My Inspiration: Kindness and Appreciation
At last week’s meeting, our District Governor, Cindy Rold, left us with a simple but powerful challenge. Her words spoke directly to the intention I set for our club this year: to create a true culture of appreciation.
Cindy encouraged us to take three small but meaningful actions that strengthen our connections and lift one another up. They are reminders that the heart of Rotary—and life—isn’t just in what we do, but in how we make others feel.
1. Check In
Reach out to a fellow Rotarian you haven’t seen in a while. Circle back on a conversation you didn’t get to finish. Or simply take a moment to ask, “How are you doing?” When we check in with one another, it tells people they matter. It reminds them they are seen, valued, and remembered.
2. Invite
Extend an invitation—coffee, lunch, a quick FaceTime call, a walk around the lake. It doesn’t need to be elaborate or time-consuming, and it doesn’t even have to be with a Rotarian. What matters is the intentional act of inviting someone into your space and saying, “I want to spend time with you.” A small invitation can open the door to deeper connection.
3. Appreciate
Look for opportunities to say thank you—for the big things, yes, but also for the little ones. Appreciate someone for their kindness, their effort, their consistency, their smile. A word of appreciation costs nothing, yet it has the power to change someone’s day.
Cindy suggested we do each of these once a month. My challenge to you is to go even further: make them part of who you are. When checking in, inviting, and appreciating become woven into your everyday life, you’ll find your relationships—inside and outside of Rotary—growing richer and stronger.
A culture of appreciation doesn’t just happen. It’s built, one small act at a time. When we practice it regularly, we not only honor others, but we also inspire kindness, gratitude, and belonging in return.
Let’s rise to Cindy’s challenge together. Let’s keep checking in, keep inviting, and keep appreciating. Because the more we practice, the more natural it becomes—and soon, it’s simply how we live.
That is how we create a club, a community, and a world where everyone feels valued.
With warm Rotary hugs and much gratitude,
