Happy New Year everyone! Do you have any New Year Resolutions? Or perhaps you are like many people I know and have chosen to opt out of the New Year Resolution tradition.  Generally, I too opt out but I thought that perhaps this year I would get on board as well.  I have decided on one short but poignant resolution.

My New Year Resolution! To focus on the ability of the human spirit to triumph even at the greatest odds.

For the past several years I have had the privilege of working with refugees and asylum seekers who have persevered even under the most unimaginably difficult conditions. And I have, additionally, heard the stories of success of countless women, men and children who have been able to lift themselves out of poverty because of fair trade practices.  These stories give me hope and help me see my own potential so much more clearly.

It’s just one resolution but it is big one and I would like to incorporate this thought into all that I do.  Keeping the best of humanity in mind will affect how I treat strangers, what stores I buy from, what types of products I buy and how I treat myself and my loved ones.  We humans are imperfect but we are still capable of greatness and are still capable of creating a world in which all of us are able to triumph.

And I am proud to say that I work for Seven Hopes United, a business that embodies the idea that if given the opportunity our sisters and brothers in the developing world can succeed even against all odds.

Wishing you and yours a very happy 2014 – Dawn