A Valentine's Day Thank You

Happy Valentine's Day! 

In this short solo episode, I celebrate the support we receive from friends, family, and colleagues. It’s a heartfelt reminder of the kindness that helps us navigate life’s challenges and embrace change.

Key Takeaways

• A grocery store encounter highlights the hidden struggles of others 
• Navigating change requires a strong support system 
• Friends and colleagues play vital roles in our journeys 
• Family support is invaluable during tough times 
• Kindness is an action, not just a feeling 
• A reminder we are not alone in our struggles

 
Do you have an idea for a guest interview?  Please let me know. 

Check out my TEDx talk.  Why you should take action - then figure it out.

Transcript

Judy Oskam 0:02

Welcome everyone . Welcome back to Stories of Change and Creativity . On this podcast , we explore how people navigate change and embrace their creative potential . I'm Judy Oskam and on today's episode we're doing things a little bit different . This one is a love letter , a thank you letter really to you , to all the people who've been there for me , supporting me with kindness , guidance and unwavering belief throughout the years . Now I know Valentine's Day is often seen as a day to celebrate romantic love . The Latin word valens means strong or healthy . I want to take a moment to celebrate the love and support we get from our friends , our family and our colleagues . It's that love that fuels us when we're doubting ourselves . It encourages us to take risks and to keep on going when the journey feels a little bit uncertain . It's the love that reminds us that we're not alone , no matter how challenging life can be , and for that I'm incredibly grateful . So today I'm dedicating this short episode to all the people who support their friends , family and colleagues along their journey . If you cheer others on and provide guidance and advice and help others , thank you , shout out to you .

Judy Oskam 1:27

Well , you never know what people are going through . I had a reality check last week . I went to the grocery store and was in the checkout line , I noticed from the checker's name tag that her name was Marie , so I asked her how she was doing . Marie looked at me and said my dad is dying , but other than that I'm okay . I told her I was sorry . It hit me like a ton of bricks . I asked her how old her dad was . He's only 70 , she said , but my mom died at 60 . Wow , there was nothing I could say other than hang in there , marie , I'll be thinking about you and your family . Well , my grocery store encounter was a powerful reminder that we never really know what someone is going through . So if you can share a kind thought , a prayer , a word , do it , just do it . I count my lucky stars every day , and you should too , and I count my lucky stars for you .

Judy Oskam 2:29

Change of any kind can feel scary and sometimes intimidating . Whether it's health challenges or reinventing your career , taking creative leaps or just pushing yourself out of your comfort zone . The truth is we don't navigate change alone . There are the people like you who show up day in and day out . I hope you have people in your corner too . You know those ride or die folks . You know who you are . They believe in us , even when we struggle to believe in ourselves . They offer encouragement at the times when we need it the most , and sometimes they remind us that we just need to put one foot in front of the other and keep on going . You know who you are ? Yes , you do .

Judy Oskam 3:16

When I think about the support I've received over the years , I'm just overwhelmed and again remember this is a Valentine shout out . I'm just overwhelmed and again remember this is a Valentine shout out . Friends like you have been a sounding board , helping me make sense of the ups and downs . I'm grateful for the many colleagues who have helped me sharpen my vision and steer me on the right path . You've provided invaluable feedback and pushed me to think bigger and broader , and I need to give a Valentine shout out to my family . No matter the circumstances , you guys stand ready to offer love and guidance . Whether I need a word of advice or someone to just listen or someone to tell me I'm crazy , that happens too , and you do so . Please don't underestimate your impact on me and on others in your life .

Judy Oskam 4:10

It's important to realize that kindness is not just a feeling , it's an action . Remember , we can measure behavior . We can measure action . So if we look first for random acts of kindness , it might just change our outlook and our perspective . And I'm not talking about just the big moments . Those are not the only ones that matter . It's the little things , the check-ins , the texts , the calls , the moments when you offer someone just a simple idea , or you share a laugh , or simply reach out when things feel a little overwhelming . It's those moments that mean the world .

Judy Oskam 4:53

So , on this Valentine's Day , I want to send my deepest thanks to each of you , whether you're a friend who's always had my back , a colleague who's offered some sage advice , or a family member who's always had my back , a colleague who's offered some sage advice , or a family member who's always been my rock . I'm just honored to share the journey with you .

Judy Oskam 5:13

So I encourage you to think about the people who have supported you along the way , everyone who believed in you even when you doubted yourself . Take a minute to thank them and let them know how much their kindness has meant to you . And if you're on your own journey of change , remember that you're not alone . We've got you . Thanks for listening to Stories of Change and Creativity , and happy Valentine's Day .