(Keywords: Inspiration)
I read our OWA One-Minute Inspirations (OMI) religiously; it was the first benefit when joining the OWA back in 2011 that I consistently took advantage of. Today, we have so many digital ways to stay in touch and engage: we have a brand-new blog — OWA Connects, the wildly successful OWA Talks podcast, social media platforms — Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn — and so much more.
However, in a world where multitasking is a required skill set, reading the OMIs and hearing perspectives and stories from other women in our industry has always been what I most looked forward to. Women sharing their journeys (not all butterflies and roses!) helps me stay grounded and real. It reminds me on a daily basis how much GOOD we can do by opening ourselves up to feedback and support. And how truly trying to make someone else's day actually makes YOURS! They say hindsight is 20/20, but if more of us leaned on mentors, sponsors, and coaches, we might find more clarity today.
I don't think paying it forward has ever been more important. Just looking at the recent news must make all of us take inventory of what we have and pinpoint what is truly important in our lives. How much do you really have to give? Doesn't even the slightest gesture to help someone worse off than you make a big positive difference in their lives?
Knowing that in a few short weeks our industry (our second family!) will be together again in New York for Vision Expo East gets me excited to think of all the upcoming opportunities to "connect and give"'. I am making a personal pledge to not just ask "How are you?" and keep on walking to the next event. Even if it means one or two fewer "hellos", I will take the time to slow down and enjoy deeper conversations to truly understand how my friends and colleagues are faring; I think it's a great trade off!
Those who know me know that my mantra is "Happy Every Day"! It's how I wish people a "Happy Birthday", a "Happy Anniversary", a "Happy Anything". As we see the world recognize the amazing accomplishments of women on International Women's Day, or during Women's History Month, it makes me wonder, "Why not recognize and lift up women every day?" Then I remind myself, that's why I am so passionate about the OWA — this is our mission every day!
I hope you will join us at the OWA Champagne Breakfast in NYC and be inspired by award honorees Erinn Morgan, Laura Dorris, Katie Lauver, Jennifer Stewart, OD, and our keynote speaker, Amy Dix, who will share how to get to a "Happy Every Day" by Choosing Happy!
Deb Bulken is Regional Vice President for EssilorLuxottica and President of the OWA. She can be reached at .
"Whoever is happy, will make others happy."
Anne Frank
