Finding the Light
I must admit, despite the Christmas carols, binge watching Lessons in Chemistry, and gatherings with family and friends, the end of 2023 had me feeling down. So much despair and so little control. Not a good combination.
But then I spent some time reflecting. I unplugged from social media, took extra long hikes without listening to music or podcasts, and asked myself what mattered most to me now and what was in my control.
I also reflected on moments during the past year when I felt most engaged, useful, and alive.
It didn’t take long for me to notice that I feel most alive when I’m helping others remove the barriers – internal and otherwise – to seeing and shining the light within themselves.
Thus, my word for 2024 is light.
My Commitment to Myself and to You
Consciously move towards and choose to see the light every day.
- This means maintaining my outside morning walking routine even on days when I’d rather stay cocooned in bed.
Spending less time watching the news and a little more time ingesting uplifting, solution-focused blogs, books, and podcasts.
- For example, the Washington Post Optimistic newsletter and for dog lovers – Layla the Boxer never disappoints.
Double down on coaching encouraging others to see, value and shine their own light.
- Remind my clients every chance I get of how essential their strengths and core values are to themselves and others.
Be a strength spotter to people I encounter every day that I otherwise might pass by in silence.
- Encourage leaders to show simple acts of caring and kindness to make others feel seen, valued, and heard in everyday interactions.
- Keep You Matter cards in my coat pockets and purse for such interactions. Get your own free You Matter cards today.
Thoughtfully curate my blog and newsletter to share with you the people, ideas, and words that add light and perspective.
- One of my favorite books of 2023 was How to Know A Person by David Brooks. David speaks about being an “illuminator” by showing curiosity in others, being a good listener, and creating opportunities for others to shine.
Give back: I can’t afford to give into despair. Neither can you. We each have the power to be a light for someone else and simultaneously warm our own hearts.
Next month I’ll be announcing an exciting way I’ll be giving back to help raise money for worthy light-making organizations. Stay tuned.
“The longer I live, the more deeply I learn that love –whether we call is friendship or family or romance – is the work of mirroring and magnifying each other’s light. Gentle work. Steadfast work. Life-saving work in those moments when life and shame and sorrow occlude our own light from our view, but there is still a clear-eyed loving person to beam it back. In our best moments, we are that person for another.”
~James Baldwin
Until next time. Be good to yourself, and to others.
