“This is a story about four people named Everybody, Somebody, Anybody, and Nobody. There was an important job to be done and Everybody was sure that Somebody would do it. Anybody could have done it, but Nobody did it. Somebody got angry about that, because it was Everybody’s job. Everybody thought Anybody could do it, but Nobody realized that Everybody wouldn’t do it. It ended up that Everybody blamed Somebody when Nobody did what Anybody could have.”

-Author Unknown

I remember reading this when I was in primary school. It’s always stuck in my mind. It’s amazing how many things are left undone because we think that it’s somebody else’s job to do them. My dad was very community minded. For example, he did litter picking every day on the footpaths around his home. Not because someone asked him to, but because he knew it needed doing. I’m not sure how well I can follow his example. There always seems to be so much to do and so little time!

But community is important, in so many ways. That might be community as in the people who live around you, or it might be community as in your friendship group, or it might be community as in a club that you’re part of, or a sport that you’re involved in, for example. Whatever it is for you, we are wired to be part of a community, to support others, and to have a network of support around us.

What communities are importance to you, and what role do you play in those communities?

© Sue Palmer, The Horse Physio, 2021

Treating your horse with care, connection, curiosity and compassion