Relationships, coffee, and dreams for the future

Why I used to hate the winter, but now? It’s not so bad..

Hi friends,

I don’t know about you but for a long time I told people I hated winter. Snow is great, but I hate that it has to come with the bitter cold and weeks of grey skies. I spent many holiday breaks in Florida as a child and I think that spoiled me, causing my loathing of the cold in my young adult years. However, these days, I have a slightly different perspective. While I still despise the cold, I now covet the winter as a time to rest and recharge, reflect on the previous year, and plan for the coming year. 

This winter I have been particularly introspective and have spent more time than past years reflecting and planning. Perhaps this extra time is correlated with the extra cold weather, or because we are getting ready to go into strategic planning at First Chance. Regardless of the reason, I’m so glad I made the time to just think.

These days, there is so much pressure on productivity and progress, I think we forget to make time to think, reflect, and plan. To me, the irony of that is that the time I spend being still and processing information helps me make better decisions, plans, and changes. I hope you can find even just a little time in your life to be still and think every once in a while.

Now that spring is right around the corner, I thought it might be the perfect time to share my reflections and goals with you. As I reflect on this previous year, I am so grateful for all of your support of me and First Chance for Children. Because of you I am a better Executive Director, partner, community member, and person. Because of you First Chance for Children is stronger, closer to our vision, and more responsive to the community’s needs.

Each of you have contributed to my growth and First Chance’s success in so many ways. You have given us advice, cleaned our Lend & Learn Library, repackaged countless diapers, contributed your hard earned funds, participated in our programs, spread our message, and so so much more. When I think about all you’ve given, I don’t believe I’ve given enough back to you.. and that’s where this year’s intention comes in.

Every year I try to have one main focus where I can really move the needle in my personal and professional life. This year, my focus is on relationships. You have been so generous with your resources, it’s time I did a better job of learning why. I want to say thank you, and I want to get to know you better. Your experiences and knowledge matter, and I’d feel so honored to have just a little of your time.

I’m hopeful that with a lot of hard work and little bit of luck, I’ll get to know many of you better than I have in the past, and because of it First Chance and I will be a little bit better. I’m excited to learn what inspires and excites you, the dreams you have for the future, and how you’re connected to First Chance. If you’re interested in connecting- for the first time or the 500th, please reach out by sending me a quick email. I would love to grab a cup of coffee, go for a walk, or give you a tour of our office. 

I’ll be reaching out to as many of you as I can this year, I can’t wait to see what I’ll learn from your experience and adventures. In the meantime, stay warm friends. Spring and better weather will be here before you know it.

P.S. if anyone has tips or tricks on how to survive the cold, let me know. My current solution is big fuzzy socks & lots of tea.

Sincerely,
Kasey
FC4C executive director