A Letter From Suzanne

Greetings Everyone and Happy Holidays!

I was asked to make this edition of our Winter Living with Lupus Magazine about the topics that define the season, such as thankfulness, gratefulness, and giving.

Did you know there is a difference between being thankful and grateful?

The word “thankful” is defined in the Oxford Dictionary as “pleased and relieved.” The word “grateful” is defined as “showing an appreciation of kindness.”

Tis the season for giving or is it…… really receiving? Let us have a conversation about this.

Now that Thanksgiving is past, your mailboxes and emails are being flooded with donation requests from dozens of non-profit organizations. I know mine is. Many will even send you gifts when you donate to them. Why are donation requests sent during this time of year? Because non-profit organizations recognize that some donors may be motivated to give in order to claim these donations on their tax returns next year. But is this a meaningful reason for giving? Is this the only way to give?

Personally, I think what the entire world needs right now is LOVE. We will circle back to this, I promise.

Now more than ever, the world needs more patience, compassion, forgiveness, and generosity. All of these equate to love. Many people are suffering mentally and emotionally as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic and the environment we are all living in. One conceivable way to alleviate much of this suffering is to show generosity to others. According to experts, generosity can have a positive impact on an individual’s well-being. There are many benefits to giving, and this includes improving the health and financial well-being of not only the receiver but the giver too.

When the economy is harsh and a global pandemic lingers on, it becomes even more challenging for everyone. This is especially true if you are an organization that depends on donations to support its mission and for those who depend on the organization’s programs and services. What supporters need to know, and we need to emphasize is the incredible impact that contributions provide – even small donations. No matter the size of donation, donors can own the fact that they have an impact on the organization’s initiatives - and they can feel good about the donation they give. This is so powerful during challenging times. It is not the size of donation, but it is the willingness to give at any level. You do make a difference.

I will not lie to you. My recent messaging has often been about our flagging economy, the problems we are facing, and all of the unknowns that continue to plague our country. I realize that the tone and scope of my messaging have been increasingly depressing. This depressing tone is not all from our current situation, however. Know that I am first a fellow Lupian and that I do suffer from depression. But I recognize that, as your leader, I need to lead by example. Most of the time, I think I do a decent job at it.

So, this brings me back to my statement about LOVE. Many of you might remember the song by Dionne Warwick, “What the World Needs Now is Love.” I suggest you go ahead and Google it. Take some time to listen to it. I played it three times. It has stuck with me all month. I keep looking for reasons and solutions to all the challenges that everyone is confronted with on a daily basis.

So, what do we do with all these challenges? We do what we can with what we have. We do something. We give

something. It is about trying to impact all that is going on around us. We do not sit around and expect someone else to take the wheel to get us back on course. We are the ones that take the wheel. We are the drivers in our lives.

Do your part to reduce the world’s daily stresses – and your own – by giving. No matter how much or how little you can give, no matter what you can give or how you can give, you have the power to touch the life of another person. You can affect them in ways you may never be completely aware of.

So, money is tight. Ok, I get that. What about your time? The holidays may be the most poignantly lonely time of year, but the rest of the year may be even more challenging because those are the days that drag on and on. Go to your local nursing home or elderly care facility. Read a book with someone, take a new friend for a walk or wheelchair stroll, or play games like mahjong. (If you do not know how to play, I am sure someone would love to spend an hour showing you how . . . and then beating you.) You could even just drive someone to the doctor or to an appointment s/he might not otherwise be able to attend easily.

An invitation to a meal with your family, a birthday party, or any other occasion is a wonderful way to welcome someone into your home and life. It does not have to be an everyday thing to make someone feel loved and looked after.

Volunteer to assist in a program that is happening in your community or neighborhood, whether a beautification project, a food drive, or any number of other projects. If you are looking for programs and activities, check out your local YMCA or community centers. You can even volunteer at the chapter’s headquarters in Brecksville, Ohio. We would love to have you join us in the many tasks that need to be done.

Finally, set up time to see people and be social. Give of yourself by helping your loved ones celebrate the holidays and each other. Spend more quality time with friends and family. Keep in mind that this sometimes increases rather than decreases stress. Be sure to set healthy boundaries and do only as much as you can manage.

As you can see, when we are asked to give, do not assume that only a check will do. I encourage you to stop and reflect on the many ways people have given to you and how you can give to someone else, no matter the size, method or manner. However you give, whatever you give, you can be an effective force in the world today.

Sure, the chapter would love to have you include us in your year-end donations. I promise you the dollars will be well spent. This year, we have provided many programs and worked toward removing barriers to care for many fellow lupians from our lupus community in Ohio. We can do more with more. Above all, please take my advice. I want you to love more. We all could use some love. After all, what the world needs now is love, sweet love . . . for everyone.

Wishing you love and a wonderful holiday season. May better health always be the path ahead of you.

Suzanne Tierney President & CEO

Lupus Foundation of America, Greater Ohio Chapter