Our Chief Executive, Lesslie Young looks at how providing support to others during a crisis can be good for everyone.
For many people looking for a glimmer of light at the end of the pandemic tunnel, it comes in the form of planning for Christmas. But there has even been a shadow cast over that. Lockdown.
Bubbles. Tiers. Restricted travel. None of it looks particularly merry and bright. Like so much this year, it will be a memorable time for all the wrong reasons.
At a time when nostalgia and family traditions play such an important part in celebrations, we should be putting the principles of the nostalgia into practice.
One of my go to nostalgic films at Christmas has got to be It’s a Wonderful Life.
‘It’s a Wonderful Life’ is the story of a man who chooses people over personal ambition or gain.
He feels his life is a failure because he hasn’t achieved the success he imagined or the fabled ‘American Dream’ but throughout his journey realises the impact he has had on the people around him and how his wonderful life is hidden in smaller acts of selflessness.
And to bring another of my favourites into play; Maya Angelou, the American poet said, “I’ve learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.”
Anyone giving to support others in whatever way they can during this time is truly “wonderful”.
Have we not all been inspired by the many acts of selflessness amidst the grip of this global pandemic and equally reassured the human spirit prevails?
Impact of COVID-19
This year, the impact of COVID-19 has highlighted even more the value of our NHS, all our key workers and the essential role the third sector has played and continues to play in supporting people across communities.
It is right we should acknowledge the people who truly keep our country going, people who have acted on their calling to support others and go above and beyond what is expected of them.
It is also right we should acknowledge there is a cost to it all; physical, emotional, and of course financial. None are in endless supply.
To wrap yourself in nostalgia is comforting especially now but to make someone’s life a little bit more wonderful, make them feel valued, not forgotten is special.
You won’t hear a bell ring or get your angel wings, but you will feel amazing. Support, time, donations whatever you can offer, will make an enormous difference to all charities and those they represent.
#TrusteesWeek
Epilepsy Scotland receives enormous encouragement and commitment from people donating their time and expertise to support people with epilepsy.
Our trustees are a group of volunteers passionate about making real positive change to the lives of people with epilepsy and influencing important charity decisions.
This week is #trusteesweek and no better time to thank them for their continued support and commitment.
