Thank you to Dennis for writing the following: He sent this to our facebook at what One Man Do group. I love it! It is a great Christmas gift. Thank you, Dennis.
Saturday, December 25, 2010
Friday, December 24, 2010
Merry Christmas
As some of you know, my husband and I are living with my 92 year old father-in-law. We have been here for four years and it has had a huge impact on our life. The impacts and insights continue almost daily. This Christmas I have been especially touched by the two men who help us care for our 92 year old.
Chris and Marek have become a part of our family and this year I bought stockings that matched ours and hung them above the fireplace.
Chris approached me last week and very shyly asked if I was complete with my holiday shopping. I had barely begun composing the list of what we were buying and gave him that information. He then mentioned that he had noticed the stocking with the embroidered "C". "I am thinking the "C" is for Chris and that it is for me." Chris is normally not shy and I was wondering what he was trying to say. He then said, "If you have not gotten something for me, I have a special item I would like." My first thought was. "Good." I was struggling on what to get this man who loves our 92 year old almost as much as we do.
Chris the asked that we make a donation to the Jesuit Refugee Service to benefit the Haiti Earthquake Relief. Chris had heard a Jesuit speak at church recently. He was deeply moved and wanted to make a difference. His difference is to give his gifts to those who are suffering this year. This is not surprising. Chris is a man who gives daily. He gives not only to us. He works 50.5 hours a week, is actively involved in his homeowners association and the Eastern European community he is a part of. On Sundays you will see him at church volunteering at the "after the service" cafe.
We have honored Chris's wish to take the money we would have spent on his gifts and written a check to the Jesuits. I wanted to send the money in his name but Chris would have none of that. The gift was anonymous. The gift of Chris is anything but anonymous.
If you would like to contribute, you may write a check to the Jesuit Refugee Service/USA and send it to : 1016 16 Street NW Suite 500 Washington DC 20036. Let them know it is for the Haiti Earthquake Relief.
Have a Light filled season.
Chris and Marek have become a part of our family and this year I bought stockings that matched ours and hung them above the fireplace.
Chris approached me last week and very shyly asked if I was complete with my holiday shopping. I had barely begun composing the list of what we were buying and gave him that information. He then mentioned that he had noticed the stocking with the embroidered "C". "I am thinking the "C" is for Chris and that it is for me." Chris is normally not shy and I was wondering what he was trying to say. He then said, "If you have not gotten something for me, I have a special item I would like." My first thought was. "Good." I was struggling on what to get this man who loves our 92 year old almost as much as we do.
Chris the asked that we make a donation to the Jesuit Refugee Service to benefit the Haiti Earthquake Relief. Chris had heard a Jesuit speak at church recently. He was deeply moved and wanted to make a difference. His difference is to give his gifts to those who are suffering this year. This is not surprising. Chris is a man who gives daily. He gives not only to us. He works 50.5 hours a week, is actively involved in his homeowners association and the Eastern European community he is a part of. On Sundays you will see him at church volunteering at the "after the service" cafe.
We have honored Chris's wish to take the money we would have spent on his gifts and written a check to the Jesuits. I wanted to send the money in his name but Chris would have none of that. The gift was anonymous. The gift of Chris is anything but anonymous.
If you would like to contribute, you may write a check to the Jesuit Refugee Service/USA and send it to : 1016 16 Street NW Suite 500 Washington DC 20036. Let them know it is for the Haiti Earthquake Relief.
Have a Light filled season.
Friday, December 17, 2010
End of Year Reflections
The end of one year and the start of a New Year has always been one of my favorite times of the year. I imagine a white board filled with diagrams, words, drawings and possibly even some numbers and then I am able to erase all the overlapping lines and once again I have a brand new, sparklingly clean, white board. A fresh start. A chance to improve. A new beginning.
As we close out 2010 it is a good time to reflect on what you would like to erase and also what you may want to keep.
2009 was a year I wanted to throw a great deal away but 2010 has been a year of treasures. There are memories, situations and experiences that I will be holding on to and bringing out often to ooh and aah over. It has been a good year. We conducted two What One Man Can Do Gatherings, one in Ireland and the other in Austin, Texas. I was able to see my youngest daughter cross the finish line in her very first marathon. My family gathered in Lake Tahoe this year and all the children and grand-children were together along with nieces and great nephews and sisters. I love gatherings, especially with my large family. This year Peter and I celebrated 20 years of marriage and my belief that men leave was shattered permanently. Many gifts and many treasures. I am grateful for 2010.
