January 1, 2016 – From Sr. Toby Lardie

I am not a big fan of New Year resolutions. I used to make them, keep them in earnest for about five days and then never think about them again. I think it might have happened that way because they weren’t about important things, things worth changing your life for. But in today’s context of gun use and growing violence in our neighborhoods, fears about terrorism, political candidates bashing one another, and growing distrust with our institutions (i.e. finances, health care, and education just to name a few) I read something that I thought would make some good resolutions for the New Year. It is a poem by Meg Wheatley and I offer it for your reflection as we begin the wonderful gift of a New Year! *******************
“Turning to One Another” by Meg Wheatley There is no power greater than a community discovering what it cares about.
Ask, “What’s possible?” not “What’s wrong?” Keep asking.
Notice what you care about.
Assume that many others share your dreams.

Be brave enough to start a conversation that matters.
Talk to people you know.
Talk to people you don’t know.
Talk to people you never talk to.
Be intrigued by the differences you hear.
Expect to be surprised.
Treasure curiosity more than certainty.

​ Invite in everybody who cares to work on what’s possible.
Acknowledge that everyone is an expert about something.
Know that creative solutions come from new connections.

​ Remember, you don’t fear people whose story you know.
Real listening always brings people closer together.

​ Trust that meaningful conversations can change your world.

​ Rely on human goodness. Stay together! *******************

May you be blessed as you embark on the adventures awaiting you in this New Year!