Here in Carmel, we’ve always known that neighborliness extends beyond a simple friendly wave or cheerful greeting. It forms the very foundation of our civility and acts as the glue that binds our community together.

In Carmel, we take pride in being a community that thrives on respect, collaboration and progress. But even in the most harmonious of times, conflicts can still arise. The way we address those conflicts determines not only their resolution but also the tone of our shared civic life.

Imagine a movement where each of us consciously demonstrates respect, kindness and understanding in our daily interactions. That’s exactly the vision behind the evolving Civility Project in Carmel.

While modern politics often feel dominated by name-calling and division, the examples set by many U.S. presidents remind us of the enduring importance of civility, even in times of great challenge.

Science tells us that forgiveness isn’t just good for the soul; it’s good for our relationships, our health and even the strength of our city.

I am often coached to not take things too personally. I am told to realize someone might be just having a bad day or it is just business.

In a world filled with diverse perspectives and experiences, respecting others’ views is a cornerstone of civility.

OK, I have a confession to make. I have been accused of not listening. The reality is, I was listening. But because I didn’t agree, I tuned out. And that’s just not civil.

As we continue our journey toward enhanced civility, science offers compelling evidence why I am focusing on gratitude to kick off the new year and believe it should be at the heart of our community initiatives.

As we stand at the threshold of 2025, Carmel residents have an opportunity to build upon their commitment to civility by including it in their New Year’s resolutions. It is by focusing on and drawing attention to civility in our community that we will make it easier and more natural to choose civil behavior when facing conflict.

As we wrap up another remarkable year in Carmel, we have much to be grateful for in our journey toward a more civil community. The past 12 months have shown that when we choose civility as our foundation, our community grows stronger and becomes more connected.

As the holiday lights twinkle along the Monon Trail and the Christkindlmarkt brings its magical atmosphere to our city center, Carmel residents have a unique opportunity to give a gift that costs nothing yet enriches everyone — the gift of civility.

In Carmel, where civility is indeed a choice we get to make each day, practicing gratitude can transform our community interactions from ordinary to extraordinary.

I was behind a car the other day sporting a bumper sticker proudly proclaiming the driver to be “Grateful No Matter What.”

Commentary by Jeff Worrell American author and leadership consultant Margaret Wheatley’s words capture perfectly what I see: “There is no...

Historically, front porches served as social hubs where families gathered to engage with neighbors and passersby.

In the realm of social change, we often assume that massive numbers are needed to make a difference. But what if I told you that just a small fraction of our population could create dramatic change in Carmel?

In a recent book, “I Used to Like You Until…” by Kat Timpf, she highlights the detrimental effects of binary thinking on our society.

As Carmel considers roundabout safety in future spending, I wondered if civility could be considered a valuable tool along with raised crosswalks, speed and rapid flashing beacons

Donna Skeens, a reader of this column, shared with me a heartwarming story that demonstrates kindness is alive and well in Carmel.