Hi friend,
Happy new year!
If you’re like me, you’ve set goals (or “resolutions”) for 2026.
You may have goals that relate to your faith, your family, your work, your health, your finances, your personal development, and your impact in the lives of friends and the broader community.
Through this life lessons-focused weekly e-newsletter (here are all the past 50+ editions of it) and through the monthly #ExperienceTO free historical tours that have been happening for 3.5 years (here are the 12 historical tours we have coming up), my aim is to serve and add value to you as you navigate your life’s journey.
Would you allow me to serve you in ways that would be even more helpful to you? If so, please respond to this email to let me know your thoughts about one or more of the following:
- With respect to the weekly life lessons-focused e-newsletter: Is there a specific one that spoke to you? Is there a topic that you’d like me cover? Do you have any other input?
- Regarding the monthly free historical tours: Is there a tour or specific story that stood out to you? Do you have any suggestions on how the tours could be further improved? Do you have a suggested location that you’d like one of the upcoming tours to focus on?
- Would you find it beneficial if I was to start adding value to you in other ways, such as via the creation of YouTube videos or writing of books? If so, what topics would you find most interesting and helpful? Which individuals do you recommend that I collaborate with? Do you have any other suggestions in this regard?
When we think about the kind of impact that truly matters, we find that real change begins when we first take the time to listen to the stories, experiences, and needs of the people around us.
Before we try to lead, advise, organize, or build, we are called to understand.
And before we seek to impact the lives of others, we are called to serve.
As we begin this new year, my encouragement is that each of us would look for ways to deepen our listening, our learning, and our care for our neighbours.
Here are three actions you can take this month that begin with listening first:
- Attend a local community story-sharing experience
Consider taking part in the #ExperienceTO: Little Italy Historical Tour on January 10th and using it as an opportunity to better understand the lives, sacrifices, and hopes of those who helped shape this neighbourhood.
As you participate, try to notice what these stories teach us about perseverance, family, culture, migration, and community care.
- Spend intentional time listening to someone in your circle
Invite a neighbour, coworker, classmate, or family friend for a coffee or a walk sometime in the next two weeks.
Ask thoughtful questions about their life, their challenges, and what matters most to them right now.
Listen patiently and compassionately, without rushing to respond.
Often, truly being heard is one of the greatest gifts we can offer.
- Reflect and ask how you might serve in a small but meaningful way
After listening, take some time to reflect on what you heard and ask yourself:
“What is one way I can encourage or support this person or this community?”
It may be offering your time, sharing your knowledge, connecting someone to resources, extending an invitation into community, or simply continuing to be present.
Impact rarely begins with big public steps.
More often, it begins quietly, through consistent care.
My hope is that these steps help you strengthen relationships, deepen your sense of purpose, and have an impact in your community.
Thank you for reading and being part of this community of people who learn, reflect, and grow together every week.
And I look forward to hearing from you, if you want to share your reflections or experiences.
Until next time,
Alex Rășcanu
P.S. If you'd like to read the past life lessons-focused e-newsletters, you can find them here.
P.P.S. See you at one of the upcoming monthly #ExperienceTO historical tours.
