Better Together – What We’ve Learned

By Shirley Hickman, Threads of Life Volunteer

The internet defines ‘better together’ as a value that emphasizes the power of collaboration, teamwork, and synergy. It acknowledges that when individuals come together and work collectively towards a common goal, they can achieve greater success and make a more significant impact than they could on their own.

That statement certainly resonates with me as I reflect on the vision, mission and values of Threads of Life. In my role as Threads of Life’s executive director and now as a volunteer, I have seen family members come together, either in-person or virtually to offer support to others and we realize we are not alone. We have learned the value of sharing stories and while our personal journey continues, we know others care. Collectively we have hope for our personal lives and a world where workers come home safe at the end of their shift.

Individually we learn we have inner strengths that have given us the courage to reach out for support, to support others and find a way forward.

In recent times, I am certain we have all experienced some additional isolation and fear of the unknown — not only with the pandemic but also with current political and economic challenges.  While we all are affected in different ways, I strongly believe we feel better when we are together with others – perhaps just our small circle of friends or family, or back to our wider circles. We are able to share concerns, frustrations and help each other to stay calm. During these times, we  must make the best of it even though there may still be so many unknowns. Looking back, I see how we all found a way to adapt, and shared with each other what we were doing. This was the encouragement I needed to navigate through adversity.

I try to focus on what I can do and encourage others to think ‘what do I have control of?’  My New Year’s resolution this year was ‘find kindness in every situation’. I have wondered why that particular focus bubbled up for this year. I do try to find ‘kindness’ where I can. And so this year when the news focused again on the negative stories related to our national political landscape, I struggled. I had to figure out what I could do. I reflected on what I had learned from other significant events. When Tim died, I had to learn how to live again and I did that with support of family, friends and community. During the pandemic, I had to learn not to watch the news – the daily tally of numbers, numbers and numbers was affecting my sleep and concentration. I went back to the basics – made more phone calls, learned zoom meetings, and kept in touch with family, friends, community and co-workers. I went outside and the sky wasn’t falling so we enjoyed outside time – chatting with neighbours (6 ft apart), baked bread, cookies, shared those around. Doing what I could do.

That got me thinking – what can my friends/family of Threads of Life do within our current situation? We have all learned so many lessons. Together we could share books we have found interesting, a recipe that was enjoyed by others, a craft or hobby that could be shared. I am inviting you to send me those ideas – and I will put them together over the coming year and we will know we are better together. We are taking charge of the things we can do to support ourselves and our family members. Hopefully by sharing, you will know you are helping others to cope with this highly emotional political situation. I know you believe in the values of Threads of Life and together, if we care, listen, share, respect and take care of our health, we can make a difference in not just our own life but in the lives of others.

I hope you will join me with your sharing. Have you read a book you’d like to share with others? Our next issue will be on favourite books – either for healing or just for fun. If you have something to share or an idea that would be a ‘better together’ topic, just send a sentence or two to me at [email protected] Opens in new tab. There is value in connecting to each other – our Threads of Life community holds a wealth of knowledge. We know we are Better Together.