Dear Friends,

50 weeks ago, I set out on a special project called Finding the Words, a weekly writing assignment to capture some of the lessons that have powered my life and work over the past 20 years. Sometimes the stories were deeply personal, and sometimes they were pulled from the headlines, but their goal was always the same: to provide you with bits of inspiration, courage, and little a-ha’s about the power of communications in our everyday actions.

I took on this assignment because I felt like there was something I needed to say. But as I wrap up the first year of this project, I’ve found something much more deeply meaningful in this project: It’s not what I said—it’s how you responded.

Every week, I heard from people in emails, calls, and texts how much these little musings meant to them. You told me when you felt inspired to take action or make a change, or when you chose to share the week’s post with your friends or colleagues. You asked hard questions that inspired additional posts. You told me that these posts mattered to you, and that they kept you grounded.

And that mattered to me, too. Because on the days when I felt at my lowest, my loneliest, and my most vulnerable, you reminded me about the power of communication and connection.

As 2022 closes, I’m reflecting on this project and how in the end, it’s the impact you had on me that I’ll remember. This year, I have struggled mightily with my mental health. I’ve faced strings of days when I didn’t want to get out of bed. I’ve felt mental stresses that have resulted in physical illness. I’ve felt overwhelmed and anxious and uncontrollably sad. But as a parent, a business owner, and a CEO, I’ve conditioned myself that the best thing to do in those difficult moments was to brush my own challenges aside, and to channel my energy into the people around me. How wrong I was.

When I was my most vulnerable here, I knew you were always there, reminding me that even on the hardest days, there was always someone willing to listen, and ready to help.

So much of our work at Mission Partners is centered on where the greatest inequities exist. And mental health is one of those places. In recognition of all those who struggle with mental illness, and those who are working to improve access to mental health services, I wanted to share that Mission Partners has made a donation on behalf of our community to Mental Health America. Mental health matters, every day and for everyone. And I thank you for reminding me of that.

I’ll be back in the new year, for a new year of Finding the Words posts. Until then, I wish you good health, good rest, and much love.

This is week 50 of the Finding The Words column, a series published every Wednesday that delivers a dose of communication insights direct to your inbox. If you like what you read, we hope you’ll subscribe to ensure you receive this each week.