10 steps toward a peaceful life
By Dwayne Lee
Get to know your neighbors. Do this while doing the next step.
Clean up and maintain your neighborhood. In many places, there is too much garbage and litter lying around. Store owners don’t seem to care, so neighbors must.
Establish an air of mutual respect and ownership even if you don’t own the house or apartment building where you live.
Overlook insults, slights and ignorant and foolish provocations. These often come from dysfunctional people. Sometimes people behave this way because they are bored or under peer pressure.
Override pride and fear of shame or embarrassment and the need to make a reputation violently. Instead, flip the script and use your energy to do something positive for the neighborhood.
Help those who may need a hand,such as the elderly and handicapped. Also, look out for children and know that many times teenagers may need wisdom and guidance. Do not let these violent events make you apathetic or pessimistic about the next generation. Some will listen to you. Really.
Be an agent of peace,not an instigator of discord in any way. This means: Stop gossiping and fighting and begin talking and organizing to make your neighborhood a safe and positive place. It is important for adults to act like adults.
Be understanding of other people’s shortcomings and challenges. Some people will always choose to behave in a disruptive, destructive manner. Don’t despair and never give up.
Smile.