This time of year, many of us are celebrating the Winter Solstice, Hannukkah, Christmas, or Kwanzaa.  I spent some time contemplating the idea of celebration, even looking up the definition. One definition is to honor an occasion or holiday with ceremonies of remembrance and respect while refraining from ordinary business. Another is to mark an anniversary or special historical event with festivities or other departures from routine.  I noted that there is a common theme within these definitions of celebration: to do something different and better than what we do every day.

This is what I hope for all of us: that we take time to set aside our regular routines to enjoy this special time of year and recharge for 2020—the beginning of a new decade. My experience is that something important happens when we allow our brain to rest; we think bigger thoughts, we become more creative and even more hopeful.

I also contemplated all that I want to celebrate during this time of reflection.  I have a favorite saying, “celebrate that which you want to see more of.”   So, with that in mind, these are some of the things that I am celebrating at this time of year: 

COURAGE –the courage to take a stand—to set bold goals that will make a difference in the lives of people today and in generations to come–the courage to matter.

GRATITUDE—my deeply felt gratitude to everyone who helps drive the work of The Fedcap Group including board, staff, donors and those we serve. 

INSPIRATION—that spark, that exhilaration, that causes us to act with the goal of making a significant difference.   

PERSISTENCE— that firm course of action in of the face of difficulties or obstacles; even when those around us suggest that we give up.

FRIENDSHIP— that person who just seems to know what you need and when.

So, as we close out this decade, it is my hope that you take the time to celebrate—do something different than you do every day and contemplate and act on what really matters to you.