Toxic traits in a town can create an unhealthy environment and negatively impact the sense of community. Here are some common toxic town traits to watch out for. We need to be mindful of these traits and reverse them. To be more productive we need to uplift each other instead of tearing down.
1. Gossip and Rumor-Spreading
- Excessive gossip can create distrust and tension among residents, making it difficult to build authentic relationships.
- Reverse gossip and rumor-spreading is the intentional sharing of positive, uplifting, and kind words about others to enhance their reputation and spread goodwill.
2. Lack of Support for Local Businesses
- Neglecting local businesses in favor of big chains can hurt the local economy and reduce community character.
- Shop local and post positive reviews. My grandma used to always say “If you can’t say something nice, don’t say anything at all”.
3. Negativity Toward Newcomers
- Unfriendly attitudes toward new residents can prevent the town from growing and evolving positively.
- The best way to welcome newcomers to Ocean Shores is to foster a warm and inclusive environment by greeting them with a friendly smile, offering helpful local tips, providing community resources like welcome packets, and inviting them to local events or gatherings to help them feel connected and valued.
- Ocean Shores Welcome Committee mails “welcome packets” monthly and hosts quarterly Networking meetings.
4. Poor Communication
- If town leaders or organizations fail to keep residents informed or listen to concerns, it can lead to frustration and disconnection.
- Town leaders and organizations can keep residents informed by regularly sharing updates through multiple channels such as social media, newsletters, community bulletin boards, and local events to ensure accessibility and engagement.
5. Conflict and Division
- Long-standing feuds, political polarization, or socioeconomic disparities can create a hostile environment.
- Instead of perpetuating conflict, we need to uplift each other by offering genuine encouragement, practicing kindness, and celebrating each other’s successes and strengths.
6. Lack of Volunteerism
- When residents show little interest in giving back or contributing to community initiatives, it fosters a sense of isolation and disinterest.
- Volunteer your time to help. Some of the best groups to give your time to are the Ocean Shores Food Bank, North Beach Paws, Ocean Shores Fresh Waterways, and Grays Harbor Surfrider.
7. Disregard for the Environment
- Towns that fail to address littering, pollution, or environmental sustainability can lose their natural beauty and harm local ecosystems.
- What can you do??? Pick up after yourself.
8. Over-Competitiveness
- Excessive competition among residents or businesses can create tension rather than collaboration.
- Don’t make things a competition. For example, healthcare. There is plenty of possibilities to help our community by offering multiple ways to care.
9. Negativity on Social Media
- If local forums or social media groups are dominated by complaints and hostility, it can perpetuate a toxic atmosphere.
- Instead: Encourage Positive Engagement by sharing uplifting stories or local achievements.
10. Favoritism in Leadership
- Leaders who prioritize personal connections or cliques over the broader community can undermine trust.
- A leader can foster inclusivity and community trust by actively seeking diverse perspectives, making decisions transparently, ensuring equal opportunities for involvement, and consistently prioritizing the needs and interests of the entire community over personal relationships or agendas.
Do you find yourself doing any of these? If yes, create a routine to be more positive.
One major thing a person can do to be more positive is to practice gratitude daily. By intentionally focusing on the things you’re thankful for—big or small—you shift your mindset toward appreciating the good in your life.
- Keeping a gratitude journal and writing down 3-5 things you’re thankful for each day.
- Sharing your gratitude with others, such as telling a loved one, a friend, or a worker why you appreciate them.
- Reflecting on positive moments or achievements at the end of each day.
Gratitude helps train your brain to notice and amplify positive experiences, fostering a more optimistic outlook over time.
In conclusion: Positive emotions help others around us by promoting social connection, encouraging prosocial behavior (like helping others), creating a more positive atmosphere, and making people feel more comfortable and open to interaction, essentially making them more receptive to positive social exchanges; essentially, when we feel good, we are more likely to spread that positivity to those around us.
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