Last month I became a proud US Citizen ... last night ...

Last month, on December 15, 2021, I became a U.S. Citizen. To my surprise, I had the interview, test and Naturalization ceremony all in the same day.

I was so nervous about the test. But not sure the time spent studying was worthwhile. One of the questions I was asked was: "Who is the President of the United States." Seriously!

As I left the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services building in Baltimore, feeling like a proud and grateful American, a bird greeted me. The bird was a red robin: a symbol of renewal, fresh beginnings, hope but also danger.

I awoke this morning in tears, feeling scared for our country (I live in the Washington DC area, where I moved 6 years ago from Toronto, Canada). I pulled out Trump's "Dear Fellow American" letter from inside my Naturalization package to read for the first time. Some excerpts include: "You share the sacred rights, responsibilities, and duties that unite us as one people," "Our patriotism is the bond that holds us all tightly together," "and "We welcome you into our national family."

The United States of America has become the "Divided" States of America. Americans are not all united like Canadians who share the same values and ethics: respect for democracy and people; diversity, inclusion and multiculturalism, collective care for one another, and a coordinated response to the pandemic.

The Naturalization letter concludes with "And we embrace the wonderful future we will have together."

How do we as individuals and as a nation more forward, together? With a Culture of Kindness. Compassion. Giving.

Over the holidays, I devoured the book The Go-Giver, a story about putting others' interests first and continually adding value to their lives. This book so resonated with me that I decided to make radical giving one of my core business values.

How can I share my expertise in wellness, self-care & collective care with you? How can I help infuse energy into your virtual meetings and tele-working days?

Last month's holiday gift to you was a VIP PASS to my Virtual Wellness Lounge. If you missed out and would like a new pass, hit reply and I'll send you a new one.

Otherwise, CLICK HERE to download another gift: my STARTER GUIDE TO WELLNESS EXPERIENCES FOR YOUR VIRTUAL MEETINGS.

Need help brainstorming ideas for your 2021 meetings and conferences? Book a free wellness consult with me HERE.

Be well and stay safe,

PS: In case you're wondering, I am a dual Canadian - US Citizen :)