Hello Good Neighbor

Hello Good Neighbor, I was pondering a word the other day, one that everyone I know understands how and when to use it. You'll find it in books, movies, journalism, and TV shows; and even at times, it seems our beloved domesticated animals know when to use it.  It's a shorter episode today, with a short word of encouragement, as I type this even the Grammarly app is giving pause to my word choices. Have you figured out the word? What could it possibly be...? Enjoy the episode and if you would be so kind as to leave us a review where your podcast player allows, or by visiting www.buymeacoffee.com/goodneighbor for your words of encouragement or financial support, these gestures are appreciated very much. Thank you for listening and sharing this and other episodes. Tony Slabaugh

Hello Good Neighbor, In this episode, I have the privilege of interviewing my parents, Les and Ann Slabaugh. They were visiting recently and it has been a desire of mine to hear their views regarding our "neighbors" and they were agreeable to do so. From my upbringing in Sarasota, FL, to their own in Indiana and Michigan, we discuss how our lives are to impact others and how along the way, we ourselves have been impacted by the goodness of friends, family, and neighbors all around us. I enjoyed this conversation and hope you will too! Until next time, go out and be a Good Neighbor to others, practicing "all things neighborly". Tony Slabaugh Thank you for listening, your feedback, and your support! www.buymeacoffee.com/goodneighbor  

Hello Good Neighbor, I sat down and simply thought to myself, have you ever experienced...  And so this episode was born and now entered the world. I hope you are encouraged by its message and that you will either experience a bright spot or be one for somebody today. We appreciate your messages and financial support, allowing us to continue providing content that you and others enjoy. If you'd like to support us, head over to: www.buymeacoffee.com/goodneighbor There you will find an opportunity to send a message and join in our efforts to share "all things neighborly". Thank you for listening. Please share our content with someone who needs to experience a bright spot in their day! Tony Slabaugh

Hello Good Neighbor, In this episode, I give a brief update on the goings-on in my world and share a story from a recent event, which could have been slightly embarrassing or simply amusing. Announcing a new addition to our podcast neighborhood: "Goodnight Good Neighbor", Trailer Episode 1 https://sites.libsyn.com/442320/001-the-official-trailer The Goodnight Good Neighbor Podcast will feature stories, scripture readings, affirmations, and thoughts of imagination, all the while, helping listeners to wind down, slow the chorus of the day, and listen to simple stories that are shared through our platform. We hope you enjoy and pass it on. I also mention in today's Hello Good Neighbor episode that we now have a way for listeners to support us with their financial gifts. If you are blessed by the content found on our platform and want to help us grow, we thank you for your thoughtful gifts of consideration. We are grateful for all of our supporters. The link is below: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/goodneighbor If you've read this far, thank you! Today's episode deals with how we communicate with those around us during busy and potentially embarrassing situations. What would you do? What am I talking about? You'll have to listen to the episode and let us know... Thank you for being here, for sharing our body of work, and for sharing your feedback with us. Tony Slabaugh

Hello Good Neighbor, I'm still hearing and reading about how others define the concept of Hope. So much so, that I wanted to continue exploring the topic in this episode, following up on episode 25, The Strategy of Hope. I believe that Hope is very powerful. I believe that it elicits us to action with anticipation of fulfillment. It is based on something real, something tangible, and obtainable. Join me on this episode and consider the Hopes you have, and how they may be achieved. Tony Slabaugh

Hello Good Neighbor, I once had an individual end a conversation and take a few steps away, then turn around and state that he did not like the word, "Hope". Within the context of the conversation, he really was pressing for an answer, one that I could not give for that department. I was not the right person and more information was needed. We had a plan though. We would follow up and attempt to assist him with his problem, one I hoped (and expected) we could address. How do you respond to the word hope? What does hope bring to mind when you think about it?  Recently I have heard several thought leaders make statements that surround the concept of hope not being a strategy. I decided to look into it from a biblical perspective and compare scripture's description of hope with that of these leaders and look at the textbook definitions for hope. If you've enjoyed the episode, will you consider sharing it with others? We appreciate your support, online reviews, and honest feedback. Email me at: mystory@hellogoodneighbor.com As always, my hope is that the messages here at Hello Good Neighbor be good for your soul. Tony

