[Originally published as newsletter on 11/11/2025]
My Dad is a Veteran. He served our country in a regimented way to protect democracy. Practically, he was doing tasks inside a submarine. He said it was dark and tiny, and no one really bathed, but the officers found a way to feel civilized at dinnertime.
The men executed daily protocols and routines, monitored watery movements, and reported observations up the chain of command. They chatted with their enemies by radio on Christmas, enjoyed “tracking Santa” via Norad, and pushed a little cheer upward and outward from their coordinates too.
Service by system, what an amazing thing. I so am thankful for everyone who has served this country I love.
And even if we don’t participate obviously in service, we can still support the greater good by cultivating a generous spirit in whatever we do. Those who value altruism usually do this by default. It’s a practice.
Service can be done in thousands of different ways – because it’s an expenditure of energy in support of an ideal larger than oneself. Sometimes it takes form of raising money, energy, or resources for others. Sometimes it takes the form of providing time and attention. Sometimes the form is goods, and sometimes, it’s a protective fight for what’s right.
And service matters: like a good spirit warmed into action, service is the embodiment of giving, protection, and love. And it is “catchy.”
As I write, I hope to serve by words here: to give my stories and truth in hopes that someone who needs it, feels not so alone. Maybe someone else, feels inspired.
We all serve something, even if we don’t know it. Some of us serve our families, or our customers, or maybe ideals like The Arts, Education or Ending Hunger. Maybe we serve the community or Nature; perhaps even we serve ourselves – with rest and reflection so that we can do more good stuff another day.
I see service as a mindset with hands and feet and and the heart that makes things happen in the world. The results may be material, while others may healing hearts that needs close care. There are honestly infinite options out there – please don’t let the form ever slow you.
The splashiness of your actions do not matter much, unless you are looking for a title or prize. Meh, titles and prizes are overrated, but big hearts and consistent action are not.
Loving action snowballs in quiet ways. Serving the person next to you by listening with love, offering a generous smile, or making something beautiful, are sometimes as meaningful as providing a meal to the starving. And any action you take, helps you build a practice of service.
And if you need to rest and regroup so you can share more another day, then this is honest service to your whole self, and a lovely place to begin too.
In service, and with gratitude,
Elizabeth