Another school year...

I am not sure how much further along I am with graduate school and "making a difference" in my part of the world.  I have two more years left before I finally graduate.  I still have no idea what I want to do, other than improve all outcomes for all children.  Hum, lofty goal...

I am learning that people like me are never completely satisfied because we want the best for everyone and it becomes personal for us.  I want every child to succeed.  I want every family strengthened.  I want every parent empowered.

So much of our time here on earth is consumed with nonproductive "stuff".  I often let the negative energy of others consume me.  Another lesson, stay focused on the goal.  There will always be unhappy people.  Sadly, this will never change.  When difficult people get in the way, say thank you for the reminder to except the choices made and thank you for the reminder that hard passionate work IS living.  We never know what unhappy people are struggling with, be thankful that insecurity and regret are not trapping you.  Finding compassion for difficult people is extremely hard but it is the only way that we can stay focused on the goal of making a difference and the only way we can live with ourselves.  I am still working on this...

We make choices everyday.  May we choose to make a difference in our part of the world, encouraging others along the way.

What a Year

I realize that I have not written in a year.  This past year has been hard and painful but mostly a year of great growth.  It is so true that one grows the most during the hardest times.  I am very thankful for my husband and children.

I work tirelessly to advocate for all children.  I work to encourage and empower parents to stay involved in their child's life.  I guess I just didn't realize how much harder adults can make this task.  How do we focus the energy on making a positive impact?  It is my hope that this journey, called life, will lead to a place of happiness and deep satisfaction.

If we all lived in search of fulfilling our calling, what we are really good at and really love to do, this world would be filled with positive productive individuals too busy to do anything else.  I want everyone happy.  I know, I don't have that control.  I see so many hurt and hungry people in this world.  I want to make a difference.

Success is living your life according to your dream - your calling.

Value Volunteers

I showed up to volunteer today at the school Book Fair.  I feel like I wasted my time.  Deep down, I know that volunteering at your child's school is NEVER really a waste of time.  However, I am not the normal volunteer and the leaders today did not know me.  I had a moment of wanting to leave today.  Isn't that terrible?  I have been a volunteer my entire adult life.  I know, volunteering is not about how I feel.  But, how we make people feel when they come into the school for the first time is important!  What about the parent that did not have a positive school experience and showed up to help for the first time?  What about the parent that does not have paid leave and they took time off to help? 

Leaders, we have to think about this!  We have to welcome EVERY volunteer that steps foot through that door.  You do not know what obstacles they had to overcome before showing up to help.  We have to make them feel welcomed and appreciated!  In a world where people are overextended and tired, it matters how they feel when they leave.  I challenge all of us leaders, ask yourself why you volunteer.  I hope because you want to make a difference.  Ask yourself, how did you get started and how did you become a leader?  I would bet that it wasn't because you left a Book Fair feeling the way I did today.  Be nice to your volunteers, you never how your encouragement and appreciation can inspire them.  You do not influence the world by yourself.  Your influence on others can broaden your reach when you mentor future leaders.  Do not take this lightly.  You have the ability to change your part of the world.  How big your part of the world is, that is up to you! 

  

Advocating and Inspiration

Welcome to my first blog and Happy Saturday to all!  As I try to find humor and inspiration in my crazy life, I thought blogging might be a fun way to record my journey.  I can't be alone, right?  Along this journey of mine, I sincerely hope to make a difference in the lives of children and motivate others to do the same.   

I just finished a week of graduate school, which included a final paper and a final project.  Please know something, I would rather have teeth pulled than write a paper!  This time of the semester I wonder what in the world I was thinking when I decided to go back to school at my age.  My school groups consist of fellow classmates closer to my daughter's age than mine.  Part of my journey involves doing the uncomfortable; school at my age brings humor and a good dose of humility.

Do you ever feel like your life is going by so fast?  Do you ever wonder what is your purpose in life?  I am so passionate about children and health and I want to make a difference.  Where do I start?  How do I motivate others to care?  Our children need us!  They need our voice, our passion, and our gifts.  What are your gifts?  What are my gifts and how can I use them to benefit those that I am most passionate about?  This is my journey!  What is yours?