I Choose to Stand by Those Who Serve

To continue with the theme of Thanksgiving and gratitude for family and friends, I want to extend my gratitude to the men and women who serve and have served our community and our country.  It’s easy to take for granted the safety, education, and healthcare we enjoy in our communities. But behind the scenes, there are dedicated individuals who work tirelessly to ensure our well-being. They are the brave men and women who protect, serve, educate, and maintain our health, and it is in the best interest of our community to honor their unwavering dedication.

I choose to stand by those who protect, serve, educate and maintain our health honoring their unwavering dedication to our community’s safety and well-being.

The Guardians of Our Community

The military, law enforcement officers, firefighters, paramedics, teachers, doctors, nurses, and other healthcare professionals are the backbone of our community’s safety, education, and healthcare. They put their lives on the line every day, facing danger, uncertainty, and the challenges of educating and healing with courage and resilience. Their commitment to serving and protecting is commendable.

Sacrifice and Service

These guardians often sacrifice their personal safety and time with loved ones to keep our communities safe, educated, and healthy. They work long hours, often in high-stress situations, responding to emergencies, enforcing the law, educating our youth, and providing care to those in need. Their selflessness and willingness to go above and beyond the call of duty deserve our utmost respect.

Building Trust and Collaboration

Honoring those who protect, serve, educate, and maintain our health goes beyond expressing gratitude. It also involves building trust and fostering collaboration between the community and its guardians. When there is open communication, mutual understanding, and support, it creates a stronger bond that enhances safety, education, and healthcare for everyone.

Simple Acts of Community Support.

There are many ways we can show our appreciation for the dedication and sacrifice of our community’s protectors, educators, and healthcare professionals. Here are a few ideas:

1. Express gratitude: Take the time to personally thank a military member, law enforcement officer, firefighter, teacher, doctor, nurse, or any other guardian for their service. A simple “thank you” can go a long way in brightening their day.
2. Support local initiatives: Get involved in community programs that support and uplift our guardians, educators, and healthcare professionals. This could include fundraisers, volunteer work, or advocacy for better resources and training.
3. Spread awareness: Use your voice and platform to raise awareness about the importance of supporting those who protect, serve, educate, and maintain our health. Share their stories, highlight their achievements, and educate others about the challenges they face.
4. Offer assistance: If you have skills or resources that can benefit our community’s guardians, educators, or healthcare professionals, consider offering your assistance. It could be anything from providing tutoring services to organizing a healthcare drive in your community.
5. Promote positive interactions: Encourage positive interactions between the community and its guardians, educators, and healthcare professionals. Foster an environment of respect, understanding, and cooperation. Attend community events that bring people together and bridge the gap between different professions and the community.

By standing by those who protect, serve, educate, and maintain our health, we contribute to the strength and well-being of our community. Let us honor their unwavering dedication, celebrate their achievements, and work hand in hand to create a safer, more educated, and healthier society.

This Blog is part of our Choose for Yourself 21-day Challenge.  Chick HERE to learn more.

Your Turn:  Choose Community Support.

Here are a couple of journal prompts to explore the theme of being a community advocate.

Become Aware

Become aware of the role of guardians in your community.

• Who are the members of your community that serve, protect, teach and service others? What value do you receive from their presence?
• How do you show your support for the services they provide?
• Notice any observations (gaps, triggers, patterns, and situations) you want to change.  What is the impact of not changing?
• Acknowledge your (insert observation) and it is (insert impact)

I am aware ______________________ and it is _________________________.

Be Grateful

Be grateful for becoming aware of the opportunities to learn from the past around supporting those who serve your community.  Now you can use them to remind you to engage the way you want.

• Identify one observation you want to become aware of and use as a reminder.
• What is the mindset you want to have once you become aware.
• Change your perspective, be grateful for (insert observation), because it reminds you to (insert mindset).

I am grateful ________________________ and because now I can __________________________.

Take Action

Identify specific actions or steps you can take to support those who serve your community.

• Name an action you will take next time you become aware.

Next time I become aware I will _______________________________________________.