In anticipation of “enjoying” my fourth Wisconsin winter, I got a pair of snowshoes. I had visions of blazing some trails in parks and other locations I had yet to explore. I was looking forward to new experiences in beautiful settings where I could breathe much-needed fresh air and ground myself in creation once more. The snowshoes arrived a couple of weeks after a small snowstorm, in the middle of a frigid period that had me staying huddled up inside and was followed by a rapid warm-up that depleted the fluffy frozen flakes into a mushy, muddy mess. The anticipatory shine of my new snowshoes began to resemble glints of missed opportunities I could have capitalized on if only I had braved the cold.
Julie Jennings Vice President of Spiritual Care and Wellbeing
Fulfilling our mission in changing times
Things don’t always go as planned or as we might like them to. Outdoor adventures don’t. Weather patterns certainly don’t. Life, in general, seldom unfolds solely on our terms. When we find ourselves on the other side of a missed opportunity, a surprise occurrence, or some other endeavor that didn’t meet our expectations, we have options for how we respond. We might shake our heads in despair. We might look for something or someone to blame. We might investigate potential causes to try and improve outcomes for the future. Or, we might adapt and move on to what comes next. One thing is certain (as Wisconsin winters and late-season snowfalls have taught me)—something is always coming. Cedar Community has a history of adapting and improving, evolving and growing to continually fulfill our mission in ever-changing times, tending to the challenges already here and anticipating what is coming next. Now is no different. We seek new ways to support holistic wellbeing for our residents and team members. We steward resources of land, finances, people, and potential in ways that keep us relevant and responsive. And we cultivate an extravagant welcome—embracing our expanding diversity and establishing a place of belonging for all who live and work among us. Inside, the dust of our latest building refresh is beginning to settle while we gear up for more improvements. Outside, we can virtually smell the budding and greening of flora and fauna all around us and thoughts are winging to warmer weather activities and opportunities. Goals and action items to better support and celebrate our diversity are forming. So now, we breathe in spring’s promise, brave what is to come, and prepare to enjoy the next trails we will blaze.
cedarcommunity.org
SPRING 2022 |
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