First and foremost, thank you to our community and especially to our clients for their continued support through these unprecedented times. We were not sure if we would be able to continue to print. Truthfully, we thought we wouldn’t. Upon receiving multiple outreaches, we realized, we must! As a show of hope and stability. Some things will not change despite it all, and those built with solid foundations will go on. As Sun Tzu famously said, “In the midst of chaos, there is also opportunity.” We feel it is our pleasure to share this next edition which is a reflection of our values, our commitment to our community and as a demonstration of resilience. These times have pushed us all to question, what do we value? And such is our present edition, a reflection of our values.
Many centuries ago, a deep thinker stated “The secret of happiness, you see, is not found in seeking more, but in developing the capacity to enjoy less.” Socrates not only knew that it was the enjoyment of the little things that count, but effectively came to realize one day you may look back and realize they were the big things. And this line of thinking brings us towards gratitude, which can elevate us and help us push further in those times of need. Everything you thought you couldn’t handle, you can. Furthermore, you can dig deeper and keep on going. The greatest magic comes when you have no choice but to trust in your own self, your own power. The relationship with yourself although the most complicated, is the one that needs to be nurtured. During this pandemic many have been forced to sit with themselves for the first time. They have come to find, this time, you can’t avoid, distract or walk away from your own self. You have to deal with every boredom, every bad feeling, every flaw you may find. And it is through that journey that we will find our true selves and acceptance – that is when we find our power. Merging the shadow of the self with the light that we are is the alchemy that’s allows us to emerge from these experiences as one powerhouse of a well rounded individual.
Change is hard at first, messy in the middle and gorgeous at the end, said Robin Sharma. So be gentle with yourself. Everyone has good days and bad. Start over as many times as needed. These are beyond historical times, yet here we are, still standing. So, one day or day one – it is your choice what you do with your time and where you decide to put your value.
Yours truly,
Nikki Whelan
No one saves us but ourselves.
No one can and no one will.
We ourselves must walk the path.
— Buddha
