April 26, 2013 | ARISE Detroit! Staff
In our community, we often encounter difficulties and tribulations that disappoint and dishearten many of us. Facing these situations on a daily basis is a challenge, yet these same things lead us to come together to make things better.
Once in a while, the community wakes up to a new day with newfound hope. Thanks to neighborhood groups, local churches and other advocates for local development, we join forces to make a difference in society. When this happens, it becomes an occasion to be celebrated. One of the best examples is the Neighborhoods Rising Summit other similar events allow us to rise up and proclaim our desire for a better Detroit.
Once in a While is not Enough
However, one day of solidarity is not going to cut it regardless of how much hard work we put in. Things may get better for a while but without our sustained effort, things may go back to how they were. One day’s worth of cleaning will not keep your house clean forever. The same holds true for our neighborhood.
Does that mean we should not try at all? The answer is no. The fact that your house gets messy after you clean it should not discourage you from straightening it out. The key is to understand that “better than” should never be just a one-time target but a constant goal, a habit that should be encouraged.
Getting into the Habit
Improvement is not a job that takes zero energy. With our everyday struggles in our personal lives, it is often easy to just let the concerns of the community fall by the wayside. However, though it may seem like a chore in the beginning, you'll eventually get the hang of it.
The community is composed of you, me and everyone we hold dear. What we do affects the community, and vice-versa. Anything we do to make Detroit better will benefit all of us in the end. All we have to do is to believe.
Conducting the Neighborhoods Rising Summit daily may not be practical, but each good deed we do for Detroit counts, no matter how small. One act of goodness every day from every individual can make a huge difference.
When striving for “better than” becomes a habit, it should not turn into a meaningless routine. Even if it becomes as typical as putting on our shoes, its importance should stay in our hearts. No matter who you are or what role you play, aiming for “better than” every day may be the most meaningful thing you can ever do for Detroit.