2023 Reflections - Giving and Receiving
(Image credit: Darius Bashar)
As the holiday season winds down, it's a time for celebration, reflection, and most importantly, giving back.
This year wasn’t the easiest one for many people. It seems so many were impacted by loss, grief and heartache in one way or another.
Wars abroad, children dying before our eyes, ongoing division internationally and locally have hit us after three years of upheaval following the pandemic turmoil. Wildfires devastated communities across the world and there is so much sadness, it is hard for anyone to accept. Economic instability is now being felt with many companies downsizing and laying off their staff.
Writing this makes me feel sad and disheartened.
It’s hard for people to embody optimism and gratitude when all of this is swirling around them.
The thing is, being optimistic is imperative.
Without hope there is no kindness.
Without kindness there is no compassion.
Without compassion there is no love.
Love is what brings hope.
And the ripple effect can continue with any one of them.
Hope. Kindness. Compassion. Love.
Which in turn allows for gratitude. To be thankful for one small moment of giving.
To witness an act of kindness can warm a hardened heart.
To feel compassion and hold space for someone who simply needs to cry.
To give love and to receive it.
These are the things that don’t cost anything.
So as you’re thinking about your to-do lists, remember the most precious things in life are not monetary.
A gift of kindness or simply being present, can turn someone’s life around.
The gift of giving, whether financial or with actions or words, can impact someone’s decision to take better care of themselves, to believe in themselves or give them hope.
While it wasn’t the best year ever for me and for Life Works Well, I managed to find the silver linings in so many ways!
My family, friends, colleagues and others in the community have supported me through my own loss and grief. Without them, I would not have stayed hopeful and optimistic.
I’m so grateful for the team who learned and grew along my side, former employees and current partners. We did some pretty amazing things and the impact we have on our clients and the broader community will continue.
I am immensely proud of the work we do to help put the heart and soul back into people so they can contribute more fully to their companies, community and the world. By helping our clients create healthy and heart-centered cultures that include mentorship and giving back initiatives, we can have an incredible impact.
Giving back is a huge part of who we are. We support Indigenous and Black companies and initiatives, charitable donations to women’s groups, and other causes dear to all of us. Through our collective volunteer initiatives, each of us has contributed to a greater cause, embodying the true spirit of the holiday season.
Our clients are incredible and their support enables us to thrive in business, and also to extend our reach in making a meaningful difference. Their trust is a gift, and our commitment to giving back is a core value we cherish deeply.
As we gather with friends and family during the festive season, let's also remember those in need. The holiday spirit is amplified when we share it with others, and every small act of kindness can have a significant outcome.
Wishing you a holiday season filled with joy, gratitude and the warmth of giving. Here's to a prosperous New Year that continues to bring us closer to each other and to our clients and communities.
Helen