Hello Good Neighbor, Last week I mentioned a recent vacation of ours and as with any vacation, we often take pictures to preserve a moment in time. We make memories both on and off of the trails of life, so in this episode, I share a few recent moments that were captured in my mind and maybe on film. If this is your first listen, thank you for visiting our neighborhood. Here we explore life through the lens of a scripture verse that simply says "you shall love your neighbor as yourself".  This worldview permeates our content as we explore "all things neighborly". If you like our content, we love to hear from you and enjoy reading your reviews when available on the platform you choose. In this episode, I share a moment at our farm, while I was away, and yet, my wife Aine was able to capture something rare and beautiful, "fireflies in the lavender at dusk". https://youtu.be/YrUVls1tZPQ The link will take you to our farm channel on YouTube, or you may check it out as one of our Facebook posts @ IntheNookFarm.  

Hello Good Neighbor, It has been a very busy time of year for us. We are active here at our small farm and recently returned from a much-anticipated family vacation. As I continue to move through this world, I find that the concepts explored here on Hello Good Neighbor also need to incorporate more of what we as a household do. It's how we live, our worldview that defines us, and with that, I wanted to share a snapshot of life here and how we are continuing to grow our farm in order to serve our family and others. It's larger than any one episode will explore, and so with that, I expect that I will be sharing more about how we are experiencing "all things neighborly". I'll record my musings as before, and will continue to seek out guests that serve in neighborly ways.  We believe that the view of the neighborhood is much more than has been explored, and yet, it begins here with us, and I'd like to share more with you. After listening to this or other episodes, please kindly leave us a review over at Apple Podcasts or on the platform of your choice where reviewing is available. I read each one and appreciate hearing from you.  You may also reach out to me through our Facebook group by the same name (Hello Good Neighbor) or by sending an email to:  mystory@hellogoodneighbor.com.  We'd love to hear from you! Thank you for listening, Tony Slabaugh 

Hello Good Neighbor, Over the years I've had exchanges in the text world that have been short and sweet, long and foreboding, and sometimes simply messed up.  We all have fallen prey to the speed at which we can use this medium of communication, in the realm of incorrect punctuation, autocorrect, and even losing context for what we are attempting to say. It's hard enough when we have face-to-face conversations where we are misunderstood or flubber in our words but when we text, oh my goodness the floodgates are open to interpretation.  Has this ever happened to you? What you meant to say comes off as odd or malicious? Have you received texts that use simple words and yet they could be taken for better or worse in understanding? I know that I have been on both sides of this and I tend to write in full sentences. How awkward to use actual sentence structure and still come across as being mean or out of touch when in reality, the context is missing. We aren't there. We do not have the body language or visual connection that affords us the opportunity to say what is wrong or avoid a delay in response from the recipient. There are times that in-person conversations fall into the "deer in the headlights" category, but with texting, that awkward pause or lack of follow up from the other side is odd, offensive, and sometimes sets us up for a whirlwind of emotions when the conversation does not appear to have closure. Worse yet, when you hit reply or send and have not checked what your words are showing up as, your fingers and voice assistant are to blame. Or are they? Today I muse on the subject of texting and how we can better use this form of communication. It's still new to many and we don't see the old social norms of follow-up and clarification terms when we are in the midst of texting. We can change that. We can do better by ourselves and by our neighbors. I'd love to hear your feedback on this and other episodes. Please send your thoughts to mystory@hellogoodneighbor.com or join the conversation in our Facebook Group, Hello Good Neighbor. You can also leave reviews on Google or over at the Apple Podcast platform. We'd love to hear from you. Thank you for listening and please share this or other episodes you enjoy with your neighbors (anyone you meet). Tony Slabaugh

