As we anticipate the arrival of 2024, countless individuals will actively seek avenues for positive transformation and a renewed beginning. Conventional resolutions may be clouded by self-help clichés and negativity, but our focus in this forthcoming annual list remains on cultivating a more uplifting perspective that revolves around both personal well-being and the welfare of our community. In the next year, we envision a shared rejuvenation, where neighbors unite in mutual support and kindness, nurturing a revitalized sense of communal spirit. Embracing the notion that self-care is not merely revolutionary but integral, we present a range of ideas to inspire and guide you in fostering both personal and community well-being in the upcoming year.
Buy and read the newspaper from a Contributor vendor.
You’re already there if you’re reading this, but chances are you have at least a couple of folks in your circle who’ve never had the pleasure of interacting with one of our vendors or reading the paper they sell. Vendors grow their microbusinesses by purchasing more copies for 50 cents, which they sell on the street for $2. This is the vendors’ money to keep. Free papers, gear and map badges (reserved locations) incentivize vendors to grow their microbusinesses. The part where you come in is helping them increase their customer base. Spread your love for The Contributor to everyone you know.
Donate your time or resources to help tornado victims.
Once again, a tornado has devastated the local community, taking the lives of several Middle Tennesseans and wreaking havoc on homes and businesses in Gallatin and Hendersonville. There’ll be a great need for the community to pitch in where they can to help folks out. Hands On Nashville has several opportunities to help, whether you’re handy with a chainsaw or handy with raising funds or handy in having a big ole truck to haul things. Check in on hon.org for the latest opportunities to help.
Support living wage efforts.
In Nashville, workers must make more than $17.40 per hour or $15.40 with health benefits to survive the current economic world, according to a United Way report that assesses data and measures financial hardship across the state. Many workers in Nashville are making much less — minimum wage is just $7.25 per hour — and they are unable to both work and live in the same city. The United Way report shows that in order to be stable, not just surviving, workers need more than $32 in Nashville. Nashville Living Wage launched in 2021 and they’re working a campaign to ask employers to assess their current wages and ensure their workers have enough to survive. The organization will then certify the employer if they are paying at or above the threshold. If you own a business, do this assessment and if you work somewhere, this could be a great starting point for a conversation about wages.
Donate money to assist with laundry.
At Sacred Sparks Ministry, Lisa Sparks has a lovely thing going with her Laundry Ministry. We had Lisa on our list last year, but we’re giving her a special callout this year because she just lost a large part of her ministry in the tornadoes. Sparks picks up clothes from folks, helps get them laundered and gets them back to folks clean and ready to wear. A few bucks goes a long way so if you only have a small amount in your budget to give, just think that $5 could do a couple loads of laundry for a family in Nashville. Right now, she could use help with storage and eventually with rebuilding the program.
Help with food insecurity.
An increasing number of Tennessee parents are reporting their families are food insecure: 41.2 percent of Tennessee parents reported low or very low food security in 2023. There are various organizations within Nashville doing great work to aid this issue: Consider donating to Second Harvest Food Bank, ask if you can donate money to school lunch debt at your child’s school, talk to your church about starting a food ministry or embark on a personal challenge to diminish your food waste at home, in the very least.
Check on your neighbors.
Do you know your neighbors? No shame if you don’t, but I recommend at least waving, and maybe some conversation, particularly if your neighbor seems like they could use to be checked on. As neighbors, our family tries not to be too nosey, but we also try to notice if a neighbor is gone for a long period of time, or if it doesn’t seem like they’re bringing packages in. Instead of worrying from afar, it’s nice to ask from across the street if there’s anything your neighbor needs that they cannot do for themselves. Leave them a note in the mailbox with your information if you’re afraid to knock on the door.
Make winter or summer kits to hand out at stop lights.
This one is evergreen and a practice to begin and keep doing. Put together small bags of essentials to hand out at stoplights. They don’t take up a lot of space, and they aren’t expensive to put together. Consider the following items put in a gallon plastic bag: protein bars, gift cards to fast food restaurants, hand warmers in the winter, bottles of water, trail mix or other high protein snacks, hand sanitizer, a face mask and a slip of paper with local resources listed on it.
Help keep your neighborhood clean.
Especially if you’re already taking walks through your neighborhood, begin the practice of cleaning up as you go. You can wear gloves or get a grabber (we use a dog pooper scooper, you’re welcome) and carry a bag with you as you go. We don’t do it every time we walk, but it’s a great habit to incorporate into long weekend walks or hikes. Of course, we’d prefer if folks didn’t toss trash outside, but until they stop doing it, it makes sense to help clean up where you can.
Rest when you need it.
It’s easy to overlook the collective impact that adequate rest can have on our communities. When individuals prioritize rest, they not only enhance their personal well-being but contribute to the overall health and vitality of the community. Well-rested community members are more likely to be physically and mentally resilient, fostering a positive environment that ripples through the social fabric. Rest plays a crucial role in fostering empathy and understanding within a community. When people are well-rested, they are better equipped to navigate challenges and conflicts with patience and compassion. This leads to stronger interpersonal relationships and a more harmonious community dynamic. Individuals who prioritize their well-being bring increased focus, creativity, and energy to their collective endeavors, whether in the workplace, schools, or local initiatives. Help us by helping you.