One of my favorite words is “discernment.” It is a word and concept that asks us to stop and consider options and outcomes. It is a foundation for a range of decisions, practices, and actions. Discernment can play a part in deciding where and how we spend our time, money, and energy, as well as discovering our own deep beliefs and values. Practicing discernment help us discover what is important, necessary and life affirming for each of us.

In terms of NWCCA, Ruth and I ask ourselves: What’s ours to do? Applying discernment to that question has led us to what we are offering as the summer finally arrives in the Northwest.

We will continue to advocate for the creativity, vitality, and wholeness inherent in all of us. NWCCA is an integral member of the vibrant network of agencies and organizations serving the aging community in the Pacific Northwest. We serve as an additional resource for informing our community about the many activities and programs available for us as we age.

NWCCA is continuing to offer our Letting Go Writing Group for Women via Zoom, and on July 13, I look forward to welcoming a cluster of “friends” into my kitchen for my second foray into Zoom cooking demos. 

We have also decided to expand on those offerings by hosting monthly interviews with people in our community who have special knowledge we can use to navigate these extraordinary times. On Thursday, July 9, at 11 AM, I will host the first of these interviews with Dori Gillam about her life, work and writing. I guarantee you will enjoy it and will have time to ask questions.

For our Featured Resource essay this month, I asked Jay Howell, a former colleague from my days at Boeing, to write about how he is teaching himself about his own White Privilege. He is determined to be a better listener, a goal many of us share. We also share links to sites where you can learn how to listen better and how to be heard with more compassion and intention than most of us are used to.

Like many of us, I now think of life as “B.C.” and “A.C.”—Before COVID and After COVID. Before COVID, NWCCA offered a variety of presentations and conversations for retirement communities, organizations, and libraries. Now, we realize that many of those presentations and conversations can easily transition to online experiences. If you belong to an organization or community that is looking for engaging, informative and inspiring experiences, let us know. We’d love to talk with you.

Stay safe. Stay healthy. 
Rebecca