Feb 01, 2024
It’s been a minute since I last wrote to you. First, let me start by saying, “Happy 2024!” I always love a new year with a fresh start, blank page (all 366 pages with leap year) and it’s also my birth-month. If you recall from previous articles, I choose a word every year to be my metric, my intention for the year ahead. This year my word is Present. I was inspired to choose this word after meeting singer, songwriter and Alzheimer’s advocate, Jay Allen. He released a song titled, “No Present like the Time” that really resonated with me. So in 2024, I want to choose to be more present in my time…the time I spend with my family, friends and work.
Speaking of work, I was honored to accept the role of President and CEO of the Greater Bakersfield Chamber of Commerce. Talk about a new year with a new chapter! I have been a fan and cheerleader for the Chamber for decades. I love to play matchmaker connecting and collaborating with local businesses, supporting local non-profits and advocating for causes and issues that are important to our community.
I have been blessed to serve Kern County in many roles over the past two decades. After all, I am a Bakersfield story…a graduate from BHS (Go Drillers!), Bakersfield College and California State University, Bakersfield. I interned with local media where I landed my first job out of college, worked as Director for Children’s Miracle Network at Bakersfield Memorial Hospital, launched my own PR firm, and through my mother’s Alzheimer’s journey, I was led to serve as Executive Director for ADAKC. And the most important title that I will ever hold, Mom to my three amazing humans who are now 22, 18 and 11 years old (talk about no present like the time!). I share this with you all in the hopes to empower YOU to choose to be “present” in your life.
It is the real gift.
If you are at all like me, sometimes uncertain, a little scared or even doubt your abilities…my advice to you is…
Do it anyway!
We can do new things.
We can do hard things.
We can do scary things.
And, most importantly, we can do things that help us show up as our best selves to serve our community in new ways.
After the final panel interview for this new job, I was driving across town and noticed a grasshopper on my windshield. It stayed on my windshield from Chester Avenue all the way to the Town & Country Center. When I parked, the grasshopper was still there! I immediately went to my phone to search the meaning behind a grasshopper and this is what I read,
“When the grasshopper appears to us we are being asked to take a leap of faith and jump forward into a specific area of life without fear.”
Yeah, I know! Powerful. And, it was the exact message that I needed to propel me forward in this new chapter and new season in my life. So, I ask you…what area of your life do you need to take a leap of faith? Is it your career? Motherhood? Friendships? Hobby? Side Hustle?
There truly is no present like the time to believe in YOUR dreams and go for it. I believe in YOU!
Let’s keep this conversation going. Do you have a word for the year? Email me. jcapra@bakochamber.com
The Chamber plays a vital role in the economic vitality and vibrancy of our community. I’m excited to serve our members and grow programs to build a better Bakersfield, together. If you’re interested in learning more about all the benefits that come with Chamber membership, please reach out to me.
