By Melissa Davies, Wise Ways Consulting
Welcome to April.
I hear you sneezing out there as every tree and bush in our community wakes up and celebrates spring. And as much as allergy sufferers hate this time of year, we do all welcome spring – and the promise of warmer weather, too!
Prince William has some of the most beautiful (and free) parks in Northern Virginia. This is one of the reasons that so many of us call this region home. Now is the time to watch nature wake up.
This month, I ask that you celebrate home and welcome those who are now finding themselves here in our community, or soon may.
In October, several hundred Afghan families were settled in Northern Virginia and continue to need our support. And with Russia now raging war in Ukraine, the United States has pledged to take in 100,000 refugees.
You can help Ukrainians right now!
The Northern Virginia region is coming together to gather supplies to send to Ukraine. Additionally, there is a list of organizations seeking donations: novaregion.org/1546/Helping-Ukraine/
You can help Afghan refugees right now!
Afghan families in Prince William continue to need our support as they settle into their new home. Make a donation and learn more here at the Afghanistan Youth Relief Foundation.
From People to Pollinators
As you head outside, also consider our environment, and remember all the critters that call this place home. Native plants in our backyards make for a healthier home for everyone. Now is a great time to find inspiration at local garden centers. Consider that migrating Monarch butterflies can also use your support. Create a Monarch Waystation and plant some milkweed and other beautiful butterfly-loving plants.
Home, and how we care for it and those who live here, deeply affect our own sense of place and safety. Science shows that helping others increases our own moods and productivity.
Our small actions, combined with those of our neighbors, make a difference in our community. Do something small for our home today and it’ll pay off big tomorrow.
Melissa Davies is an executive leadership coach and facilitator as well as the author of How Not to Act Like a BLEEP at Work. She resides in Prince William County and is the owner of Wise Ways Consulting, which specializes in leadership, management and team development, executive coaching, group facilitation and high-engagement training. She can be reached at info@wisewaysconsulting.com or through wisewaysconsulting.com.
