A good resolution to take, for 2023: in these times that promise to be difficult for too many of our fellow citizens, commit to doing good around us.
It’s the time of year when I suffer from what I call “interactional fatigue syndrome,” brought on by countless unusual encounters in a short period of time. This is the term I found to describe the exhaustion I feel during this period coinciding, as for all Centraide employees in Quebec, with the end of fundraising campaigns in the workplace.
These campaigns are a real steamroller that begins in September and ends in December. Anything goes: evenings, meals, weekends. We are all fueled by two sources of motivation: the extraordinary impact of the community organizations we support, and the energy of the volunteers who make miracles happen every day.
My daily mantra: we work hard for organizations that work even harder than we do.
For others as for ourselves
When you read me in these pages, know that I always try to be as concise as possible to capture your attention. I admit that this intimidates me a little, especially since to solve a problem, I tend to intellectualize it, to ask myself major moral and ethical questions, which often remain unanswered. My family and my colleagues will tell you: I talk a lot. But over time, I got used to sticking to this rigor that helps keep ideas tight.
Today, however, I would like to use three times as many words to tell you what’s on my mind as CEO of the second largest socio-community investor in Greater Montreal, immediately behind the government.
The year 2023 will be difficult for too many of our fellow citizens. The impoverishment of people in vulnerable situations is accelerating, in a context where the economy is still doing well – the unemployment rate was 3.8% in November in Quebec. More and more of the working poor are using food banks.
This year, our collective resolution should be summed up in one word: benevolence. True benevolence, that which consists in taking care of others in a disinterested way, far from the spotlight, in the most sincere kindness.
Not the “benevolence” too widespread in organizations, where we take care of our people so that they are happier at work, perform better and produce more. Rather, I’m talking about benevolence that seeks to make the workplace a safe place where emotions are shared in order to help, grow, deepen a collaboration based on respect and the abilities of all .
Benevolence within our families, too: taking the time to listen to our loved ones as well as members of our extended family, to discuss with them, to support them in times of difficulty.
Kindness in our neighborhood, too. Commit to volunteering in a neighborhood community organization, run errands for an elderly person, clear a driveway for a couple with reduced mobility.
Kindness towards oneself, finally. Set limits and respect them. Work by honoring the deep values that define us and make us who we are.
Social involvement as fuel for your benevolence
I can’t remember a time in my life when I didn’t volunteer. For me, it’s a way to be engaged and active, to serve my community.
Currently, I sit on the board of directors of the Fédération québécoise des sports cyclists in addition to being the coach of the youngest’s pee-wee team. And this time that, tired or not, I give is the one that gives me the most, which allows me to replenish my energy through a kind of alchemy.
Get involved. Focus on kindness. Do it for others, but above all, do it for yourself.
You will see: it feels good.