January 27, 2024
At the beginning of each year, Michael Buckley, Arrow’s personal and professional development coach and “The Chief Feelings Officer,” asks each team member to pick a “Word of the Year.”
What does your life need more of right now?
And my life will be improved if I have more of what?
Michael reminds us that sometimes, we need more focus. Then, other times, it’s more compassion, and at times, we need more fun! In past years, team members have chosen words such as clarity, confidence, intentional, commitment, consideration, and receptiveness.
This year, team members are actively selecting a Word of the Year for themselves and collaborating to create a word for their community. Picking a personal word and community word is a commitment to doing work on themselves and the “we” and “us” work they want to accomplish as a community.
This word is significant because we will work to show compassion toward residents, employees, residents’ families, delivery drivers, our mail person, our beautician, and our physical therapist. We should always show compassion to everyone, even though we may not know what is happening in their lives or understand their mood. A smile, a nod of understanding, a hug, a handshake, or a simple conversation can make a person’s day. Say “hi” when you walk by someone, and remember, compliments are great for everyone.
By setting an intention for the year, we’re shaping our community for success. Compassion is what we need to receive and what we need to give. It makes everyone feel good knowing that someone truly cares for them. We will incorporate the word into the community’s daily operations with smiles, hugs, laughter, compliments, handshakes, and conversation. There are many ways to keep smiles and happiness in our community.
The most significant goals of the year for our community include:
We also want to have more family events and great get-togethers. We are planning an Easter Egg Hunt, Fall Festival, monthly Sunday Brunches, trick-or-treat the trails, a car cruise with antique cars, and special dinners, including New Year’s Eve, Valentine’s Day, Mother’s Day, and Father’s Day.
The chosen Word of the Year should inspire the team. If it doesn’t, it means they selected the wrong word. Hold yourself and others accountable throughout the year. Engage with team members about their Word of the Year and keep it as a frequent topic of discussion in your community. Monitor your achievements using your 2024 Word of the Year, and we eagerly anticipate celebrating them with you!
Cedar Trails Senior Living in Freeburg, IL offers independent senior apartments, assisted living, and memory care with a variety of services and a range of floor plan options. Amenities include restaurant dining, 24-hour bistro, concierge service, housekeeping, events and entertainment, personal care, transportation services, and more. Centrally located near St. Elizabeth’s Hospital with convenient access to major shopping centers, including The Orchards Golf Club, Target, Eckerts Belleville Farm, Braeutigam Orchards, and the Belle Clair fairgrounds & Expo Center.
