“Hard work beats talent when talent doesn’t work hard.”
Having talent helps, but hard work is far more important. Not just as a sports metaphor -but work ethic matters in our relationships, our jobs, our parenting, and even our hobbies.
Author: Meghan Parsons
Speak Out
“First they came for the socialists, and I did not speak out—because I was not a socialist. Then they came for the trade unionists, and I did not speak out— because I was not a trade unionist. Then they came for the Jews, and I did not speak out—because I was not a Jew. Then they came for me—and there was no one left to speak for me.” – Pastor Martin Niemöller
Some things are beyond my personal control, but at a minimum, I can protest, write letters, send donations, and offer prayers. I can ensure that the issues that affect the welfare of others are present in my mind and conversations, now and not just when I feel the pain.
Let the Light In
“There is a crack in everything. That’s how the light gets in.” – Leonard Cohen
I am not comfortable showing vulnerability, no one really is. When I am more transparent with my struggles, I am grateful for the support received. More importantly-it helps others feel less alone in their struggles, and they see a more authentic version of me. So don’t cover all the cracks, let the light come in.
Anna Hobson, Ambulatory Care Navigator, MultiCare Medical Center
I work as an ambulatory case manager at Tacoma General. Medical Center Our department spreads over 5 hospitals and employees over 30 case managers. We serve a demographic of elders to help navigate their health care needs and goals. Many of our patients need resources for housing or care for loved ones. We utilize the Retirement Connection Guide often as majority of our patients want to “see” their options and don’t use a computer or they have trouble navigating. I personally have used the Retirement Connection resource for a few years, and refer other members of our team to also utilize for resources. The collection of information and resources in the book have been instrumental in helping our patients connect with much needed resources. Having such an organized book of resources have made it easier for the elder population to navigate needs and interests, in a one stop experience. The value of the Retirement Connection has been a key to our departments success in helping patient meet their health care goals. Having the book in print to provide for our patients has been a game changer. Of course we also implement other resources, but having the Retirement Connection saves a of time and energy to provide helpful, current resources.
You Never Have To Be Alone
In the year 2011, a small but enthusiastic group of people had a vision – to form an organization in north east Seattle focused on supporting and empowering older adults to be active, engaged and independent. They were concerned that there were few, if any, resources, activities and events in this Seattle enclave dedicated to the older adult population. Further, this community did not have a senior center in its midst.
From this fertile ground of need and opportunity, Northeast Seattle Together – NEST – was born!
NEST is a non-profit organization dedicated to its core mission – connecting its members with each other and with resources to age successfully in the place they call home.
Having recently celebrated its 10thanniversary, NEST offers a vibrant community made of up of volunteers, members, and a network of trusted professionals. Local businesses are partners as well.
Do you realize that social isolation – defined as a lack of meaningful contact and interaction with family, friends, and the broader community – can have on seniors the equivalent impact of smoking 15 cigarettes a day?
NEST aims to address the toxic impact of isolation by providing its members dignified assistance, connections with their community, and an ability to stay in their houses so they can live in the neighborhoods they love.
Examples of NEST events and groups include monthly potlucks, cultural presentations often open to the general public, health and wellness talks, social groups, and activities such as pickleball and exercise classes. In addition, there are men’s and women’s support groups, low vision groups, and other resources devoted to engage our members and minimize isolation.
“Living alone, I have found that the friends I’ve met at NEST are even more important than the help I receive. With them, I can get out and enjoy our community and the world. I don’t have to feel alone.”
Janet – Northeast Seattle Resident and NEST Member
NEST offers two types of paid membership:
NEST Builders:
- Discounts to NE Seattle Businesses
- Free admission to NEST events and activities monthly potlucks, cultural presentations, health and wellness talks ,social groups, and activities such as pickleball and exercise classes
- Discounts at local area merchants
Full Access members:
- Receive all of the benefits above plus access to volunteers who can assist with yard work, transportation and a variety of other helpful tasks as requested by the member.
- Referrals to a network of trusted professionals who often provide a discount to members for their services
- Discounts at local area merchants
NEST serves14 northeast Seattle neighborhoods. The service area stretches from north of Union Bay, to south of NE 110th St and east of I-5.Nest is one of several villages serving the greater Seattle area. Nationally there over 200 villages similar to NEST that support aging in place.
To learn more about NEST visit our website at www.nestseattle.org or call us at 206-525-NEST (6378).
Tell your friends and neighbors about NEST and help build a community where neighbors have choices for staying independent, active and connected.
Article Provided By:
Don Desonier & Deborah Anderson, NEST Marketing & Membership Committee
www.nestseattle.org
206-525-NEST (6378)
Smile
“Don’t cry because it’s over. Smile because it happened.” – Dr. Seuss
This time of year I get a bit sad thinking of the people I miss, either because of distance or they have passed away. I have to work hard to focus on the awesome times we shared together, and to be happy for those moments instead. This is also a good reminder for me to not regret when relationships change, but to be thankful for the stage of life when we supported each other differently- because not all relationships are intended to last our lifetime, and that’s ok.
Gratitude
“It’s not joy that makes us grateful, It’s gratitude that makes us joyful.” – David Steindl- Rast
It is hard to feel grateful when we are struggling with big things: loss, hunger, isolation, etc. These moments are when it becomes the most important. Take notice of the smaller things: leaves changing color, the sound of rain, a past memory, or the impact you made on someone else. Start small and keep adding, the smaller you start- the more you will have to be grateful for.
Corn
“You plant corn, you get corn.”
This is the southern version of “you reap what you sow”. A garden needs water, sunlight, and nutrients- just like our relationships and our business. Occasionally I have planted a vegetable that was labeled wrong at the nursery – sometimes it has been a pleasant surprise, other times NOT so much. No matter what, corn does not become broccoli.
Mosquito
“Only when a mosquito lands on your testicles, will you truly learn that there is always a way to solve a problem without using anger and violence.” – Confucius
In the past month, I have sometimes felt overwhelmed, angry, or even resentful both professionally and personally. I was searching for profound words to share for this month’s “nugget”. I may not have the exact equipment mentioned in the quote, but the context spoke to me, so I am sharing it with you. Sometimes- why overthink it?
The Storm
“We are not all in the same boat. We are in the same storm. Some have yachts, some canoes, and some are drowning.”
– Adapted quote by Damian Barr
As I managed my own stress and anxiety, sometimes I do not show enough grace to others, and I can compare my burden to others. On my personal Facebook page, I recently posted an update following my husband’s surgery and many commented that it was “inspiring”. As much as I appreciated that- I am fortunate to have a great support system in place- that helps my boat weather the storm. You know what is really inspiring-offering help to others and admitting when we need help.