Sometimes something happens that changes everything.
Inspried by Carrie Dils (business year review) and Chris Lema’s post on 4 things to get right in the new year. (new year planning)
Sure I noticed the absolute generosity of the WordPress community. I’ve noticed the ‘no judgement’ zone announcements and felt that vibe at WordCamps. Definitely noticed the generosity of the WP community ‘celebrities’ who present at WordCamps, teach courses, post countless tips and provide insights beyond the mundane. And it’s tough to beat the especially rock solid support of the WP Elevation community.
Yeah, yeah, yeah I thought; I’ve stumbled upon outliers of the human race. A group of people who revere this piece of software. They found one another somehow, but the rest of the world isn’t like that, right? I’ve been in the architectural lighting profession since grad school and the vibe is a little more reticent. Surprise, at my first WordCamp I wasn’t the oldest, the only female or even the least experienced in WP. Sign me up!
Nice and all but not everyone is like this, I thought. Life experience.
Then last week a sudden illness put my husband into the hospital. The kindness of friends and neighbors was nothing short of staggering. Daily inquiries into his well being, invitations to join a Christmas dinner (nobody wants to see this sad sack eating soup alone I guess), offers to buy groceries, cookie deliveries … you get the picture.
I admit that I am basically introverted and admit that I took all these relationships for granted mostly-don’t get me wrong, I’m thankful and appreciative of my life and the people in it, however I didn’t think anyone else cared about me why should they?
Why write about this on a business website, why? Why not?
It speaks to relationships; relationships that I’m more aware of, relationships truly do matter and truly do make the world a richer place.
I’ve realized that we really are all in this together. It means something to give to others. How can we help each other? How can we care for each other not just in the face of problems, issues or trouble but as a part of life, a value rendered without thought and without reward.
That’s my personal and professional hope. That’s an action and a work in progress for the coming year.
