I’ve always been one of those optimistic people who thinks that nothing bad can happen to good people. But life has taught me that no matter how successful or good you are, tragedy can still show up at your door.
In helping others, I discovered a light that made me recover little by little.
Sometimes tragedies prove what you’re made of. They can test your faith, help you make decisions that are difficult to make, encourage you to reflect and be more humble, make you stronger and finally, they can touch the lives of others and help them, too.
In December 2010, I lost my six-month-old baby due to a difficult pregnancy. I had emergency surgery, and they revived me on the operating table because they lost me for a moment. My baby survived for two days, but after four heart attacks, he died. I was in intensive care for 15 days. This event marked the end of many things for me and a complete change in my entire world as I knew it.
In the months that followed, I fell into a deep depression. I hardly spoke. I could not communicate with anyone or relate to people. I was almost catatonic and did not want to see anyone. My faith that things were going to be okay was gone, along with the joy to live.
During my depression, my father—whom I love deeply—looked me in the eyes and said, “You can’t go on like this. I need you, you are part of the club. You know I want you to help me, I want you to be my director of the Ladies Committee. Don’t you think that if you helped others, you would feel better?”
“How am I going to help someone if I feel like I’m dying?” I sadly replied.
But he insisted, and I eventually accepted his offer. I went to the meeting and everyone welcomed me with love, and I became the director of the Ladies Committee of my Guayaquil Perla del Pacífico Lions Club in Ecuador.
In helping others, I discovered a light that made me recover little by little. I began to better understand the meaning of “resilience” and the impact that service can have on people. I continued working passionately to serve, got involved in activities and helping, and most of all, continued to grow in knowledge by attending workshops and learning how to serve better. In 2015, I served as district secretary with my friend District Governor Jenny Gavica and became an editor for our multiple district newsletter.
In April 2016, we experienced an earthquake in Ecuador and seeing how Lions Clubs International Foundation (LCIF) sent us help immediately made me feel proud to be a Lion. This helped me understand the importance of contributing to LCIF. We helped a lot of people at ground zero and traveled to where we were needed. My heart was filled with happiness as we reached the areas most affected by the disaster.
In 2018, District Governor Ricardo Alava Andrade asked me to be the Global Leadership Team (GLT) coordinator of District G2. I always thought that it might take years before I could serve in this position since, in my district, only past governors have served in this role. I was even more surprised when I was asked to be the leadership representative for the Lions clubs of G2.
When I attended the Lions International Convention in Las Vegas and saw our first International President Guðrún Yngvadóttir ascend to such a high position, it made me dream of better things for myself. I loved hearing her talk about her excellent proposals and programs.
In February 2020, I received my Faculty Development Institute certification in Panama, which was extremely exciting. It renewed me and gave me many ideas for the future. I want to continue learning so that I can continue helping clubs and Lions throughout Latin America.
The path of leadership is not easy. You have to break down paradigms, listen to others, be diplomatic and try to avoid conflicts. The important thing is, that along with difficulties, also come wonderful things. I have learned so much and have made many friends whom I admire and respect.
Here are some things I’ve learned along my journey:
- Always keep smiling and be positive because being a Lion is one of the greatest positions you will ever have.
- “Lionism is to serve and it is to do it with the heart. True Lionism gets into your blood!” a past Lions international president once said.
- Work with love, do your best and do work that you like. Sooner or later, someone will notice the work you do and give you an opportunity, as well as recognition.
- Sometimes, opportunities will come to you that you could not imagine. You will learn a lot from your Lions colleagues and from true friends.
- Don’t stop dreaming, share your ideas no matter how crazy they may seem, look for different ways to attract members, motivate Lions, create clubs, give talks and hold meetings.
Motivating Lions into action, service and pride in our organization is my greatest passion. I know that I have much more to learn and give to the Lions whom I love so much. I believe in people, I believe in Lions and I believe in you! Thanks to everyone who believed in me and in this wonderful organization that continues to grow more every day.
Kindness really does matter.
If you would like to learn about how to become a leader in your community, please visit the Leadership Development webpage.
Lion Alexandra Palma is the president of the Guayaquil Perla del Pacifico Lions Club in District G2 Ecuador.
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