Taking time to enjoy the things around you is good for the soul. Everyone has work to do and only so much time to do it, but that doesn’t mean we can’t take time to enjoy those around us or events that are happening in our hometowns. A community takes people coming together. Local business owners need support from their patrons to keep their doors open. This allows everyone to enjoy their services, including visitors. Whether you’re single or have a family enjoying the town and people near you is positive. When events such as parades, crazy days, or other exciting things are held, it gives everyone a chance to participate and celebrate living in the town where they’re at. I love heading to town when there is something going on. The kids get to see their friends and I get to walk around different shops looking at what’s new. The sun is shining, so we are soaking in some vitamin D and for a few hours, we leave the work behind. Now I love my farm, the great outdoors, and plants, so a stop at the local nursery to pick up some beautiful flowers for my pots or herbs for the garden is usually on the bucket list :). To me, that’s 100% pure joy, plus I am supporting my community. For you, it might be getting out of the house and talking to someone at the parade. Or shopping at your favorite store which is now running sales because it’s crazy days. Whatever the case is, enjoying the community is for everyone. Libraries usually have an event for adults and children, which is a perfect way to get out no matter which season it is. Our local library is great for this! They have author readings, a summer reading program that encourages an active reading schedule for the kiddos, and coding and building classes. The library stays open, giving the community access to wonderful books, movies, and computers. Everyone wins from this. Lumber stores, groceries, hairdressers are all in need of your support, especially after being shut down or partially last year like our local L&H shoe repair shop. It’s a family-owned business that has been around for a long time providing a great service to our community. Also, the Ace Hardware and Bong's Bootery right on Central. These stores have serviced the community for decades and are irreplaceable. Another stop you should make is to your second-hand store. You never know what treasure you’re going to find, plus you can get an entire wardrobe for a wonderfully cheap price :). I love shopping there and having the kids pick out clothes for the season. They grow so fast; who wants to spend a fortune every time they have a growth spurt? Garage sales, rummage sales, those are a couple more ideas to get you out and enjoy a summer day. Some of these places are also great for picking up discounted items. Having a new baby? You can find so many clothes for only $0.25 to $0.30 each. Talk about a bargain! If you’re not into shopping check out your local town's baseball schedule. Whether it’s the little guys or a minor league team you can enjoy an All-American event with an enthusiastic crowd around you. Don’t forget the pool. When it’s hot and you want to cool off, pack up the sunscreen and towels and enjoy some pool time or head to the lake. In our small town, they have a little stage in the park. The setting is perfect. You sit in the grass or bring a chair and listen to the rhythm of local musicians once a week—everything from jazz, contemporary, country, and classic.