Quad Cities, IL/IA

Working with the community... for a healthier community.

Surround Yourself With Love

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Submitted by Ridgecrest Village

When I look around me each day, I realize that I have been given an opportunity that not many people get in their lifetime. I am surrounded by people that God has gifted in so many ways. There are people that have served their community as teachers, doctors, lawyers, and some were called to be pastors. Some are skilled mechanics, savvy businessmen, talented artists, brave soldiers, engineers, and so much more. They are Community Builders. What a way to live my life, to have the privilege of spending time with them. I hold so much respect for all of them. These people have given their talents all of their lives, which in turn affected so many others. Throughout their lives, they have been building people up with intentional relationships.

When you think about it, isn’t that what your life is about?  Keeping your connections with others strong? Affecting other lives? Continuing relationships and developing new ones?  Every day we interact with people in some way or another, but there are many who do not have the chance to. As we age and begin to lose those that are close to us, we don’t choose isolation and loneliness; it can just happen. The lack of social support can hinder your overall quality of life. It can have negative impacts on your health and well-being. Support from others can be important in reducing stress, increasing physical health, and defeating psychological problems such as depression and anxiety.

At Ridgecrest Village, I believe that everyone begins their day with a caring attitude. You see it all around: socialization and bonding. Staying socially active and maintaining interpersonal relationships can help you maintain good physical and emotional health and cognitive function. People who continue to maintain close friendships and find other ways to interact socially live longer than those who become isolated. Relationships and social interactions help protect against illness by boosting your immune system. The residents that I am surrounded by, the community builders, spend every day interacting with others by maintaining their close relationships and building new ones. These residents offer expressions of comfort and sincere love to their neighbors and friends here at Ridgecrest. From the residents to the people that work here, our guests and professionals that call on us, you receive love and compassion. No one is alone with his or her troubles and struggles. There is always someone to show you kindness and concern. The residents here are kindhearted and genuine in their gifts of love. There are people here that make you smile every day. There are residents that can sense when you are having a bad day and lend a listening ear or shoulder to comfort you. These are the kind of people that you want to spend your days with. People that are happy and willing to share their happiness with everyone they meet. They always have a hug for you, a funny joke, or are willing to act a little silly just to make you smile.

If you are feeling isolated and lonely, perhaps you can help yourself. Start by staying in touch with friends and family. Try to visit them regularly. Other ways are volunteering and participating in community activities offered for seniors. Join a group, take a class, or join a gym or fitness center to stay physically fit. Reach out to your loved ones, neighbors, friends, and family members. Stay as vibrant, active, and social as you’ve always been. These are some of the ways that the residents at Ridgecrest find it easy to stay young at heart, stimulated, busy, and out of the house. You have so much to offer: your talents, compassion, and love. You can be one of the many that are willing to share their gifts from God to help make a difference in other’s lives. Join us at Ridgecrest. Live in a place with gracious, loving, faithful, forgiving people. All share one essential character trait that everyone can celebrate: “the gift of giving.” I can’t think of a better way to spend my working days than to be surrounded by so many wonderful people.

Submitted by Karen McCoy, Marketing Consultant, Ridgecrest Village. Call 563-391-3430 to schedule a tour with Mary or Karen.

Photo credit: oneinchpunch/AdobeStock