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PHOTOGRAPHER: PRISCILLA DU PREEz, UNSPLASH

3. DO SOMETHING NEW 5. INVEST IN QUALITY TIME It is easy to complain – I am not saying
When was the last time you did Ten minutes of your total presence you shouldn't. By all means, complain
something for the first time? is better than two hours of your time if the result will render a constructive
Many people get too caught up in when you are distracted, frustrated and solution. But most of the time,
their attempts to become experts, or the distant. Not only is it better for the other complaints are made in the moment
go-to-person, or the top dog, for many person, but also for you, because it can and out of anger. To be a better person
reasons – success, achievement, personal help you better prioritise your time and within your community, share honest,
mastery. But the freedom and childlike it allows you to use your attention and constructive and well-thought-out
enthusiasm that comes from doing energy more efficiently. comments and reviews.
something outside of your comfort zone
are not only great for your soul, they 6. LISTEN MORE 8. SUPPORT LOCAL
open your mind to new perspectives, Listening without giving advice or Aim to be more conscious of how you
which create understanding, empathy criticising is a sure way to create deeper, show support as a consumer. Instead of
and compassion, and that makes you a more authentic connections with buying coffee from a major international
better person. others, especially those closest to you, franchise, consider supporting a local
like your children and partners, who you brand or a one-person enterprise. They
FOR YOUR FRIENDS spend most of your time with and who will most likely offer you better service
AND FAMILY often bear the brunt of your venting and give you a better experience
Now that you have considered and tempers on bad days. Everyone because your business is valuable to
yourself first, the next stage involves feels more appreciated and understood them.
your inner circle. when they feel heard. So by enhancing
your listening skills, you are sure to 9. PAY IT FORWARD
4. CREATE HEALTHY BOUNDARIES become a better person. This is a simple yet profound
Being a better person does not mean philosophy that has the power to
allowing people to walk over you, and FOR YOUR COMMUNITY change the world.
creating boundaries is not about pushing Your circle of influence also extends A simple act of kindness or a gesture
people away or shutting them out. into the community. To make a positive of generosity can shape and change
Unlike walls that we put up to hide impact, consider these suggestions on another’s life. If you have been fortunate
parts of ourselves, boundaries are there how to be a better person to and for enough to have had someone in your
to protect us and allow us to grow and others. life give you an opportunity or believe
develop into more conscious, integrated in your abilities, you will know how
and happy people. 7. SHARE POSITIVE REVIEWS incredible and almost undeserving it
Have a read of an excerpt from my blog There is nothing more uplifting and felt. If you have not yet experienced this,
entitled What-Are-Healthy-Boundaries inspiring than coming across a message consider being the first and then have
to get further insight on this topic. or post praising good customer service. patience for the echo to return to you.

The Villager • Issue 2 2022 • 19