Hello Good Neighbor, Have you ever heard the phrase regarding not seeing the forest for the trees? Sometimes we are so close to a situation, thought process, task, etc. that we simply are not able to see what is right there in front of us. We need clarity, and when we receive it, the result can be a sight for sore eyes. This episode explores this concept and provides several options for how to get unstuck, to receive clarity, so that we are able to move forward for ourselves and in service to others. I hope you enjoy the topic and consider sharing it with those who are interested in such things. It's about life, about relationships, about building something new and serving others in a greater way. It's about... "all things neighborly". Thank you for listening, Tony Slabaugh

Hello Good Neighbor, Continuing on the topic of the way we communicate (last week described self-talk as a Soliloquy of One), today's episode is a short conversation about song. Songs of life, songs of praise and encouragement, or even for fun.  History has shown us that music is a part of our experience here on earth and we have the opportunity to communicate to our Creator, each other, and even ourselves. The episode is short and is here to maybe put a thought in your head and heart today which encourages you to sing the song you are meant to sing. Sing out loud, sing out strong... and enjoy "all things neighborly". Thank you for listening, Tony

Hello Good Neighbor, We all talk to ourselves at times, whether for motivation or to work out details in life. There are some that do this on a regular basis. This self-talk is a part of their everyday lives and is a means of expressing what they are thinking and achieving a solution to what they may working through. Most of us have counted out loud, sung in the shower or car, and expressed ourselves in a manner that I could describe as a "Soliloquy for One". Our ability to communicate to ourselves when needed, to others, and to God, will be expressed in different ways. Each of us has a way of communicating that may have commonality with others, but it is our own. Our style, our expression. Consider this the next time you meet someone who is talking to themselves. They may be hearing exactly what they need and communicating to you something more. Be blessed, and be a blessing to others by spreading goodwill and practicing "all things neighborly". Thank you for listening! Tony

Hello Good Neighbor, Last year on this day, January 5th, 2021, I launched the trailer for Hello Good Neighbor. Episode 1 came shortly thereafter and here we are today.  I appreciate all of the feedback we have received and the reviews and ratings over at the I Tunes/Apple Podcast platform. I know that many of you listen on other podcast players of your choice, and encourage you to provide your specific feedback to me directly at: mystory@hellogoodneighbor.com This last year has brought many changes into my life and I am thankful for the support and friendships that have I have, and those which have developed because of the Hello Good Neighbor platform. As we continue to move forward through 2022, I again ask that you share in our journey as we explore "all things neighborly".  Share this episode or others if they have inspired you or helped with your journey through life. I am thankful to God above, who has allowed these messages to go out into the world. Whether exploring the idea of being a "Good Neighbor" specifically references biblical scripture or stories from our lives, my desire is that you are being impacted in a way that encourages you to go out and spread hope and goodwill to others. Thank you for listening and sharing with me. Tony Slabaugh

Hello Good Neighbor, This episode was recorded on 10/31/2021 and I've completed it for upload on 11/09/2021. Over the last week, it has been interesting to hear others talking about "vision casting". It's amazing that there are points in time and in life where humanity seems to align for a conversation that is greatly needed. For my part, or that which I believe was given to me to speak on, I am grateful for the experiences that I have had over my career and even growing up. I am able to look back on events where visions were cast and other times where the whirlwind ensued.  Today's thought explores our part in the vision casting process. Our part? Who else is there? Well, God is involved, whether we acknowledge this or not, scripture informs us of how our desires and paths cross the almighty's field of vision, and the interesting thing is, that we get to play a part in it all. That's right, He knows our desires and as we put plans into place, dream things up, and take the steps needed to accomplish our goals, He will direct our paths. (assuming that we acknowledge His role and favor in our lives).  The God of the universe desires that we move forward with visions and not simply be "stuck" in a holding pattern of life. To, move forward and see what will come. We are to seek Him first and acknowledge His presence in this life, and with that knowing, that belief, He will allow us to dream and will be an active participant in the outcome. Will it always turn out as we planned? No, His ways are bigger than ours, and yet, we are to plan, acknowledge Him, and take steps forward. I hope you enjoy this episode that also includes a short personal story of how this very topic came into the neighborhood, through a walk and talk with my beloved bride. We were casting, both in the sense of fishing and of visioning! Be blessed, bless others, and explore "all things neighborly"... Thank you for listening. Tony Slabaugh

