The days are long, but the years are short. – Paul Kalanithi
This is an odd quote to begin a blog post. It’s from the book, “When Breath Becomes Air.” It’s a powerful book about life and loss and living and dying. There’s been a remarkable loss of leaders in our community in the past 14 months. That’s why I’m reading the book. It’s inspiring, heartbreaking and uplifting all at the same time. There are seven lessons in the book, and these are my reflections on the lessons, not necessarily what the book is about.
- We are all just borrowing time. This lesson reminds me why it’s so important to show up, to advocate, to volunteer to create positive community change today for tomorrow.
- Identity is fluid, not fixed. I think our nonprofit world is learning this fast and with anxiety right now. We must do the work to help people in need and build community where everyone belongs. These can be hard times for this work.
- Language gives shape to suffering. By creating belonging for everyone and I do mean everyone, there is space for polite social discourse, there is learning opportunity, there is personal growth by sharing stories and there is healing.
- Medicine is profoundly human. And who doesn’t know this? I think most people know someone who has suffered from disease, addiction, pain, and we know that medical professionals are only human. It’s hard one when we want answers.
- Love expands in the face of loss. Our connections must deepen, and our collaborations must increase as we move through times we haven’t experienced before. I’m in so many conversations these days where people compare today’s challenges with 1987, 1996, 2008, 2020…We haven’t been here before. We can use what we know to figure out a path forward and balance the chaos and new challenges prompt new solutions. Young leaders welcome here!
- Meaning emerges from struggle. I’ve never loved this life lesson. I want us to learn other ways and just engage in creative, innovative thinking and yet meaning does come from struggle. We can learn from others though and don’t have to experience all the struggle ourselves.
- Time is different when it’s finite. Time is always finite and it’s always illusive. COVID years feel like dog years, my best friend says. 2020 does seem like 35 years ago in some ways. And yet, it was five years ago. Most of us have the luxury of not thinking daily about how finite time can be and yet we don’t get out of here alive. For those of you struggling with illness, suffering with pain, or loving those who do, we’re here for you.
I want you to know I had an amazing experience this week that gave me a deep breath of fresh air. I was leaving work the other day as someone was pulling up realizing we were all gone for the day. They slowed their car and looked disappointed. I’m so grateful that I turned around. I asked what was up and he said he needed help with his insurance. I asked if he could come back first thing on Thursday. He asked if I remembered him from years ago. I did! He told me that we’re one of the few lights in his life. I so needed to see him on Wednesday evening. Thursday morning, he was here, and we helped. We helped because you give.
Thank you!
Onward to the lights in this lifetime,
