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KINDNESS COUNTS
Central New York, you've surprised me yet again! Farah Jadran
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lthough this edition is published and it’s online and on stands - I am still letting the fact that I am the January 2021 cover woman, soak in. My journey with Syracuse Woman Magazine is one that will always be a part of me. SWM is more than a publication - it’s a community and it’s one that has made me and many others feel welcome. In this month’s column, I am reflecting on the kindness that’s been extended to me. I have lived in Syracuse for more than 12 years now and I would be lying if I said every single day was perfect. Life is flawed and that is part of why it’s so special. There were tough times and tough people determined to put me down or make me feel less than I truly am. Again, that’s life and it’s our choice to persist or retreat. I am proud to say I persisted. The Central New York community has become a part of me as I have joined boards and committees over the years, but it’s the people that have become my circle. I am grateful for each and every person I have had the honor to work with or to become friends with. These are special connections that have helped me thrive in many ways.
I must extend special thanks to the original SWM team - the group of passionate, dedicated and fun people that believed in what it could become. This is the group that helped get some of the first editions out into the community. I say my sincerest, “thank you,” to the publishers and designers, and also people like Colleen Farley, Renée Moonan, Linda Jabbour, Cindy Bell, Jussara Potter, Caitlin Bom, Rick Needle, Janet Detota and so many more people who have gone on to contribute over the years. Incredible women have also come on board to serve as editor over the years including Alyssa LaFaro, Lorna Oppedisano and Sarah Hall. Their talent and commitment will always be a part of the SWM history. I am blessed to do what I love every day in my job as anchor for CBS5 This Morning and CBS5 News at Noon. I am also blessed to work with amazing people at CNYCentral and many more across the region. I thank everyone in this community for their kindness to me. I hope everyone feels this welcoming spirit and then passes it on to others. Syracuse is the place where I earned my master’s degree, worked as a magazine editor and community newspaper editor, met the love of my life and continued my dream job in TV journalism. For all those things and more, I say, “thank you.” Kindness can change someone’s heart. It can help others realize there is a world around them and more to life than possessions and petty arguments. Kindness can be the message you wear and walk with because you choose to live life with genuine gratitude for each day you are given. Tomorrow is not promised. Why not spend today being kind and being positive? SWM
Farah Jadran is the anchor of CBS5 This Morning and CBS5 News at Noon for CNYCentral in Syracuse. Farah also served as editor of SWM for more than four years after she helped launch it in January 2011. If you or someone you know is spreading kindness in our community -- tweet at her -- @FarahJadran using #BeKindSyracuse. January 2021
10th Anniversary Edition
