These are the days of our lives and as the world turns we thrive. The opening phrase for this column was chosen carefully because it represents an idea but also references “stories” or soap operas from days gone by. “Days of Our Lives” and “As the World Turns” were considered daytime dramas for American television and if you were a kid during the latter part of the 20th century you know what I’m talking about. A stay-at-home mom usually had her favorite soaps and she watched them religiously. When you stayed home from school you got to watch them as well.

The world has always turned and it goes fast, about 1,000 miles per hour. We, as humans, attempt to keep up but technology pushes us to move faster with every passing day. Soap operas were a great way to have a break. Kids went down for a nap and the caregivers got a much-needed rest. The thought of taking a break for a couple of hours midday and watching a show sounds heavenly. Our health and success really do depend on us taking the time to recharge.

The days of our lives are complex in 2025 and as the world turns we make every effort to stay on top of things. Nonprofits are part of this world to do good things when other resources are not available. SOAR is a local network of nonprofits who are working together to enhance a common purpose. Every month SOAR meetings are held so nonprofits can share stories and find ways to be successful. This month, the meeting is February 11th and it is hosted by the Lions Club at 9:30 a.m. at Reserve Our Gallery. New nonprofits are always welcome to join for $36 a year. A nonprofit in SOAR also has an opportunity to be involved with Collaborative Fundraisers like the Lights Above the Clouds Parade and the Old Fashioned 4th of July Celebration. SOAR has acquired supplies that nonprofits in the group can also borrow for use at their own events.

“Days of our Lives” signature line originated from a quote attributed to Socrates, “Our lives are but specks of dust falling through the fingers of time. Like sands of the hourglass, so are the days of our lives.” Socrates was an ancient Greek philosopher who never wrote anything down. His admirers wrote his words from memory after he died. The dust falling through the fingers of time will make a long-standing monument when the right ingredients are added. I invite you to be monumental in your approach and establish your nonprofit connections through partnerships. Call if you have questions about SOAR, 719-233-9902, or join us on February 11 to see for yourself.

Contact Gayle Gross at iwantto@soarwithnetworkfundraising.org or 719-233-9902 if you want your nonprofit to be part of this column or to be part of the Nonprofit Cooperative of Teller County. Gayle Gross has worked with nonprofits in the community since 1998. Now, she facilitates SOAR’s Nonprofit Cooperative of Teller County. Meetings are on the second Tuesday of each month, 9:30 a.m. – 10:45. The group meets at Reserve Our Gallery or at a nonprofit’s location. Join the group on March 12 at the gallery.