Jonesborough First

In today's politically divided land, it's so easy to get mad, or frustrated at the world around us. If we all allowed ourselves to be honest, we would probably discover that whatever political party we align ourselves with, that party has done little to accelerate our actual happiness...and lower our blood pressure! It all becomes noise between my ears, and frankly can put a scowl on my face!!

 

Then...I go for a walk in downtown Jonesborough. 

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This is where the ‘good’ people live (Yes, I wrote about them years ago in the Herald and Tribune). Good People care about your character, and want to see if you love the same things that we can all find enjoyment in. Things like gratefulness, kindness, thankfulness, fun, concern...and then a commonality emerges as the foundation of all of these conversations...Do You have a Love for Jonesborough?

 

So, the mood transformation starts. You start out walking, maybe a bit crabby, or concerned about world events. Then, you wave hello to someone (my personal favorite). Sometimes, you don't feel like waving...but you always feel better after, even if there is no wave back.  Then, after the walk about, you realize the following:

 

In order to be totally happy, I MUST focus as much energy as possible into the Town of Jonesborough, and its' inhabitants.

 

I am a Conservative. I love most Liberals that live in JB (I really try to love the ones that hate me...but that's a work in progress!), because even though they don't think like me...they truly love the Town. Full stop...That's all I need to know. If you love the Town of Jonesborough, you are my friend. Jonesborough is the absolute definition of how everyone can get along.

 

To stay sane, We need to keep Jonesborough First...In order to do that, I believe we can try to:
 

• Give our brains a rest from National Politics, National Parties, and National Press.

• We MUST find a way to resurrect a locally owned newspaper, that can both adapt to the modern electronic age in weekly reporting of things happening in JB, as well as bring us back each week to the ties that blissfully bless us.

• Not allow ourselves to become consumed by the negativity of (un) social media.

• Be a fantastic ambassador for this Town! Smile big! Say hi to a stranger! Start a conversation!

 

That's your reward! Connection! Pride in your town! United in a common goal! Jonesborough isn’t perfect, but for me, it’s pretty darn close. I live here because of God’s grace. I believe Jonesborough is worth protecting because history may be our foundation, but community is our strength. And all you need to preserve it’s greatness is to always put Jonesborough First.