As I sort through the year, there will be items I will want to throw out, my overindulgence and short term gratification are leaving. They have served me well and I no longer want or need them. In their place I am expanding gentleness of speech and long term fulfillment. I am also playing with the idea of starting a running program (no promises) and growing my meditation and prayer experiences.
What are you planning? What will you keep and what will you toss out?
Here are a few questions that may help you decide:
1.How effective have you been with the time you were given this year?
2.Who are the most important people in your life and how often do you connect with them? Do they know they are important, do you tell them?
3.What do you most regret from this year?
4. What have you done to deepen and/or broaden your relationships this past year?
5.How often have you laughed?
6.Whose life have you improved?
7. Who improved your life?
8.Do you have a dream that you took no action on this past year?
9.What type of communication have you used this year?
10.Who do you want to forgive? Who do you want to forgive you?
Have a wonder filled holiday season. You are in our hearts. Happy New Year!
As we close out 2010 it is a good time to reflect on what you would like to erase and also what you may want to keep.
2009 was a year I wanted to throw a great deal away but 2010 has been a year of treasures. There are memories, situations and experiences that I will be holding on to and bringing out often to ooh and aah over. It has been a good year. We conducted two What One Man Can Do Gatherings, one in Ireland and the other in Austin, Texas. I was able to see my youngest daughter cross the finish line in her very first marathon. My family gathered in Lake Tahoe this year and all the children and grand-children were together along with nieces and great nephews and sisters. I love gatherings, especially with my large family. This year Peter and I celebrated 20 years of marriage and my belief that men leave was shattered permanently. Many gifts and many treasures. I am grateful for 2010.
As I sort through the year, there will be items I will want to throw out, my overindulgence and short term gratification are leaving. They have served me well and I no longer want or need them. In their place I am expanding gentleness of speech and long term fulfillment. I am also playing with the idea of starting a running program (no promises) and growing my meditation and prayer experiences.
What are you planning? What will you keep and what will you toss out?
Here are a few questions that may help you decide:
1.How effective have you been with the time you were given this year?
2.Who are the most important people in your life and how often do you connect with them? Do they know they are important, do you tell them?
3.What do you most regret from this year?
4. What have you done to deepen and/or broaden your relationships this past year?
5.How often have you laughed?
6.Whose life have you improved?
7. Who improved your life?
8.Do you have a dream that you took no action on this past year?
9.What type of communication have you used this year?
10.Who do you want to forgive? Who do you want to forgive you?
Have a wonder filled holiday season. You are in our hearts. Happy New Year!
Monday, December 13, 2010
Holiday Time = Special Opportunities!
This holiday season, unlike any other, arrives with so many new conditions:
"Underwateritis" (inflammation of the difference of one's mortgage and appraised home value)
"The Foreclosure Blues" (the emotional result of abode abandonment)
"Walkaway Syndrome" (a reverse-abandonment condition, though equally as devastating)
No doubt, you know someone (maybe more than a few) suffering from the above conditions. And so, you have to ask yourself, "What can I do?"
Mainly, what you can do is let them know you are there for them.
What you can do is listen; what you can do is empathize; what you can do is be there, whenever they might need someone.
Holidays are especially tough on those going through painful times. It seems the gaiety of others makes one's burdens feel even heavier. Choices are blurred by the intensity of the emotions, and the frequent "get-togethers" make interactions with family and friends unavoidable.
Please know that talking, sharing, and expressing can and does make a difference. Keeping feelings bottled up inside does nothing positive. The simple acknowledge of how we're feeling, what we're going through, is like releasing pressure from a valve. It helps!
This holiday season, be available for your friends and family members who find themselves in unfamiliar territory. It is of vital importance. Never underestimate what one man/woman/child (you!) can do.
No doubt, you know someone (maybe more than a few) suffering from the above conditions. And so, you have to ask yourself, "What can I do?"
Mainly, what you can do is let them know you are there for them.
What you can do is listen; what you can do is empathize; what you can do is be there, whenever they might need someone.
Holidays are especially tough on those going through painful times. It seems the gaiety of others makes one's burdens feel even heavier. Choices are blurred by the intensity of the emotions, and the frequent "get-togethers" make interactions with family and friends unavoidable.
