Sixth Anniversary Edition
First, I want to let you know that as of this writing, there are over 8,531 firefighters, law enforcement officers, National Guards people and other first responders working to contain over 30,000 acres of wildfire in the Los Angeles Metro area. I am in California this month and I am deeply grateful to be safe, healthy, and out of harm’s way. More on the fires and how you can help at the end of this newsletter.
I’ve actually had the content for this newsletter percolating in my brain since the middle of November. The month of November always brings celebration because it’s my birth month and birthdays are big in my family. It’s also the month that I celebrate the anniversary of Triciapedia becoming a full time enterprise. November 2024 marked six years in business full time, and so many people took the time to congratulate me and celebrate the occasion! I was really touched and, of course deeply grateful.
Another tradition at that time of year is a multiple-birthday dinner I celebrate with some good friends whose birthdays also fall around the same time. It was at this dinner that my friend and colleague Mary asked me, “What’s the first thing you remember learning about being in business for yourself?” I thought for a moment and replied,
“People see you, even when you feel invisible.”
Now, this is not about self-esteem, self-worth, or even self-awareness. My point in sharing this learning is that so often, we are fully focused on the task in front of us. The goal we are working toward. Being a good team member. What we may not realize is, people SEE all of that. My friend Cheryl Tyler, in her memoir Trailblazer, related countless times that someone saw her in an assignment that was objectively beneath her and remarked, “who did you piss off?” They said that because they saw her.
The power of this wisdom is that it can help you identify people who are especially valuable in your circle, your life and your work. It can help you feel less lonely when you are fully focused on the task in front of you. And for me, I use it as a reminder to let others know that I, too, see them.
Seeing the ways that the people of Los Angeles are coming together to support our community has been incredible. The road ahead is a very, very long one for thousands of our neighbors. One organization that immediately jumped into action is WalkGoodLA, a community wellness center that hosted an event I produced back in November. I loved the space and the mission then–but the way they have jumped into action is awe-inspiring. They are one of many organizations and businesses here that are doing what they can right now to help people.
As you move into 2025, remember…people see you. Even when you feel invisible.