know your “why”.

If I had a penny for every time I said, “Know your why.” to my staff over the years. Throughout my career, I have hired individuals to care for others. This is a scary task. Families trusted my intuition on employees and my screening processes. I needed to stay grounded on what we were providing and ensure that safety, dignity, and respect were always present. I needed my team to work with integrity and knowing your why was a big part of that.

Most work days would begin with a team meeting. Each day, I would ask a caregiver at random, “What is your ‘why’?” What I really was asking was, “Why are you here, why this job? Why do you do this? Why did you show up? Why are you important to these people? Why are these people important to you?” It served as a daily reminder beyond all the struggles of caregiving for those living with dementia. Which can be a very thankless and stressful job. I had to help keep my caregivers “why” strong for them. And remind them how important each of them truly was.

This idea of knowing your why and keeping it front and center was crucial for me in over 15 years of management in long term care communities and as a nationwide consultant. I would recite my reason why, in the car on the way to work. In the parking lot before entering. And each day, in 15 years, I was glad to be doing the work I was doing. I would reflect on my favorite Residents. Remember our sweet interactions. I would recall the relief on families faces. The staff who celebrated small wins for the day.

My why was service. I have been called into service in this life. At a young age, I realized the gift I was given to help others. To listen, to guide, and to friend. And there is no greater time of service than at the end of a person’s life. No matter if that is while they are young, old, or any time in between.

While losing a Resident is difficult, I never felt more peace than when holding vigil at their bedside. Checking in with family while delivering them fresh coffee at 4 am. Holding a Residents hand while their favorite song plays quietly in the background. Brushing their hair, humming a tune. Just being present with them and witnessing their final transition. I found profound beauty and was so humbled each and every time.

I quickly learned early on in my career that my why, my purpose, was to bring calm to families in need. My why is to be the solid sound board. My why is to be the peace bearer. My why is to hold space for those who can’t hold it themselves.

I know my why. And each day, I am glad for the gifts given to me so that I may be of service to people near and far, families, friends, strangers. Why do I do this? Because I was called to it. And I humbly answer that call and show up each day in service to you.

In Love and Light,

Bri