Traditionally, this is the time of year when we ask ourselves, “What did I accomplish?” Which is often closely followed by, “What are my goals for the coming year?” Am I the only one who thinks we should consider pausing for a bit between these two questions and just congratulate ourselves for all of the things we’ve done to survive another 365 days of life’s ups and downs?
Why the rush to define what the next year will look like? Because someone told us we had to have a list of things to do? This is what I pondered as I filled in a recent leadership worksheet.
Don’t get me wrong, I do see value in thinking through and outlining a direction for what lies ahead, I just believe there is value in pausing (at least long enough for a dozen deep breaths) to acknowledge the fact that we’ve come through another celebrated cycle of time.
When I reflect on this past year in my own life, I recognize I began a new job that, while overwhelming at times, has taught me a lot about myself and my ability to learn, execute, and grow into a role I’d not even known existed at the end of last year. That personal growth is leading me to a point of now creating a project that has the potential to positively impact every parent whose child stays inpatient at Cook Children’s Medical Center.
Because I have a passion for parents, and because Cook Children’s knows the best advocate for a child is their parent (who can only be at their best when they are well cared for), the program is being developed around the idea of self-care for the moms and dads of the patients. The basis of which can be attributed to a book I read last holiday season about bringing simple hospitality and compassion into our community.
You see what I mean?
When I take some time to reflect on how the fact that where I am right now has been created by all of the choices and decisions I have made, I am blown away by how the events in life give us opportunity to rise to challenges we thought we’d never encounter. A year ago I didn’t even know about the job I am doing which has evolved into spearheading a program that will positively change the way we care for families in the hospital setting.
Pause.
Breathe.
As the year winds down, what moments would you like to savor?
This column is your gentle reminder that each of us has a choice about how we will treat this holiday season. Most of us have bought into the idea that it’s a time to rush, rush, rush to see people, buy presents, over eat and drink too much, and we don’t take more than a moment to recognize the most precious gift this season can give…the ability to connect with one another.
Choose to make this a season to remember and to model the greatest offering we can give one another; the time to pause and connect. This year, I am wishing you and your family a season to remember.
.jpg)
