Sheryl Sandberg shares New Year's resolution in touching Facebook post
Facebook's Chief Operating Officer, Sheryl Sandberg, is sharing her reflections on the past year and her hopes for 2016 in a touching Facebook post.
The 46-year-old billionaire and author of the New York Time's bestseller, "Lean In," said that this New Year's is more meaningful to her than any other. It comes eight months after the sudden death of her husband, David Goldberg, while on a family vacation in Mexico. She writes:
"When I first lost Dave, I felt overwhelmed with just getting through each day. My friend Adam Grant suggested that every night before bed I write down three things I did well that day. I tried to do this, although some days I had such a hard time thinking of anything I did well that I'd end up listing 'Made a cup of tea.' But over time, focusing on things I'd done well helped me rebuild my confidence. Even if it was small, I could record something positive each day."
Sandberg says that she will continue this positive practice in the New Year by writing down three joyful moments each day. She writes:
"I want to choose life and meaning over death and tragedy and live Option B as best I can. So I will try to focus on finding joy in the mundane and the profound -- joy in the small things that make my children smile, joy in the moments of friendship that might otherwise pass by unnoticed, joy in the ability to appreciate the gift of life in a way I never did before."
Sandberg credits her ability to carry on after the death of her husband to the support of her Lean In Circle, a group of female friends that Sandberg says have supported her "through ups and downs, laughter and tears, life and now death. Together, we have been through adolescence, college, starting careers and families. They've advised me on everything--from what dress to wear to the prom to what job to take." Sandberg wrote about the importance of such support networks in her bestselling book, "Lean In: Women, Work and the Will to Lead."
She said that her Circle helped her stick to her 2015 resolution to meditate for 10 minutes every day. "We were determined to support one another and knew that we'd be more likely to succeed if we held one another accountable. So we opened our monthly Circle meetings by sharing progress on our resolutions. We did not always stick to our plans, but we were in it together."
Sandberg continues:
"I believe deeply that everyone needs this kind of help and connection. We all need people who encourage us, believe in us, and remind us that we are not alone. For women, this kind of support can be especially important in navigating our lives and pursuing our ambitions. Too often the world tells women why they can't do something; our friends are the ones who tell us we can... and help us figure out how.
"My hope in the coming year is for everyone to find a community or start a Circle that helps them build the life they want. There are now 25,000 Circles in small towns and big cities, on college campuses and military bases, in companies, and on every continent and in more than 120 countries, from India to Ireland. All over the world, women and men are getting together to encourage one another to learn and grow; 80 percent of Circle members say the support has made them more likely to tackle a new challenge or opportunity. I know that's true for me.
"My wish to everyone is for a joyful new year. May you find the Circle that supports you--and cherish the moments of joy in each day."
You can read the post in its entirety on Sandberg's Facebook page.