Don't Rain on Anyone Else's Parade!

Each of us finds fulfillment and enjoyment in different big and small ways.  And big and small are relative.  Things that I find exciting may be tremendously boring to others.  And things that bring great joy to others may be trivial to me.

However, we can make the world a happier place by eagerly interacting, actively listening and responding with empathy and interest to others.  We might even learn something in the process!

What is a Volunteer?

There are countless descriptive definitions and examples of volunteering.  Volunteers make priceless impact every day.  As I was running this morning, in a volunteer t-shirt, I thought of a simplistic way of depicting what ideal volunteers are:

• Valuable
• Open
• Listening
• Understanding
• Needed
• Talented
• Empathetic
• Energized
• Resource

Thank you to each of you for making such a difference in so very many ways!

Human Diamonds

Many of the most resilient people I know are human diamonds, all the more empathetic and special because of their trials and tribulations.

Human diamonds are strong, beautiful, brilliant, multi-faceted, treasured and revealed through volcanic action.

When There Are No Other Words

There are times of devastating loss that leave us speechless. When I was young I assumed that there were words of wisdom, compassion and comfort that adults relayed to one another in times of profound sadness. As I grew older and experienced unthinkable loss, I realized that there are no formulaic words that convey the right expression of empathy and sympathy. The expressions I most appreciated were those from the heart - often a hug, a touch, a memory or the sincere conveyance that the friend had no idea what to say. When there are no right words, it's just important to let the person you care about know that you care.

What's Your Wake-Up Call?

If you are among the lucky ones, the only wake-up call you recognize is your morning alarm clock.

For so many others, their wake-up call is much more jarring:

Today will be your last day at XYZ Company
Your medical test results weren't what we had hoped they would be
You did not pass the exam
If you don't meet objectives within the next 90 days, your employment will be terminated
You were clocked at 20 miles over the speed limit
You are pregnant
You are miscarrying the baby
There has been an accident
Though you were very qualified, we extended the job offer to another candidate
We tried everything but weren't able to save your loved one
Your bid was ranked second
Your colleague received the promotion you were expecting
You have gained 20 pounds since your last annual exam
Your charge was denied

We all get unpleasant news during our lives. How we react makes a tremendous difference in the course of our lives and those of our loved ones. The news can be a catalyst for change, renewed commitment and increased empathy for others. Or it can be the beginning of a downward spiral.

Let's be thankful for each day that our only wake-up call is delivered by an alarm clock.