In a time when we often find ourselves divided instead of united,

Be reminded, there is only one force that overcomes fear and hate,

LOVE makes US great!

You’ve likely heard the story of a child tossing starfish stranded on the drying sand by the tide back into the ocean. Seeing hundreds of starfish, an adult tells the child, “This is hopeless, you can’t make a difference.” While tossing another starfish into the protective embrace of the surf, the child responds, “I made a difference to that one.”

Climate change, food insecurity, poverty, disease, addiction. The list goes on, and it can be overwhelming. How can just one of us possibly make a difference?

Last week, I was in conversation with two friends who were feeling overwhelmed as they witnessed programs they cherish being defunded or under the looming threat. One said they've decided to hunker down and not pay attention to the news for the next several years; it was just too overwhelming. The other friend wondered how they could possibly work on all the causes that needed more support; it was just too overwhelming.

There I was, literally, in the middle of nothing and everything. I shared that the answer is in the middle for me – dedicating time and leveraging my skills to a few organizations close to my heart and trusting that others are doing the same. While I love the local wetlands, I don't feel bad that I'm not volunteering to care for wetland bird habitat because I know my friend is. 

I commit to donating my work skills to a few non-profit organizations each year. I can use my unique talents to spread loving knowledge in my community.

While it can feel like perpetually rescuing a never-ending tide of starfish, the efforts of many can clear the beach.

Last month, I asked where you share your dollars. This month, please share where you spend your time. Let us know what community cause is important to you and what you are doing to help out your starfish. You inspire others to come out and help.

Love requires participation. Love requires sharing. Love requires action. Love requires commitment. What you share is amplified and inspires others.

With gratitude,

Joyce Aiko

(yes, love really is my middle name)