A Valentine's Day Thank You
Happy Valentine's Day!
In this short solo episode, I celebrate the support we receive from friends, family, and colleagues. It’s a heartfelt reminder of the kindness that helps us navigate life’s challenges and embrace change.
Key Takeaways
• A grocery store encounter highlights the hidden struggles of others
• Navigating change requires a strong support system
• Friends and colleagues play vital roles in our journeys
• Family support is invaluable during tough times
• Kindness is an action, not just a feeling
• A reminder we are not alone in our struggles
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Welcome everyone. Welcome back to Stories of Change and Creativity. On this podcast, we explore how people navigate change and embrace their creative potential. I'm Judy Oskam and on today's episode we're doing things a little bit different. This one is a love letter, a thank you letter really to you, to all the people who've been there for me, supporting me with kindness, guidance and unwavering belief throughout the years. Now I know Valentine's Day is often seen as a day to celebrate romantic love. The Latin word valens means strong or healthy. I want to take a moment to celebrate the love and support we get from our friends, our family and our colleagues. It's that love that fuels us when we're doubting ourselves. It encourages us to take risks and to keep on going when the journey feels a little bit uncertain. It's the love that reminds us that we're not alone, no matter how challenging life can be, and for that I'm incredibly grateful. So today I'm dedicating this short episode to all the people who support their friends, family and colleagues along their journey. If you cheer others on and provide guidance and advice and help others, thank you, shout out to you.
Judy Oskam:
Well, you never know what people are going through. I had a reality check last week. I went to the grocery store and was in the checkout line, I noticed from the checker's name tag that her name was Marie, so I asked her how she was doing. Marie looked at me and said my dad is dying, but other than that I'm okay. I told her I was sorry. It hit me like a ton of bricks. I asked her how old her dad was. He's only 70, she said, but my mom died at 60. Wow, there was nothing I could say other than hang in there, marie, I'll be thinking about you and your family. Well, my grocery store encounter was a powerful reminder that we never really know what someone is going through. So if you can share a kind thought, a prayer, a word, do it, just do it. I count my lucky stars every day, and you should too, and I count my lucky stars for you.
Judy Oskam:
Change of any kind can feel scary and sometimes intimidating. Whether it's health challenges or reinventing your career, taking creative leaps or just pushing yourself out of your comfort zone. The truth is we don't navigate change alone. There are the people like you who show up day in and day out. I hope you have people in your corner too. You know those ride or die folks. You know who you are. They believe in us, even when we struggle to believe in ourselves. They offer encouragement at the times when we need it the most, and sometimes they remind us that we just need to put one foot in front of the other and keep on going. You know who you are? Yes, you do.
Judy Oskam:
When I think about the support I've received over the years, I'm just overwhelmed and again remember this is a Valentine shout out. I'm just overwhelmed and again remember this is a Valentine shout out. Friends like you have been a sounding board, helping me make sense of the ups and downs. I'm grateful for the many colleagues who have helped me sharpen my vision and steer me on the right path. You've provided invaluable feedback and pushed me to think bigger and broader, and I need to give a Valentine shout out to my family. No matter the circumstances, you guys stand ready to offer love and guidance. Whether I need a word of advice or someone to just listen or someone to tell me I'm crazy, that happens too, and you do so. Please don't underestimate your impact on me and on others in your life.
Judy Oskam:
It's important to realize that kindness is not just a feeling, it's an action. Remember, we can measure behavior. We can measure action. So if we look first for random acts of kindness, it might just change our outlook and our perspective. And I'm not talking about just the big moments. Those are not the only ones that matter. It's the little things, the check-ins, the texts, the calls, the moments when you offer someone just a simple idea, or you share a laugh, or simply reach out when things feel a little overwhelming. It's those moments that mean the world.
Judy Oskam:
So, on this Valentine's Day, I want to send my deepest thanks to each of you, whether you're a friend who's always had my back, a colleague who's offered some sage advice, or a family member who's always had my back, a colleague who's offered some sage advice, or a family member who's always been my rock. I'm just honored to share the journey with you.
Judy Oskam:
So I encourage you to think about the people who have supported you along the way, everyone who believed in you even when you doubted yourself. Take a minute to thank them and let them know how much their kindness has meant to you. And if you're on your own journey of change, remember that you're not alone. We've got you. Thanks for listening to Stories of Change and Creativity, and happy Valentine's Day.