Hello Good Neighbor, Have you ever said, "I wish I was _______ years old again"? In today's episode, I share a story from a gentleman I had the pleasure of working for, who shared his thoughts on this age-old question. It's a matter of perspective that we all consider at some point along our earthly journey.  Life continues to move us forward and our view on how things are going and how we feel will change. There will be obstacles along the way. There are gates and fences we have to navigate. Some may be locked while others are open. Mind the gate they say. The fences, well, they sometimes are presented as boundaries to keep something in or out of our lives.  Our perspective, how we deal with events along the path of life, will come from our worldview and experiences.  When the thought comes to mind, "I'd rather be _______ years hold", how will you respond?  What is your perspective? I hope you enjoy today's episode. If it encourages you in any way, we'd like to hear from you. You may email us at mystory@hellogoodneighbor.com with your thoughts and suggestions. If you have a story to share, let us know, and we may reach out to you and discuss adding it to our program.  We have a community on Facebook, Hello Good Neighbor, where we share updates and look forward to hearing your feedback and stories for "all things neighborly". Ask to join if you would like to share life's journey with others. Thank you for listening to this and other episodes. We appreciate your time and hope that you will be a good neighbor to all you meet. Tony Slabaugh

Hello Good Neighbor, I would like to introduce you to Dennis and Suzie Legg. They are friends of ours, and "Friends of Fort Liberte". They are involved with this mission project down in Haiti, facilitated through the Jerusalem Baptist Church in Fort Liberte.  They are here to share stories from this effort which goes back to 1973, became an official 501 (c) (3) in 1993, and has since grown to serve both young and old through ministry helps, building efforts, provision of shelter, a farm system and more. Listen as they describe how they have left a part of their hearts in Fort Liberte, with its people and the passion they have to share with others about the Haitians who are thankful beyond measure. Stories of faith, the power of prayer, and praise to the God who has given so much to those who seek him. If you feel the need to listen in two parts, there's a change of conversation around the 27:45 minute mark, otherwise, enjoy and share with others. For more information about the mission and how you may support those in need, if you are led to do so, check out the website: www.haitifriends.com or write to: Friends of Fort Liberte P.O. Box 8282 South Charleston, WV 25303   Thank you for listening, downloading, and sharing with others who you would consider as neighbors. Tony Slabaugh Hello Good Neighbor | August 28, 2021

Hello Good Neighbor, This morning I was outside working on an outdoor pizza oven and was very aware of the pending rain showers that were to start in the afternoon. Watching the radar and seeing the pattern of bands coming our way, I knew a pop-up storm could occur at any time. So what do you do? You listen for the rain, the evidence of what is on the horizon. The thunder and lightning, indicators of storms on the horizon. In laying the stonework for the oven, sometimes you need to step back and get a wider view, sometimes you may ask for another's opinion or thoughts on the task at hand.  The rain and the stonework made me think of how we listen to others, how we elicit others to get involved, and then what we actually do with their input. Sometimes we are too close to a situation and need to step back and get a fresh look. Today's episode touches on the subject of listening appropriately and how to set oneself (and the other) for success in the act of receiving words and listening to hear. I'd like to hear your feedback. You may send an email to: info@hellogoodneighbor.com If you have stories to share or other insights that others could benefit from, email them to: mystory@hellogoodneighbor.com Thank you for listening and sharing and I hope you enjoy this and other episodes!  

