Many of us will not have the opportunity or foresight to share our final thoughts or parting message to the world. Jane Goodall, United Nations Messenger of Peace, humanitarian, and perhaps best known for studying chimpanzees in the wild, did leave us a final message recorded prior to her passing in October. As I watched her share her final gift with us all, I sat transfixed, allowing myself to absorb the full meaning of her words. Below is an excerpt from her message:
In the place where I am now, I look back over my life. I look back at the world I’ve left behind. What message do I want to leave? I want to make sure that you all understand that each and every one of you has a role to play. You may not know it, you may not find it, but your life matters, and you are here for a reason.
And I just hope that reason will become apparent as you live through your life. I want you to know that, whether or not you find that role that you’re supposed to play, your life does matter, and that every single day you live, you make a difference in the world. And you get to choose the difference that you make.
You have it in your power to make a difference. Don’t give up. There is a future for you. Do your best while you’re still on this beautiful Planet Earth that I look down upon from where I am now.
As I reflect upon the theme of our 2025 Annual Conference, Building Belonging, and our collective work ahead in 2026, this message connected with me in a deep way. To move towards our vision of NYS being a place where all people and all communities can attain wellness and resiliency, we all need do our part. Through our daily actions, we have the power to make a difference. And when we create and commit to a community of belonging, it widens the window of possibility.
In community, we can combine our gifts in new and innovative ways. In community, we can take comfort when we need to rest and restore knowing the work continues and that we can step in again when ready. In community, we (re)discover connection and renew our sense of hope.
Reflecting the words of Jane Goodall, may the pathway that allows the gifts you bring to this world shine bright.
With gratitude,
Elizabeth
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It was mid-late January of 1995; I was in my late 20’s and nearly a decade into my healing journey, when a series of serendipitous events lined up. I was in my final year of graduate school with a work-study placement and pursuing my calling as a storyteller and story-teacher at the county’s council on alcoholism and substance abuse. I was sitting at my desk just 24 hours after an introductory meeting with a prevention specialist from a neighboring county when my phone rang, and on the other end of the line, was the excited voice of my prevention counterpart. Within seconds she launched into the reason for her call.
Join Exhale to Inhale’s 16-hour training where participants will learn how trauma impacts the brain & body and how to make yoga & healing sessions inclusive to all communities!
Dates: December 6th & December 7th, 2025
Time: 9:30am – 6:30 pm (both days)
Location: Virtual
Feeling safe, supportive and loved just for who you are is important for everyone’s emotional, mental, and physical health. A trauma-informed home is one where people feel appreciated and cared for. It’s a place where family members can honestly share thoughts and feelings without fear of being judged.
Both parts of our Pathways episode with Dr. Nadine Burke Harris are now live!
Join Dr. Nadine and Dr. Elizabeth Meeker for a rich discussion on Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) and their profound impact on long-term health outcomes.
The NYS TINRC Newsletter is produced by CCSI. The views, opinions, and content expressed in this article do not necessarily reflect the views, opinions, or policies of the New York State Office of Mental Health (NYS OMH).
