CEO Spokane Neighborhood Action Partners – SNAP

With the Spirit of the holidays upon us and another year coming to a close, there is no better time to consider what one holds to be true. With gratitude for those with whom we just celebrated Thanksgiving and with an endless list of holiday to-do’s ahead, December presents us the opportunity to reflect on what grounds us and what we know to be true.

I know that the practice of GRATITUDE, of giving thanks—not just on a single day in November but year around—allows us to shift from a life “half full” to a life where joy is abundant. Give thanks daily. Gratitude abounds.

I know that we all are VULNERABLE. For nearly 30 years, I have served our community and those in need. I have come to know that we are all vulnerable in one way or another. Our safety nets are thin and grow thinner all the time. For some of us, those vulnerabilities are economic and are felt through the loss of a job or a home. For others, it is the daily struggle of working multiple jobs trying to bring together ends that do not want to meet. For others, those vulnerabilities are physical and felt through domestic violence, medical bankruptcy, chronic illness and addiction. For still more of us, vulnerability can look like social isolation, connection or a lack of support. Where are you vulnerable?

I know that COMMUNITY isn’t just important, it’s vital. Whether it is a community of five or a community of 500,000, like Spokane, we are stronger together. When we come together in hardship (windstorm) or in celebration (Bloomsday), our energy and focus creates goodness. Let’s celebrate our community’s strengths and diversity. Spokane is a community that is kind and generous. At SNAP, we believe in being “Neighbors By Your Side.”

I know that RESILIENCE is a modern-day must-have. Our busy lives require us to both be able to stand in the eye of personal and professional storms and to equally be able to step out of the chaos into moments of balance and self-reflection. This duality is a skill that requires attention and practice. Our passion for family, career and community means that we must be resilient and flexible to meet changing needs. 

I know that KINDNESS is my North Star. Professionally we face challenges—difficult choices coupled with limited resources that hold the well-being of others in the balance. I strive to operate from kindness and compassion. You can “do the hard thing” and be kind in doing it.

I know that RESPECT is a basic human mandate. In an era when we can drive by the least among us without so much as acknowledging their humanity, we must strive to listen, see and offer respect for those least like us. There is value in every experience. We can learn from each one.

I know that I aspire to live a GRACE -filled life. I am most in balance when I am authentically embracing both my strengths and weaknesses. Grace is laughing with gusto and crying without shame. Grace is looking into the eyes of someone in pain and offering to walk beside them on their journey. Grace in leadership is knowing when to step up and authentically lead and when to step back and support those seeking to grow. Grace is knowing how to ask for help and when to be the help.

I know that TIME IS PRECIOUS. I have been blessed to celebrate the birth of new life and mourn the passing of those no longer with us. Learn how to say “I am sorry” and “I love you.” Live each day with intention. Time is a gift.

I know that operating from TRUTH is the way I choose to live my life. While it may not always be glamorous or easy to speak, the truth is what I expect of myself and ask of those around me. Speaking your truth with kindness and with grace is how I wish to walk in this world.

I know that LEARNING never ends. Whether it’s embracing a new hobby or pushing yourself to acquire a new skill in front of a crowded room, learning stretches what is possible.

Finally, I know that BUTTERSCOTCH PIE—when made by an elder—is one of the ways they say I love you and want to share this deliciousness with you. Embrace the pie!