GREAT ARTICLE

FACE OUTWARD

We live in a world that encourages us- almost trins us – to turn inward. We guard our calendars. We focus on “self-care,” “boundaries,” “what’s best for me.” And don’t get me wrong, I’m not her to throw shade at those things. They matter.

But somewhere along the line, we’ve started to believe that the way to survive life is to close ourselves off from it.

What if I told you the exact opposite was true?

What if real purpose, real joy, and real connection come not from turning inward – but from facing outward?

To face outward means to live your life aware of the people around you. It means paying attention. Loing up from your own to-do list long enough to see who might need encouragement. 

It’s not about fixing everything. It’s not about being the loudest voice in the room. It’s about showing up with a posture of openness.

That might look like asking the cashier how their day is really going. It might look like checking in on a neighbor. It might mean making space at your table or even just smiling at someone who looks like they’ve forgotten what it feels like to be seen.

We often underestimate the impact of these small actions. We think change has to come from big programs, big money or big titles. But every great community I’ve ever seen – every strong, connected, resilient place – has one thing in common: everyday people who have made a decision to face outward.

…..

The truth is, when we stay too inward for too long, life starts to feel heavy. We get stuck in our own struggles. We compare, we isolate and we convince ourselves that no one really gets it. But when we turn outward – when we notice others – we begin to realize we’re not alone. Our perspective shifts.

One of the most beautiful things about facing outward is this: when you offer light, somehow it reflects right back on you.

So, here’s the real question:

Are you living your life facing outward?

Do you know your neighbor’s name? Do you ask questions that you genuinely want the answer to? Do you look for ways to make someone else’s load a little lighter? Are your conversations more about listening than speaking? 

It’s not about being perfect. It’s about being present.

…the people who have had the biggest influence on my life weren’t trying to “change the world.” They were just facing outward. They gave me time. They asked me how I was doing and waited for the real answer. They modeled consistency, encouragement, and belier in something bigger than themselves.

As we step into this next season of life, let this be your challenge:

Be the one who turns toward others. Don’t wait for someone else to fix it. Don’t believe the lie that your actions don’t matter.

Look up. Look out. Lead with kindness. Give your attention. Share your story. Welcome someone in.

That’s how communities are built. That’s how trust is restored. That’s how people feel seen, valued, and reminded that they matter.

It starts small. A glance. A word. A gesture.

But it all starts when we choose to face outward.

And that, my friend is a choice you can make today.

 

Amanda Owens  /  Owensboro Messenger Inquirer 9-25-2025