There really is no greater reward to me. After all these years, I still get choked up when this happens.
I think, in part, (not that I have any regrets), but not having had children of my own — just knowing I connect with kids through my writing makes my heart sing.
Making a difference in this way for our younger generation is truly rewarding.
Thank you for subscribing to my blog updates.
The first thing I saw on Facebook this morning was a post from my sister sharing Tim McGraw’s new music video Humble and Kind. If you’ve not seen it, take a few moments and watch it now. I promise it will uplift you!
I listened to it three times. So simple, really, to be humble and kind. So easy to say please and thank you. To smile at a stranger on the street. To do little acts of kindness.
Today, being my day I set aside for errands and any appointments, I ran out to start my car so it would be warm when it was time for me to leave.
Imagine my surprise when I found a large lime green package sitting on the seat of the drivers side.
I couldn’t imagine who had left it there — or even more so, what it was!
I hurried back inside, already starting to tear at the paper as I couldn’t wait to see what it was (I never was good at waiting to open gifts!).
My eyes instantly filled with tears when I saw it was a painting my friend Shannon did – a sign for the entrance to my Joyful Pause Studio where I held my first SoulCollage® workshop last Saturday.
And here’s the thing. It was over two years ago when I had lunch with Shannon sharing with her that I was thinking about offering workshops for women out of my home- but I wasn’t quite sure what they would be.
That was until I discovered SoulCollage®. Last Saturday felt like a new beginning, while at the same time it felt like a full circle moment. What I had been giving thought to for so long had finally manifested.
I had made a temporary ‘Joyful Pause Studio’ sign figuring I’d make, or find something, that I’d replace it with eventually.
And the Universe was listening – just as it has been all along. Shannon attended my first workshop in the studio and told me she felt called to make this artistic and beautiful painting for me.
And out into the world I went today so light in spirit because kindness found me today.
Thank you for subscribing to my journal posts.
In April I had the opportunity to sit down with some of the young ladies and staff that make up Horizons4Girls, which is a non-profit organization in our area “helping young women navigate life’s road map.”
Their mission statement: “Horizons4Girls works to help young women discover, in a safe setting, the options they have as they travel through life. Horizons provides a listening ear while working to stop at-risk behaviors. Horizons, while working with family, teachers, social workers and others, works to surround the student with a supportive and safe setting to fully develop necessary life skills as they continue into their adulthood.”
During our time together I shared with them my story which has led me to where I am today. We discussed everything from body image, worrying what others think of our choices, writing, judgement and following your heart. Gidget made a special appearance with me that day also and we talked about her disc disease, sharing with them that it does not define her.
Horizons4Girls helps these young ladies through staff and volunteer mentors with life skills, incorporating creativity in a variety of expressions, as well as involving them in community services.
A few weeks ago, Linda, who is on the Board of Directors, asked me if I’d consider being a volunteer/mentor. I have to say that I was quite honored, but I must also admit that I was nervous. Do I have what it takes to make a positive impact on these young ladies? It feels like a big responsibility.
But I was open to learning more, so I met with Founder, Char and Linda last week. They shared a few heartwarming stories of how the organization is making a difference in many young lives. I was even brought to tears from one of the stories. While I didn’t make my decision that day, as I said I needed a day to think about it, I drove home knowing 99% I want to give this a try.
I’ve agreed to volunteer once a month for the next 6-12 months. A part of me is still nervous, but I’m also excited about this new opportunity. This, for me, is a sign that I want to try and see where it may lead. While yes, I am still nervous, I’m looking forward to my training Friday afternoon.
As I’ve shared on my blog before, I’ve been a part of a women’s group for the last 16-weeks called “Unwrapping the True Self” which has been so beneficial for my continued growth. Often during the discussions we have, I think of young women trying to make their way in the world today and how so much of what we learn in this setting could help them. So I hope to take what I’ve learned (and am continuing to learn), and be a positive example for Horizons4Girls and living from your true authentic self.
My first role this Thursday evening is helping plan a one day retreat for the girls, with Linda, and a life coach from the area, who has also volunteered her time. So here we go!