“Above all, be the hero of your life, not the victim.” – Nora Ephron

My personal life has changed dramatically in the past year, after losing my husband. I have chosen to step into the next chapter with my head up and am trying to start dating again. It is a completely different world from 20+ years ago, and I am choosing to see this as an opportunity for growth. I am trying very hard to see it as exciting, not terrifying.

“When the whole world is running towards a cliff, he who is running in the opposite direction appears to have lost his mind.”―C.S. Lewis

“Safety in numbers” doesn’t work out if you’re all heading in the wrong direction. Be brave enough to listen to your gut and set your own course. Even if it doesn’t go according to your plan, hopefully, you gain confidence for next time.

_{“Don’t cry because it’s over. Smile because it happened.”―Dr Seuss
As the holiday season ends, and I reflect on time with family and miss those no longer with us; sometimes I am overwhelmed with feelings of sadness. I try to be grateful for the amazing memories and wonderful people who have blessed my life for the better.  Without the valleys of our lives, we would never appreciate the peaks.}

“Bad news early, is good news.”―Angus Brown

No one likes hearing bad news, but typically it is always better to know sooner than later. Whether it is a staffing change, budget cuts, event cancellation, a breakup, etc- the earlier we know, the earlier we can better adapt and shift course. So if you must deliver bad news, don’t procrastinate and help all parties involved plan for the future. Often when we are prepping the next edition of the print guide, we do not get a reply to several email and phone call attempts, only to hear at the 11th hour that budgets or priorities have changed. Giving bad news may be unpleasant, but it is better when given early.

“If you constantly need to be the bigger person, don’t surround yourself with small people.”―Wesley Snipes

The people we surround ourselves with either raise or lower our standards. They either help us to become the best version of ourselves or encourage us to become lesser versions of ourselves. We become like our friends. If you constantly feel like you need to be the “bigger person” maybe it is time to evaluate the company you keep.

“Don’t adapt to the energy in the room. Influence the energy in the room.”―Unknown

We don’t always realize how much our mood, attitude, and drive can be affected by those around us. It’s important that we are mindful of how our energy affects others, as well as how we allow the energy of others to permeate us. Choose to be one that raises the energy in a positive way. Be the one that helps motivate and encourage others. Stand out as a person who focuses on collaboration over competition with your peers. It’s up to us to choose how we interact with those around us. Choose wisely! We all rise when we lift each other up.

“Run the race in front of you.”―Lyman Schmidt

“The sorrow we feel when we lose a loved one is the price we pay to have them in our lives.”

―Rob Liano

My husband passed away last month after a long battle with Cancer. Although it is a very harsh adjustment to no longer have in our lives, the memories with him are worth the loss we feel today. We are not just feeling the void of his presence, but all of the future experiences he will not be a part of: kid’s graduations, future weddings, celebrations, family trips, or his daily words of wisdom. The loss we feel is a testament to the legacy he leaves and his lifelong contributions.

“The oak fought the wind and was broken, the willow bent when it must and survived.” ― Robert Jordan

I try to be a strong person- mentally and emotionally. As I have become more of a caregiver, I am realizing that strength is not as valuable as pliable. Even with athletes- Pliable muscles are softer, longer, and more resilient: they help insulate the body against injury and accelerate post-injury recovery, Being more flexible allows us to accept the things we cannot change, and recover more quickly.

“You can’t do anything about the length of your life, but you can do something about its width and depth.”
~ H. L. Mencken

My husband, Lyman, has been my example for the width and depth of a life. This past month he went on hospice and in these final weeks, he continues to touch the lives of everyone around him. No matter how much pain he feels, he finds a way to set others at ease with his wit and charm. Ask yourself- do I take the opportunity to make a moment about myself or about others? Working in senior care, we have a unique opportunity to make a difference in someone’s life almost every single day. Go make a difference today.