Message of Hope

Guest Blogger, Dona Ponepinto, President & CEO, United Way of Pierce County

After 30 years in the United Way movement, I still wake up every day with a strong sense of purpose. Yes, the issues we are tackling seem insurmountable and the nearly daily dose of bad news is filled with pain and suffering. Fortunately, we live in a world where kindness and support dominates. I am continually filled with hope by the inspiring things humans do on a daily basis. An inspiring article in Forbes once that summed it up to a T.

These human gifts include but are not limited to these seemingly simple acts: Help, Empathize, Teach, Love, Persevere, Learn and Believe. 

Help comes in many forms from helping babysit a neighbor’s children so she can get to her job, opening doors for people with their arms full, giving up your seat so someone who is frail can rest comfortably on their commute.

Empathizing with someone means going beyond recognizing someone’s situation, it’s being able to imagine it yourself and therefore putting away judgement or criticism. 

Teach others a skill or even being a good example for others is a wonderful way to provide service. Reading to a child, showing a coworker a useful trick in a program—there are hundreds of ways to share knowledge-- knowing there is nothing in it for you. 

Love and building a culture of caring happens at home and in business. When people feel like they can engage openly and connect with compassion the difference can be felt.

Persevere and you can achieve nearly everything. I see hundreds of examples of perseverance every year-- from the single mom who was going nowhere who is now in college, working hard and eager to contribute to her community financially and through services to the family sleeping in a one-room apartment that are making plans to buy their first home.

Learn from your children, coaches and even mistakes. Be bold and open and curious about the world and don’t be afraid to think differently. It will open your mind, your heart and you will thrive.

Believe in change, goodness and a world of hope. If I didn’t believe in possibilities I would not have spent decades taking on tough challenges. I am so grateful to work with inspiring people and to see real and measurable change happen in our community. There will always be bad news but if we practice these activities, they become part of our daily lives.

And that is the best gift you can give during the season to yourself and to others.