Many fans celebrate May 4th as Star Wars Day, with the phrase, “May the Fourth be with you.” This month, as we celebrate Public Service Recognition Week (May 2-8), we’re going back to the original phrase — “May the force be with you” — to discover the force that drives us as individuals. Is it your purpose? Is it your work ethic, or the people you work with? Is it the mission of serving Oregonians and giving back to our state? During PSRW 2021, we are focusing on resilience in public service. Unlike any other year, our resilience in life and work has been what’s kept us going and kept our state going.
The “force” may be your purpose. Some choose to be a public servant purposefully as a career. It’s even in our Chief Human Resource Office’s byline: Come for a job. Stay for a career. Make a difference for a lifetime. When your core values align with what you do, that is a strong force that carries people forward. My purpose is to embrace the largeness inside of me to bring joy to those around me. I have the opportunity to fulfill my purpose each day in the work I do. That brings me energy and fulfillment and allows me to bounce forward when I face obstacles or challenges.
As introduced in the original Star Wars movie, “May the Force be with you” was a phrase used to wish an individual or group good luck or good will, expressing the speaker’s wish that the Force would work on behalf of the addressee. The phrase was often used as individuals parted ways or in the face of impending danger. For us, a force can be a community. Is being a part of your work team a positive force for you? Connection and relationships are a strong driver of human wellbeing. And feeling like we’re a part of something larger than ourselves brings purpose and meaning to life, key elements of resilience.
Outside of work we have communities that also contribute to our wellbeing and resilience. We have resources for friendship, like interests, mental and physical health, faith, fun and many more. They serve as a force that propels us forward and helps us stand up when we have fallen down or feel like falling down.
This month, take time to recognize the forces that bring you positivity and wellbeing. In fact, there may not be one single force, but many. If it’s applicable and appropriate, reach out to recognize them and thank them for what they do.
Many thanks. I enjoyed the communications from this project during a very challenging year. I will be leaving state employment soon and wanted to leave with words of gratitude. Thanks again.