Sometimes “community” can seem like a big word, but building it starts with the smallest of actions.
“If you talk about community within the neighbourhood. We may not have a strong one. Because yet we cant blame anyone, because that is what life is like in the city. Time is all committed to work. Even when we enter the lift, we stand next to each other be we are just staring at our phones. Sometimes, all it takes is to just look up and smile – the day already starts better. But it takes two to build relationships. We have to let others know that they can count on us if they ever need help. Knowing that others think of you and look out for you will really give you that sense of belonging. It’s the first step to building a community.”
– Wendy
“I’ve been living here here for about 2 years. For a long time, I had no idea who my neighbours were. It was just like going to a hotel – just checking in and checking out every day. But after you meet face to face, things feel different. It’s as if we already know each other so much more. It finally started to feel like I had neighbours and that I was’t alone after all.”
– Jasmin
“Most people nowadays like privacy. We live in high-rise buildings just a door away from each other but we prefer to just be left alone. I think we forget that at the end of the day, the thing that builds the neighbourhood is the people.”
– Aizuddin
In this increasingly fast-paced society it is easy to forget that we are surrounded by people, who like us, appreciate simple friendly gestures, being treated with kindness that will better our daily lives. Building relationships goes a long way, and for the residents of Boulevard Residence, it is a necessary step for the creation of a sense of belonging among themselves. With a small effort from each of the residents, they came together to begin a community, to make their homes a better place to live in, and ultimately, to care for the people who are in the closest physical proximity to them in their everyday lives.
Every morning, I wake up at 7, wash up, do my 50 squats and stretches, get dressed, have breakfast, and go to work by 8. This is my routine from Monday to Saturday. I don’t like to sit around and do nothing. Just the thought of it is unbearable. I remember, 8 years ago, I climbed the Great Wall of China. My children stayed in the car then, they said it was too cold. And it was cold, about -10 °C. But I wanted to climb it and see the view. I still remember the scenery and the big lunch after that. Did you know that Peking duck tastes nicer when you’re cold? I don’t think I can ever sit still. That’s what I told the doctor for my license renewal. Last year, for the first time in 20 years, he didn’t want to renew my license. So I offered to drive him around for a while. I got my license renewed that day. My grandchildren tell me I drive too fast. I still get speeding tickets these days! But I’m just following my own pace. After all, I’m only 96 years young.