I don't know what to say. I had so many thoughts about what to discuss with you this month. But as the world spins in a way that is difficult to process, I just can't find the right feeling or the right words.
The poverty crisis. The climate crisis. The pandemic. The cost of living crisis. The fuel crisis. The wars; there are over 20 wars in the world presently, innocent lives being destroyed all over the world. And sadly Northern Insight mourns one of the family, the very kindest of men. Chatting to you about business and entrepreneurship, just doesn’t feel respectful.
It’s hard isn’t it when the world seems to be falling apart around you, but you are sipping wine at an event, pushing forward with business, laughing through meetings, keeping the flow going with brand and marketing and eagerly seeking the next opportunity. It’s all a bit surreal; add in the celebrations and enjoying your life, and although you may doing what you can to help, it makes many of us feel a bit disrespectful.
I’ve seen many a business post on LinkedIn and many a personal post on Facebook, with people trying to find the right tone, many voicing they feel guilty about living life whilst there is so much darkness.
But what I do feel is gratitude. Grateful that my family are safe. Grateful I can continue with my work. Grateful for warmth and food. Grateful for choices. Grateful I can help, in every context. And I’m grateful for being able to feel the joy in the present because that is all we have isn’t it, this moment in time.
Two years ago, in the April edition I offered a free crisis management service as we entered the first lockdown. We all felt the fear. We feared how this unknown situation would affect our lives, our family and friends, our businesses, our communities, and our health. I wrote the column in disbelief as our whole worlds shifted.
We pivoted in 2020 with kindness underpinning our every action. And two years later I am grateful to see that kindness has once again come to the aid of the crisis situations that surround us. We may be disheartened by our leaders but my word, when you witness the kindness and the challenge from the people, it provides hope. And hope, more than anything, is what we need.
Every crisis has people working together to ensure we can reduce the impact of each dreadful situation, whether it’s as a volunteer at the local food back, a nurse comforting family in ICU, an activist for climate control, an influencer challenging the system, army personnel keeping the peace or being consciously neighbourly. Kindness matters and it makes a difference. The kindness we give today protects tomorrow. And no act of kindness is ever too small.
And just as importantly, be kind to yourself. Although we are surround by crisis, do feel joy with your loved ones, celebrate your success, get excited about business and personal plans, and feel the gratitude that blooms in the moment. For gratitude fuels kindness and kindness burns the flame of hope brightly.
That is respectful.
As a dear person once said, ‘my pain is eased by your smile.’
Sending hope and kindness to all.