IN CASE YOU DON’T FEEL LIKE LISTENING OR YOU WANT TO READ ALONG…HERE YA GO:
I vividly recall the end of 2022, feeling like we were on the verge of transofmration. Little did I know it would mean a complete surrender—letting go of everything The Giving Gifts has once been and being open to what The Giving Gifts may become…its so much easier sometimes to talk about the concept of being open than it actually really is to stay open.
Over the past couple years I have been so thankful to be in the position I am with The Giving Gifts. So many of you have encouraged me, trusted me, and supported me in leading and creating through The Giving Gifts. I will forever be so thankful for how much Ive learned and grown because of the past two years. As hard as change cn be at times I think at the end of 2022 I was very much sensing the need for change and that most significant change has come along with Nicole.
The giving Gifts was always intended to be a collaboration. a community of people with different gifts and stories to come together and in the last two months I have seen so much of that once again come alive through Nicole. Nicole has brought in such a needed fresh perspective and has strengthened and help solidify a solid foundation for The Giving Gifts to be in a place to grow.
In the spirit of evolution, we are so excited to unveil a new vision, a refreshed mission, and a brand new look for The Giving Gifts. This is not just a rebranding but an intentional step towards aligning ourselves with the changing dynamics of our community and the world. Our vision is rooted in the vision of coming together, learning together, and shifting together, and is taking on a fresh perspective—one that resonates with the evolving needs around us.
Staying Focused on People and the Planet: Amidst these exciting changes, we have not forgotten the core of our purpose, in fact the purpose has grown and become more clear—to care for both the heart of people and the planet. The Giving Gifts has new commitment to environmental sustainability and trauma-informed care after realizing that the two really need one another. Each step we take, each program we launch, and each connection made will be infused with the essence of empathy, compassion, with a genuine desire to see impact in our communities and in this world.
2024 is looking to be a very exciting year. I am so incredibly thankful for those of you who have stuck around these past few years through a lot of shifting and learning and for those of you who are eager to keep going with me, with us. This is not just the end of a year; its a preview to the impact we are now in position to make in the days, months, and years ahead.
So here is a little invitation to step into a new year together, with hears open, minds eager to learn, and a shared commitment to an ongoing shift towards a more inclusive, caring, and sustainable future. and in the name of reflection Ive made a short little reflection for you…a few questions to consider. As always I would love to hear what’s on your mind, how youve shifted this year, how you’re feeling wrapping up 2023 and moving into 2024.
A 2023 REFLECTION
Take a moment to find a quiet-ish space where you can center yourself. This reflection is meant to explore the themes of coming together, learning together, and shifting together.
Coming Together:
Think about the connections you formed throughout the year. How did you come together with others, either in your local or global community?
Consider the relationships that had a significant impact on you. How did these connections contribute to your sense of belonging and shared purpose?
Learning Together:
Reflect on the new insights and knowledge you gained in the past year. What were the key lessons or realizations that stand out to you?
Consider the ways in which you engaged in collective learning experiences. How did these experiences broaden your perspective or challenge your assumptions?
Shifting Together:
Explore the shifts or transformations, big or small, that occurred in your life or community. How did you collectively contribute to positive change?
Identify any challenges you faced and how they prompted growth and adaptation. In what ways did you navigate these shifts together with others?
Looking Forward:
What are your hopes and aspirations for the coming year? How might you envision building on the themes of coming together, learning together, and shifting together in the future?
Identify actionable steps you can take to continue fostering a sense of unity, continuous learning, and positive change in your community.
Take Action:
Express gratitude for the lessons and growth of the past year. Remember that reflection is an ongoing process, and each experience contributes to your journey of personal and collective evolution. Maybe consider who you can invite into this reflection, who you can thank for being part of this year with you, who you’re hoping will be part of this next year as well.
P.S. A few of you have reached out about year end giving and although the website is going through some significant changes I did want to make sure there was a space designated for you to make a financial gift if you would like, always thankful for your consideration and generosity.