Making a difference also got something done yesterday that I’ve been intending to do since moving into this community three years ago.

It was freezing out. No, read that, frigid. -30C . And that doesn’t include the windchill. Before I went to bed the night before I discovered kitchen sink was plugged. When I called the plumber in the morning, he promised to be over as soon as possible, but he was swamped with calls and couldn’t give me an exact time. Worried the pipes were frozen, I cancelled a meeting I had later that morning and determined not to drive my car for the day — not a big hardship. The roads are treacherous and the cold makes it worse. I didn’t need to add my exhaust to the ice crystals everywhere.

It doesn’t matter the weather, Ellie, the wonder pooch, still needed a walk. And I needed a purpose to take her, not just the fact she was sitting by my desk, holding her leash in her mouth and looking at me with big expectant, pleading eyes.

The plumber arrived, unplugged the sink and with water flowing freely again in pipes that fortunately were not frozen, I caved into Ellie’s wish for a walk. I have been intending to get a Community Association ‘forever’ and it seemed like the perfect time to do it. But first, a quick phone call to confirm the Association office was open and then, bundled up like Nanook of the North, Ellie and I trudged down the street to the office a few blocks away.

Did I mention it was cold? Frigid even?

Going east the wind bit into any piece of exposed flesh. Ellie didn’t care. She pranced along beside me as I huddled into the faux fur collar of my long  winter coat, my scarf and hat covering my face except the slit where my eyes squinted out. I wished I’d worn goggles — and I wouldn’t have cared how ridiculous I looked!

Ten minutes later we were at the office. Five minutes later, on our way home.

And now, I have a membership in the Community Association and I feel better for knowing, I am part of my community.

To make a difference in the world, I have to be present in my world, my community. To make a difference in my community, I have to join in the conversation. And to be part of the conversation, I have to take the steps to create a space for me to be part of it, and remove myself from the ‘outsiders’ list in my mind that would have me believe, I don’t belong.

I joined our Community Association yesterday. And now, to take part in the conversation. It’s the best way to make a difference where I belong.

Namaste.