What makes a life meaningful? What creates a legacy that ripples for generations? These questions crystallized for me upon learning about Lorraine, a Canadian giant in disability rights advocacy who recently passed away after 50+ years of transformative work.
Leadership has never been about titles or spotlight moments. It's about showing up again and again with persistence and conviction to make space for others to belong. Lorraine's journey began simply - with the birth of her son Ralph in 1968. That moment of love became her life's work, leading to decades of volunteer service, nearly 20 years with the New Brunswick Association for Community Living, and partnerships with governments and communities to advance human rights and inclusion. Yet what strikes me most isn't her recognition or achievements, but her persistence and balance. She pursued her calling with unwavering dedication while still embracing life's simple pleasures - curling, golfing, birthday lunches with friends, and her daily glass of "cheap red wine."
Her story offers five powerful lessons for anyone leading through messy times: Your calling is enough - stop waiting for permission or titles. Persistence outlasts polish - consistency matters more than charisma. Progress requires constant tending - you can't "set and forget" inclusion or trust. Balance is fuel, not distraction - joy makes advocacy sustainable. And finally, you don't need to be known to matter - never confuse visibility with impact.
Most of us don't feel like giants. We feel like we're just trying to keep our heads above water. But giants aren't born - they're built through tiny acts of persistence, one ripple at a time. What calling is tugging at you right now? How might your one precious life create ripples for generations? Join us in Be the Light here, where we reconnect with ourselves, find practical tools, and grow in ways that are sustainable, purposeful, and deeply human.
You'll be ever so glad you did.
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Make it a great week!
Cynthia Jamieson 🧡🌱
Leadership coach for high-integrity leaders who want to thrive without proving or burning out | Ex-HR Exec | ICF PCC Coach | Podcast Host | Intuitive Intelligence® Method Guide
