If you browse the interwebs on your choice of medium nowadays, it can feel downright depressing. It would seem as if “the golden days” (cue 80’s/90’s nostalgic throwbacks) have all but completely vanished in this wave of artificial intelligence, social media filters, and the constant desire to be in front of a screen for a form of instant gratification.

Rewind to Saturday night. We have been blessed to move into a newer development for our first house purchase, and the neighborhood recently finished filling up with homeowners of every race, creed, career etc. to the point where everyone deemed it time to socialize and get to know each other – since most of us were moving in during the cold weather / holiday season. Of course, with how the world is presently, there could be ample reasons to come up with to exclude oneself from such a gathering – but where is the fun in that?

It won’t take much for anyone over the age of 30 to visualize this – elementary age kids racing around the cul-de-sac in a dozen different types of scooters, bicycles, you name it. Parents kicking back in folding chairs with their beverage of choice watching the sun set behind their kids’ laughter (naturally, our toddlers found the closest pile of dirt to play in). Cheers and delightful shouts echoing in our little valley as the self-identified pyro of the group started setting off fireworks once it got dark enough outside.

This scene felt like it was straight out of a somewhat blurry VHS home video from my childhood. The only time someone got on their phone was to skip the random song on a playlist (because naturally, technology has at least brought us the benefit of Bluetooth speakers to have outside), otherwise… actual conversations happening with every walk of life who, by pure chance, now live alongside each other in pursuit of raising families, establishing careers, and finding the ultimate work/life balance. A neighborhood that seems to truly emulate what most of us envision America to be – where every possible demographic can find common ground, even if only in the simple things (sharing recipes, pet sitting, offering to help with each other’s yardwork, you name it).

As the 4th approaches with everything that comes with it, I just figured I’d write down this train of thought as a hopeful reminder to folks that life isn’t as bleak as the media makes it out to be. There are unique opportunities outside our front doors each and every day – IF we are willing to do our part and be open to a new conversation, becoming vulnerable for a moment in hopes of forming a new friendship (or at least, someone in your corner when shit hits the fan at the next HOA meeting). You might be surprised at just how great that breath of fresh air will feel.