A dear friend recently told me about the feeling she had retiring early to spend more time with family, saying, “It feeds my soul” and “I had no idea how much this time would mean to me. I am so at peace.”
As I listened, my heart lifted for her, a talented woman realizing and acting on the insight within that guided her to this ‘a bit early’ decision. Her joy is palpable and led me to reflect of course as I do at this stage of my Life School Journey.
I often say I’m looking in the rear-view mirror now. I do feel fulfilled in many ways, learning so many new skills aren’t easy as a journalist at any age, but for me coming back into this has been so rewarding at times when the praise or value is expressed from readers, family or friends on how our impact via reporting local news affects change.
We as journalists or communicators in any capacity have the opportunity, gift and honour to represent those in our areas of community news who may not have a voice but need to be heard.
If there ever was a time in my life to give the most I can as a rural community journalist, it’s now I believe.
I really am thankful for this opportunity, knowing there are many younger voices to be heard. What an incredible honour it is to hear these young, brilliant thinkers when we have our editors' meetings weekly or read their insightful, sensitive and authentic stories. It really does inspire hope for a positive future ahead.
Liaising between age groups in the workplace as I’ve been experiencing as editor of two Interior newspapers with such professionals has been nothing short of enlightening. I cherish the privilege it is to work with such a talented, diverse, compassionate group of individuals in a variety of ages or stages of life.
Community news reflects the best of rural life. Even when the news might be something unjust or tragic, in the long run there is usually an element of people working together for the good of all. Rallying in support, lifting someone up, rescuing, finding and resourcing in a network together in community spirit. All for one, one for all is certainly a motto in our neck of the woods, at least the majority of the time.
Thank you isn’t enough but sincerely thank you for your support and contributions to community news in print and online. We are doing this with you and yours in our minds and hearts each day and within every weekly issue produced.
We’ve got you covered. If you have something to say, share or express please write your letter or reach out. We’d love to hear from you.
