VP Hazlett’s December Message

This past year has been both challenging and strange but if we paid attention, it has taught us many things. I think it is safe to say it gives a whole new meaning to the phrase “hindsight 2020”. The hindsight of 2020 for me, has been the clarification of what is truly important, like not sweating the small stuff, the importance of gratitude, and the value of kindness.

Kindness is not technically one of our EPPIIC values but Compassion would not be possible without it. Kindness is not just good for the recipient, either. Voluntary acts of kindness can provide an instant energy boost and a positive sense of empowerment to the giver. It is like a superpower that we all have at our disposal. Kindness is often contagious. Think about how you feel when you hear about someone going out of their way to be kind. It is difficult not to smile. It may even inspire you to perform a random act of kindness yourself. Websites like Kindness.org and Randomactsofkindness.org are examples of the viral impact of kindness.

Try to remember that everyone is being affected by the events of 2020 and we are all vulnerable in different ways. A little kindness can go a long way in relating to one another through uncertain times. A note of appreciation, words of encouragement, and even just truly listening to each other can make a big difference in our workplace culture.

You are my team, my colleagues, my work family, and I care about every one of you. Please be kind to each other but most importantly be kind to yourselves. I encourage you to take the holiday time off later this month to practice self-care by unplugging and allowing your coworkers to do the same. Let’s work together to spread kindness for the rest of this year and into 2021. This is one area where the positive count on an upward trend is a good thing!

Happy Holidays to you and yours!

VP Hazlett