In decades past, local residents joined organizations and attended meetings across the community for socialization and networking but also to be involved. Life meant living. These days, we tend to box up our identities in our job descriptions and families. Plus, we do less actual living and engage in more sedentary, isolative activities, sitting behind screens. Unfortunately, we need to be active for our mental, physical, and relational health and to build up our communities for years of success to come.
More often than not, we tend to answer the question “How are you?” with similar words, no matter the day: tired, stressed, alright, worn out, busy, depressed, overwhelmed, etc. Too often, we accept the idea that the world bears responsibility for our stress, anxiety, and depression. In reality, the world merely influences their impact. We all get to choose how we live our lives in each moment. Doing more of the same things that are causing our stress only exacerbates the stress; on the other hand, doing less of those things, more of others, and varying our activities enhances healing and rest. Perhaps we might choose differently once we accept that we can choose happiness and health.
Throughout the pandemic, most of us have isolated more out of responsibility and necessity. However, we too readily decided that isolating meant being inactive and alone, generally. Meanwhile, local organizations, groups, and the local government continued along— even if via virtual meetings some of the time. In speaking with and observing members of those groups and attendees of those virtual and in-person meetings, one thing became clear: active people experience less anxiety, stress, and depression.
As I continually witness increasing levels of stress, negative emotions, and dwindling attendance to meetings, I realize that we must involve ourselves and live our lives to the fullest each day. The pandemic increases our need to responsibly protect our health and that of others, which sometimes means staying home or attending events virtually, but we have no reason to give up living altogether. Our community needs us to act and be involved to thrive. We need to be involved to thrive ourselves. Fortunately, Bristow is home to many organizations and opportunities to jump start our new year of involvement.
For starters, Bristow City Council meetings are held each first and third Monday evening of the month at City Hall and are open to the public. Exceptions include holidays. Anyone can attend to learn more about City business or to address the council with concerns or questions. Bristow Public School Board, Library Board of Trustees, and informational Ministerial Alliance meetings are also open to the public each month.
As for organizations and special interest groups, Bristow provides a wealth of options: Bristow Historical Society, VFW, VFW Auxiliary, American Legion, Legion Auxiliary, Sons of the American Legion, Bristow Garden Club, Genealogy Club, and Bristow Noon Lions Club welcome anyone wanting to learn more about and considering joining their organizations to meetings. Dr. Chip Cooper recently helped get Wildflower Pickleball started in Bristow for anyone to play. Even children can find groups designed specifically for them—and some also welcome adult volunteers: Boy and Girl Scouts of America, local church youth groups, and various sport teams.
Each of us bears a personal responsibility to make wise choices that improve our own health as well as to build up our community. While virtual interactions lack physical activity, they allow us to bond and contribute or influence how our community runs. With so many opportunities to get active and be involved, why not choose to lead a happier, healthier life by living involved?
Be sure to check out the Community Events section for more information, including groups and meeting dates, times, and frequency.