With a mission of doing unto others as we would have done unto ourselves, the Biblical parable of the Good Samaritan is within keeping of our desire for "all things neighborly". I've actually wanted to share this story for some time and recorded the episode almost three weeks prior to publishing it to the podcast. I felt as though it needed a little more depth, so I put pen to paper and shared a little more about this parable that spoke to me and speaks to the nature of the true Good Neighbor. God our Creator, has a plan for each of us, and His son Jesus Christ is the one leading us with the scripture that captures the parable He uses to describe who is our neighbor.  The scripture reading comes from the Holy Bible, the King James Version is being referenced, and our parable is found in the Book of Luke, chapter 10. We go into chapter 18 for a little extra discussion regarding the word "good". I share my thoughts of a Good Neighbor and I hope that you will find this episode to be encouraging and enlightening. Please rate and review our podcast and share it with others who you believe would benefit from hearing the message.  "The Golden Rule" as some call it, comes from a biblical passage and today's topic puts it into a story form that I believe alludes to our need for relationship, not only with each other but with our Creator. We have an online community on FaceBook by the name of Hello Good Neighbor. Have a neighborly story you'd like to share with us? Please email it to mystory@hellogoodneighbor.com If you would like to provide feedback to me directly, please email info@hellogoodneighbor.com I appreciate your thoughts and "info" and look forward to hearing your neighborly stories. God Bless, Tony Slabaugh

Hello Good Neighbor, Today's Episode is born out of a question I read about a month ago: What is "the Last, First thing" that you did? Meaning, when did you last have a first-of-its-kind experience? Hmm... Makes you stop and think a bit. It took me a while but I finally figured out what mine was, so I figured that I'd share it here with the Neighborhood. Heidi Dusek, the host of the "Ordinary Sherpa" podcast, posed this question on one of her episodes a while back, crediting Seth Godin for the inspiration. Here's a link to Heidi's website where she provides encouragement to turn our dreams into everyday adventures. https://ordinarysherpa.com/ Check out her wonderful podcast episodes for an experience of your own! Here's a link to Seth Godin' blog https://seths.blog/ Seth has wonderfully practical insights into the world of marketing and life in general. If you would like to find out more about the Hello Good Neighbor podcast and "all things neighborly", visit our website at hellogoodneighbor.com or find us on Facebook Groups by the same name and logo. I hope you are blessed and bless others in return! Thank you for listening, Tony Slabaugh

This is our second interview-style episode (outside of my family) and it carries some weight about it. Today we are exploring the realm of end-of-life care. I've had the pleasure of knowing our guest, Marie Betcher, since last summer. She is a registered RN in the Pacific Northwest and has spent a carrier in the nursing field. With personal changes in her own family's life, and a deep desire to serve patients beyond the normal confines of hospital care, Marie embarked upon a journey into the realm of Hospice, which is a specific segment of the medical field that is devoted to end-of-life care. Since we recorded in March of this year, Marie has launched her own podcast entitled "Hospice Explained". I am grateful to have spoken with her prior to her own launch and have been looking for a time to publish this episode. End-of-life conversations can be tough. Marie has the knowledge and the heart that shows through and I believe that as we look to be neighborly in all things, the point in life when another or even we ourselves experience nature and God's timing, it is an occasion when the Golden Rule of service is aptly needed. Marie has also graciously provided some content for our Facebook Community which I will be releasing and will also upload as a resource on our website in the coming days. If you or someone you know is in need of end-of-life care, please do not hesitate to seek out professional help from your primary care physician, a local Hospice affiliate, or other credible assistance programs. I wanted to explore this subject as I knew of the Hospice term, but not the general path. Marie starts us on that journey and you may follow her continued progress on her podcast, "Hospice Explained".  

The title says it all. We have officially hit the 10th episode (not including the original trailer) and are at the 100-day mark! Our first hundred days. I hope you will enjoy this little recap of our mission, some behind the scenes regarding the origin and some of the other aspects of the Hello Good Neighbor platform you may not be aware of and are on the horizon. If you have a story to share, I'd be happy to talk to you regarding something you might want to say and just need a little encouragement to get it out there for others. This and episode is available for you, and the subject matter may hit close to home sometimes, and other times be words that someone else needs to hear.  Your voice is worthy of being heard as well. Submit your thoughts to mystory@hellogoodneighbor.com I'll be happy to review your musings and see how they may fit into our podcast or future ventures. Do you have a topic you'd like to hear about? Let me know, use the same email as above. Thank you again for listening. Tony

