We’ve all seen that person who seems like they have it together. Maybe it’s you. Sometimes it’s me. You’re organized. Reliable. You show up, get it done, and people count on you. On the outside, you’re doing just fine. Maybe even more than fine.

If you’ve been feeling more anxious lately — feeling overwhelmed by the headlines, or feeling discouraged by the state of our world — you’re not alone. I’ve noticed that there’s a noticeable rise in collective anxiety, and it’s not just personal. It’s political. It’s economic. It’s global. We are living in unique and uncertain times like we’ve never experienced before. 

As we welcome a new year, I want to share a quote that has always meant a lot to me and that is taped up to a shelf in our office as a reminder.

Giving to others activates the brain's "reward centre," releasing feel-good chemicals like dopamine and endorphins, creating a "helper's high" that boosts happiness. It can also lower stress by reducing cortisol levels and shifting focus away from personal challenges, offering relief from worry.