It’s been noted that the average American life consists of approximately 700,000 hours. Only 80,000 of these are spent on the job. Discounting time spent sleeping and “growing up,” we have more than half our lives remaining. This means we have plenty of time for existence, but life should be much more than merely “existing.” How we live our life is of most importance.

Sitting on my deck I have watched our community grow, not only in numbers but also in diversity. In my neighborhood families have moved from Nebraska, Wyoming, Iowa and other areas close to Colorado’s borders. And the occupations are as diverse as our hometowns. Not too long ago we celebrated our diversities by gathering together on a Saturday evening.

Commonly known as a block party, this is when we catch up on the goings-on in the lives of those with whom we share our neighborhood. As we enjoy the rewards of our growing community, we are challenged by the responsibility that comes with embracing these rewards. We sometimes become so involved with our families that the need to be a part of our community family is neglected.

As we participate in the various programs available to us and read or hear about certain issues confronting our local governments, it is important to become more informed regarding these issues, especially the water issues. Involvement can be as simple as attending local meetings of your town’s board of trustees (dates and times for your specific town meetings can easily be found online), assisting your school district by volunteering a portion of your time to assist students with class assignments and projects, assisting with community projects such as Relay for Life, volunteering with Habitat for Humanity, various church activities for youth groups, running for office, and assisting your police department by volunteering to participate in one of the community programs they offer. These are just a few ways for you as Joe Citizen to have a voice in decisions that have some effect on your life within your community.

Living in one of the fastest growing communities in the United States has both its privileges and responsibilities. If you don’t like something about the community, accept the responsibility to try and change it. If you can’t change it, then try to change the way you think about it. Be open-minded to changes that need to be made.

I strongly urge you to find reliable sources to garner the facts instead of trusting the misinformation that is often circulated on social media.

It may seem easier to accept whatever is posted on social media regarding politics in our communities, but I believe there is the need to switch from the “Baby Bird Syndrome” which lacks research and is akin to waiting to be fed the answers you need and embrace the “Curious Cat Syndrome” which means conducting your own strategic trusted resources to find the truths about issues that face our communities. But, be careful not to become a critic or cynic by accepting unverifiable information as fact without having an alternative solution.

And most importantly, be a mover and a shaker; someone who brings positive solutions to the table. I urge you to grow where you are planted and become involved in your community and its politics.