There’s a common saying in the business world: once you make it past your five years, you’re “out of the trenches.” And while that may be somewhat true, it’s also—if we’re really being honest—partly a bunch of BS!

There’s a common saying in the business world: once you make it past your five years, you’re “out of the trenches.” And while that may be somewhat true, it’s also—if we’re really being honest—partly a bunch of BS!

While some are ringing in the New Year with noise and sparkle, others are still shedding the final layers of the Year of the Wooden Snake. And then there are those of us—myself included—who are honoring winter exactly as it asks: slowly, quietly, in a state of hibernation.

As the year comes to a close, many of us feel pressured to reflect, reset, and reinvent ourselves overnight, so we invite you to a different approach—one rooted in compassion, integration, and small, meaningful steps.

As we continue through this season of gratitude, it’s heartening to see how many people are finding ways to show up for others. Collective care doesn’t always mean grand gestures—it’s the small, steady acts of kindness that create the greatest impact. Below are a few ways you can help support our community.

As we move into November—a season of gratitude and giving—it’s important to remember that many still struggle to meet basic needs. Programs like EBT, food stamps (SNAP), and WIC continue to provide vital support, yet rising costs and limited funding mean access remains fragile—and some emergency benefits are ending soon, leaving gaps for households that heavily rely on them. It’s a reminder of how essential collective care is—and how much impact we can make by giving back, supporting local food drives, and standing with those in need. Here are a few ways to give back…