Reflecting on 2017, it seems like such a year of turmoil. My hope for 2018 is that we see more examples of kindness and compassion between each of us rather than unrest and hate. 

As I took a road trip from California to the Midwest, I am reminded of the natural beauty that makes up our country. Sadly not all of us have had the opportunity to do such a thing in the US.  St. Louis, Gateway to the West – May 2017

Reflecting on 2017, it seems like such a year of turmoil. My hope for 2018 is that we see more examples of kindness and compassion between each of us rather than unrest and hate. 

As I took a road trip from California to the Midwest, I am reminded of the natural beauty that makes up our country. Sadly not all of us have had the opportunity to do such a thing in the US.  I am grateful I was blessed to do when I was a child.

Being in Iowa and traveling throughout the Midwest and California for part of this year, I see how the small company town and county seat I grew up in 35 years ago fades away slowly.  From 6 stores closing in the center of town this summer, to the realtors only building businesses close to the highway rather than in the town center, to property manager luring people from larger cities to live on welfare in the small town and then not giving back to the community which they lured them to. Where are the ideas to build healthier and supportive community?

Then there is the Midwest’s health care system and the family drama about getting a reasonable speed to answer on a basic a test result or billing question. Unfortunately, the Midwest is not the only location this challenge exists.  I found the same challenges within the state of California the past few years.  

Now I better understand the struggles and I knew the challenges of other parts of the country. For the last 10 years, I made a point to explore the state of my birth, California. When I visit the small town I was born in Humboldt County, and the even smaller town where my parents lived, Trinidad, CA. I realize the same challenges face so many of us once we get past our comfort zone where we reside and look at the larger community.  A business colleague who is from Upstate New York originally reminded me of Steve Case’s move to Rise of the Rest. 

During the holiday season we are reminded we are part of a global community. This UN video of Refugees singing - Silent Night reminds me of our larger global family –I wish for more kindness and compassion all of us who moved to America for a better life.

We are all immigrants in the United States unless we were blessed to be Native Americans. My mom’s family moved over from England in 1634 and my dad’s family in the 1840’s from Luxembourg. How about you? Do you know your story to America?

May we open our hearts and minds to being kind and compassionate to each other as we are blessed to experience this beautiful world together at this present time!

Best wishes, Mandi