Living in Nigeria, I often complain about the limitations of my community, many others follow in this belief. Small towns are boring places that are filled with what some call ‘lazy and backward people’, and cities are also taken for granted, especially when you’ve been living in one place for a long time. For the most part, the obstacle comes down to us getting caught up in an unresourceful and uninspired personal state. The state of the nation doesn’t help either. If you truly feel called to go elsewhere, then of course, save some money and go, but go with your mind and your heart. However, if you’re planning to stay where you are, why not make the most out of it? There could be amazing people and resources surrounding you when you are receptive to it; although, you must have an open mind. With that, here are some tips to help you make the most out of your local community.
Examine your beliefs and start asking more quality questions. “Is this really a boring place to live, or am I just projecting my limiting attitudes onto this town?” “If I was to move to another city, would I be truly fulfilled, or would I carry the same attitude I have with me?”
Online forums. Is there an online forum or web page specifically set up for your town or city? If so, get in and check out what events are happening in your local community. If nothing like this is set up, start your own forum or even set up a Facebook page for your community. Get some local businesses to advertise or invest in the project, and use this as a way of setting up interesting local events. If you succeed in this, opportunities await you as a possible events planner.
Meet-up groups. Use a website like Facebook to join or set up community meet-up groups for people with similar interests or life experiences as you. Regardless of where you are, there’s bound to be intelligent people around who share similar values to you. Meet with positive like minded people.
Get out into nature. This is Africa so there’s bound to be a jungle, a park or some beautiful natural scenery near where you live. Shopping centres, cinemas and other entertaining man made structures can only provide so much fulfilment. Human beings need to connect to nature at times to stay vital and happy. Go on a walk (or start a walking group!), go swimming at the beach or in a hotel swimming pool, run around and have fun.
Night life. Go out into the night life and meet new people. If you are clear on the idea that you want to meet compatible friends who share or at least support your values, you will likely begin to meet those people. Surrounding yourself with a social network makes life enjoyable regardless of where you are located. Contact the local entertainment centre and other entertainment venues and ask to be put onto their mailing list, or get them to call or email you when any interesting events are coming to town.
It’s not until you find a perfect balance of positives and negatives in any situation that you can experience true fulfilment and freedom wherever you are. So, no matter where you are in your life right now, a good ‘reflection session’ can definitely serve you well. If you plan on staying where you are, why not get resourceful and creative with your situation? Why not open your heart to new people and activities that will enhance your life? Wherever you choose to be, I wish you the best of what life has to offer!
Echobu. The warrior of Thought. 
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