Yesterday, I spoke for a full day for a team of social workers. It was a wonderful experience!

The social workers do a remarkable job for the community. They support groups with developmental disabilities either in their homes, group homes, day programs or supported employment.

It is a challenging job trying to juggle the client needs with their own. T he clients they work with have many issues to deal with including lack of appropriate housing, love within their household and food.

The social workers give of themselves daily and are the unsung heroes of the community.

It’s snowing again today in my home town of Vancouver, and it’s tempting to get down about it.  We were inundated with snow for the whole month over Christmas, which almost never happens.  Traffic was disrupted, buses were going off the roads, plus the city has almost no snow removal equipment.

Many people are time starved. They are so busy working, commuting, involved.

There is little time for exercise, relaxation, family, self, meditation or financial planning.  Stress and dissatisfaction are widespread.

The conventional solution is work hard, work fast and become self centered.  Is that working?

Not really!

There is still lack of fulfillment and happiness.  Relationship challenges and negative energy still prevail.

So what is the solution?

Giving!

Not long ago, I attended the funeral of a friend.  Robert Huber died much too young at 58, from a rare lung disease.

During his seven months at the Vancouver General Hospital (VGH), many friends made meals for Robert and his wife Martha Burton.  In fact, one friend rechristened VGH as the Vancouver Gourmet Hospital.