By Greg Insco
Just over a year ago, Paradise rebranded ourselves as A Partner for Good.℠ While the new branding and its core message set a positive tone for who we want to be within the communities we live in and work with, it has also become a driving force with my personal attitude each and every day. All of us at Paradise are committed to stewarding lives and communities forward. And while I have always considered myself to be a caring person, I have made more of an effort this past year to be more mindful in my daily approach to how I work and how I interact within my community.
I’m sure you’ve seen some of the “positivity” memes as you scroll through social media during your catch-up time with the world. Memes that encourage you to “stay positive,” “be more mindful,” “be good to others and it will come back to you,” etc. (Or maybe that’s just my algorithm lately.) I don’t hesitate to click those “likes” when I see them, as I appreciate the words of encouragement when practicing mindfulness to relax my body and mind to help reduce stress. What’s more, mindfulness has helped me form good habits and more empathetic relationships – all while making me a better Partner for Good.
Here’s just one example: This past year I ventured out of my comfort zone by volunteering within my community and trying to be more socially friendly and engaging. I recently made a human connection with someone in my neighborhood who I never had the courage to approach. For the past three years as I drove my son to school, I would pass a man who was clearly committed to daily physical therapy by learning to walk again with canes. What was his story? Was he recovering from a bad accident? I kept seeing him in my daily travels for some reason – almost as if a higher being wanted our paths to cross.
One day, I was shocked to see him working at our local grocery store – without his canes! I finally felt compelled to approach him and tell him how inspiring his dedication has been to watch. Tears welled up in his eyes and he expressed his appreciation for me acknowledging his progress. I made a new friend that day – and I continue to cheer him on through his fight with a neurological disorder of the cerebellum. I like to think this simple human connection made his day. I know it made mine.
To me, being a Partner for Good goes far beyond the interactions I have with my professional colleagues every day. It has helped me reflect on how I act as a father, husband and member of my community. Paradise fosters this infectious attitude of being a Partner for Good, and I am proud to see how it has changed how our team works together. Just as importantly, I’m excited to see how it has enabled us to create the kind of work that impacts the destinations we work with every day.
At its core, being a Partner for Good is about leading with one’s heart. So even if you’re not part of the Paradise team, I encourage you to do the same. Make a new friend. Learn to play an instrument. Volunteer in your community. Or just be more mindful in everything you do. The world needs more Partners for Good.