Mind the Gate is a term my wife and I came upon several years ago and today I bring some commonality between what the sign indicates and the gates and fences in our lives. They are there for good reason and stand as reminders of how powerful our words and actions are, and that something of significance may lie beyond if we would only be so kind as to mind the gate... If you have a specific story of a time when you were asked to "mind the gate", let us know by sending an email to mystory@hellogooodneighbor.com You may also share your experience with us over at our Facebook Group titled "Hello Good Neighbor". Share this and other episodes that you have enjoyed and if you'd be so kind, please rate and review our content. We appreciate and read each review we receive over on the Apple podcast platform or by email. If you need to mend some fences of your own (myself included) or desire to go out and grow some pineapples of friendship, do so in love and having compassion and empathy for those whom you will serve. Thank you again for listening. Tony Slabaugh  

Hello Good Neighbor, In Episode 8, I have the pleasure to introduce you to April Roga. April is a former Broadcaster (88.5 WKPX) and a self-described People Connector. She's passionate about empowering special needs parents while helping them discover the inner beauty and strength within their kids.  She can be found on FaceBook at:  https://www.facebook.com/AprilRoga  ... where a simple DM will  get you on the path to connecting, or over on the "Clubhouse" App (for IOS) where she and her husband Roy, host two clubs: >Autism and Beyond -  #Netfriending Way  >Netfriending and Beyond Leading up to Autism Awareness Month, I wanted to share our conversation with you, in preparation for conversations that may come up or you may already be having. Autism is a lifestyle that is all around us. It is not chosen by the individual, but others will have an influence on the lives of those who experience this spectrum of life. We are all unique in our abilities, our talents, and our giftings.  My hope for this episode is that you will have an insight into one family's journey and how they are impacting the world with their story. The conversations in our neighborhood are expanding. Thank you for listening and I hope you are encouraged by this episode. Tony    

Hello Good Neighbor, In this episode, I discuss a few of the thoughts I had after reading an article by one who felt as though their life was full of do's and do not's, all seemingly from a gender perspective. While I understand the words they wrote and have seen some of the ramifications of such a dilemma, I could not comprehend summing up one's life and outlook in such a fashion as they espoused and exhorted others to believe.  The mantle, the burden, the perspective they carried were in fact foreign to me. So I decided to look at a counterpart of their statements, something that might make sense of their anger. I'm not dismissing the feelings they felt, I am looking at the aspects of their statements that apply to me, and how I see the world.  We won't all see the world the same way, and I'm aware of this. I came across a man who describes what it means to be a gentleman. Gentleman, as defined by the Oxford Dictionary: 1. A chivalrous, courteous, or honorable man. 2. A polite or formal way of referring to a man. The counterpart to a gentleman is a Lady. I'm not talking about the hierarchy of a ruling class, but more so, the term as we see it defined above. John Walter Wayland describes the characteristics of a gentleman which I see as having validity across the roles of gender and would say in a general sense, as a neighbor. As we continue to explore what it means to be neighborly, I hope that you find this episode compelling in that, it acknowledges that we all have a way that we view the world, our environment and external influences have a profound impact on how we express our thoughts, words, and actions. Are they of goodwill or self-preservation? Stating one's belief is an exercise of our free will and freedom to do so, with ramifications that follow. Are we building up or tearing down? Are we stating our perception of the truth or issuing a rallying cry based on hurt and fear?  What change do we seek when we share our opinions? Do we do so in a gentlemanly and ladylike fashion? Who defines what is the best way to address our concerns? This episode again sites my worldview and the source of my beliefs. They are held by some, and not by others. We have a place to share our views and this community is a neighborhood that is growing. We'll continue to explore various conversations and topics, and I look forward to hearing from you the listener.  You can email your thoughts to mystory@hellogoodneighbor.com or come and join our Facebook group Hello Good Neighbor.  If you are listening on Apple or iTunes, please leave us a review and rating, subscribe, and turn on notifications so you will know when we publish new material. Thank you again for listening, I read each and every review that comes in and they mean a lot to me. The Hello Good Neighbor podcast is here to explore "all things neighborly" and to help you on your journey of being a Good Neighbor. Tony S  

