard about the
story of Juan Mann—a man whose sole mission was
to reach out and hug a stranger to brighten up their lives? In this age of social disconnection
and lack of human contact, the effects of the “Free Hugs” campaign became
phenomenal. As this symbol of human hope spread across the city, police and
officials ordered the “Free Hugs” campaign BANNED. Why? This true spirit of
humanity came together in what can only be described as awe inspiring. If you go
to http://www.freehugscampaign.org it will fill your
chest with pride.
So we
started our own campaign, and we called it “The High Five” campaign. Yes, I
know it is not as easy as a smile or a hello, and the “High Five” is going to
take a little more work, but do not let expectations hinder your path. The
first few times may seem a little weird and people might not know for sure what
it is you are trying to accomplish. It might help if you say loudly “High Five”
before you raise your arm. But, the
reaction of your action may just surprise you both and just think of the
possibilities you are creating.
According
to quora.com – a certain study has proven that, when a person gets a frugal (nonsexual) touch like
a pat on the back, neck-touch and even high fives, it gives him/her a certain
amount of self-satisfaction by increasing the oxytocin, a hormone that
increases the sensation of bonding and well-being, and also reduces the level
of alpha-amylase, which is a stress indicator.
It’s not all about giving
an out-of-the-blue “High Five” but also what the receiver receives from this
action. You know we all strive for the acceptance of our ideas or our
personality by our peers and friends. So whenever someone raises their hand to
give us a high five (for something we said or did), it gives us an amazing
feeling of satisfaction and happiness and we instantly feel connected to that
person.
We have all
heard about paying it forward; this in essence is what you are doing with a
smile and a joyous “High Five”. It is a
gesture of celebration and greeting.
This is
your “Newsy Neighbour Challenge”. Do you think you could challenge yourself to “High Five” at least 1
stranger a day? Only one, we are not asking you to change the world over night.
All it takes is one person at a time—one small action can change the world.
Make this
day and every day a celebration and share your joy with a BIG “High Five”!
You can do
it – I have total faith in you!
By: Kathryn Hartwell
on behalf
of “The Newsy Neighbour High Five Challenge Team”.
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