Everyday Inspiration Brings Infectious Positivity to Woods Services

Everyday Inspirations is a series that features people in Patch communities who inspire others through their work, or people who have faced extraordinary situations and grown from them. They have been featured by other people in the community that have been inspired by the nominees.

Name: Alyson Komyanek
Town: Bristol, PA
Nominated by: Christina Santana

Why is this person an "Everyday Inspiration?" 
Alyson Komyanek is one of THOSE people. You know the type: happy, easy going, friendly with everyone, can sit at a table of strangers and be best friends with them at the end of the night. She faces adversity with a smile on her face and her dog on her right side.

Alyson lives her life according to the FISH! philosophy:

Be There: When people need you, they need all of you. Setting aside distractions and judgments to be fully present is a sign of respect. It improves communication and strengthens relationships.

Play: You can be serious about your work without taking yourself so seriously. Play is a mindset more than a specific activity. It allows you to throw yourself with enthusiasm and creativity into whatever you are doing, in a way that is natural, not forced. "Playing” with ideas helps you find solutions to everyday challenges.

Make Their Day: Simple gestures of thoughtfulness, thanks and recognition make people feel appreciated and valued. When you make someone else feel good, you feel good too.

Choose Your Attitude: To actually choose how you respond to life, not just react, you must be intentional. When you get up, decide who you want to "be" today. Moment-to-moment awareness is key. Ask yourself throughout the day, "What is my attitude right now? Is it helping the people who depend on me? Is it helping me to be most effective?"

Has the nominee's life been changed in an extraordinary way? 

Alyson's life changed on May 24, 2012 when she decided to make a selfless decision and rescue the most adorable puppy. It was love at first sight. Sir Rascal James was a malnourished, abused mixed breed dog. To others, he was just a 'mutt' or 'damaged goods'; to Alyson, he was perfect.

That decision changed both Alyson and Rascal's life. Through hard work, tons of kisses, and establishing trust, Alyson was able to bring out Rascal's true character. Through tons of kisses, the occasional accident on the rugs, and chasing a TON of squirrels, Rascal taught Alyson patience and the true meaning of unconditional love.

How does this person work to make others' lives better?

Alyson is an employee at Woods Services, located in Langhorne, PA. Woods is a residential facility that serves special needs children and adults. Currently serving as Director of Communications, her responsibilities include managing the organization’s social media sites, press release creation and distribution, event planning, website maintenance and writing for Woods World, the company’s quarterly magazine.