Welcome to Hello Good Neighbor, where we explore "all things neighborly". There's a well-known phrase regarding the planting of trees, actual trees. It is also often referenced when someone makes a change in life that takes them from being stuck or held back and signifies that they are moving forward. They are choosing to make a difference both in their lives and maybe even the lives of others.  For additional conversations about relationships and how to be a good neighbor, join us on FaceBook at the Hello Good Neighbor community group. If today's topic helps you, or if you know of someone who needs to "plant a tree", please share our podcast and provide a rating and review. I appreciate and read each review we receive. Thank you. If you would like to share a neighborly story or potential idea for future content, email us at: mystory@hellogoodneighbor.com

Hello Good Neighbor, Today we are blessed with our first guest, my beautiful bride, Aine. This episode was recorded on Valentine's Day, 2021, and we want to communicate to you a message that you are loved. You are unique and special and the fact that you are listening to or reading this right now means so much. The thought of you sharing your time with us is not taken lightly. Take action today and let someone know how much you love them. Share a smile, they are universally accepted. Let your eyes shine into someone's soul. If you are able to spread a message of goodwill and love, please do so. If you are simply in need of love, then receive it. Love has no bounds. Tony & Aine, 2021

In this episode of Hello Good Neighbor, we will explore the concept of the commute. Years ago I heard of how Sara Blakely, Founder and CEO of SPANX would purposely add some travel time to her morning commute to prepare for the day ahead. This got me thinking about how we manage our time throughout our commutes, our days.  How do we prepare for the day ahead, for leaving the day behind, or for the next person we meet? There is so much more to this topic, and I won't fit it all into this one episode.  In 2020, a worldwide pandemic started, and people's lives were changed, their commutes were altered or eliminated. Our lives were changed. Some embraced the change and are shifting gears to a "work from anywhere" concept. But for those who caught in the whirlwind of work, education, and life, I wanted to give some hope and direction for your altered daily routine. It will be up to each of us to find our place and stride in this new era. Enjoy the episode and join the conversation over at our community on FaceBook, "Hello Good Neighbor".  

Welcome to the Hello Good Neighbor Podcast. Episode 1 and 2 will prepare you for today's conversation, which I must say, carries a bit more depth of conversation surrounding my worldview which includes my belief in God, and our relationship to the creator of our souls. As we explore many of life's topics, my hope is to find the commonality in our experience. I believe the greatest commonality is also the reason for our existence, and how we view our place and purpose while here on this earth. I'm not covering every thought or aspect of purpose today, and yet, the subject of contentment (versus complacency) is discussed as it relates to our daily walk. Are we living lives of contentment? If so, why? How can we live a life of service and gratitude to the nebulous universe that supposedly birthed us? I believe there is a greater purpose and calling upon our lives, not necessarily "one thing" in life, but for many, a life full of opportunity to serve and to be available for change through a life of contentment, knowing our true place in this world and why we are here.  The conversation has begun. I also have created an email that will be dedicated to your submissions for topics and short stories that we may explore on future episodes or on a community forum such as Hello Good Neighbor, currently found in FaceBook groups. The email: mystory@hellogoodneighbor.com  I hope you enjoy the depth in todays episode and that you will consider leaving a review and 5 star rating for the podcast. Thank you for listening, and sharing with others. Until next time, "go out and grow some pineapples and mend some fences".

Episode 2 includes two short stories that reflect on how we relate to others when we perceive that we have a commonality such as a locale, if not language. Verbal and non-verbal queues are also referenced in this episode. All the world can smile; it's universal, and this simple unspoken gesture goes a long way towards relationship building and goodwill.

This is episode 001 for Hello Good Neighbor and describes the origin of the podcast and where our journey will take us. Visit our community group over at FaceBook, look up "Hello Good Neighbor". Enjoy!