Please know that talking, sharing, and expressing can and does make a difference. Keeping feelings bottled up inside does nothing positive. The simple acknowledge of how we're feeling, what we're going through, is like releasing pressure from a valve. It helps!
This holiday season, be available for your friends and family members who find themselves in unfamiliar territory. It is of vital importance. Never underestimate what one man/woman/child (you!) can do.
Tuesday, November 30, 2010
What's In A Motto?
Davy Crockett was the only person I ever heard of who had a motto. "Be sure you're right, then go ahead!" I love the idea of having a motto, a rule to live by.
If you were to declare a motto for yourself, that is, a rule to live by, what would it be?
My motto is "Be Intentional." To me, that makes all the difference in living. I'm going to live anyway, so why go along haphazardly, knee-jerking my way through life, when I can get into the habit of having an intention (well thought out, hopefully) attached to the choices I make. It works for me.
At WOMCD, we have a motto: Because We Make A Difference. Realizing this verity acknowledges responsibility. To slide into "What I do makes no difference" is to yield to hopelessness and plop down the land of victims. Probably not a very appealing neighborhood. (Just a guess.) The whole concept and basis for WOMCD is everyone matters, whether they know it or not, whether they are deliberate or not.
If you're reading this, you're most likely interested in our philosophy and purpose.
Please contact us to find out how you can help! We need you! Email anne@womcd.com and get the WOMCD ball rolling your way!
If you were to declare a motto for yourself, that is, a rule to live by, what would it be?
My motto is "Be Intentional." To me, that makes all the difference in living. I'm going to live anyway, so why go along haphazardly, knee-jerking my way through life, when I can get into the habit of having an intention (well thought out, hopefully) attached to the choices I make. It works for me.
At WOMCD, we have a motto: Because We Make A Difference. Realizing this verity acknowledges responsibility. To slide into "What I do makes no difference" is to yield to hopelessness and plop down the land of victims. Probably not a very appealing neighborhood. (Just a guess.) The whole concept and basis for WOMCD is everyone matters, whether they know it or not, whether they are deliberate or not.
If you're reading this, you're most likely interested in our philosophy and purpose.
Please contact us to find out how you can help! We need you! Email anne@womcd.com and get the WOMCD ball rolling your way!
Thursday, November 25, 2010
Happy Thanksgiving
Every year, for sixty years, I have celebrated the fourth Thursday in November - Thanksgiving, U.S.A. In the 1950's, Thanksgiving meant making Pilgrim hats and American Indian headdresses, or tracing my hand on a white piece of paper and turning my five-year old hand into a brightly colored turkey. Thanksgiving eve was spent in the kitchen with my mother, chopping celery, and as I grew older, peeling potatoes. Thanksgiving morning meant the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade. My mother would ooh and aah over the giant balloons, wondering aloud at how they could be held down, how they were inflated, and how much fun it must be to be lucky enough to parade with a giant balloon through the streets of New York. She would then sit down, with a cup of coffee and a cigarette in hand, to watch the Rockettes. She would tell my sister, Maureen, and me about Radio City Music Hall and Broadway, and the many wonders New York City held. The stories about the short time my mother lived in the "big city" were told every year, as she and the two of us watched dancers, baton twirling girls and marching bands, large oversize cartoon figures and I was hooked - I wanted New York.
Years progressed, one father left and a new one arrived (along with three new siblings), by then Maureen and I had been joined with a baby sister, Lisa, and overnight there were six children and within a short time, seven. Much changed, but the fourth Wednesday night in November would still find my mother and whatever child was recruited, in the kitchen, chopping, stirring, sauteing and preparing the dining room. Thanksgiving morning still brought the Macy's Day Parade and stories of New York, Broadway, possibilities, and the fostering of dreams. My mother, Patricia, died when I was sixteen. It was August and in a few months, Thanksgiving showed up. On the night before the Macy's Day Parade, I was in the kitchen duplicating what my mother had started when she was a child. I watched Macy's Day Parade and related the New York stories to my three-year old sister.
Fast forward to 2010. It is Thanksgiving morning. My two daughters are far from this place I now call home, my son also is too far away to be here now or last night as I chopped and prepared. There is a different man than the one my children call father who I now love and make a part of my life. Much has changed. Much has continued. The daughter with children was chopping and listening to Christmas music yesterday with her daughters and sons. They had Thanksgiving dinner last night, because my son-in-law had an early flight to see his father this morning. The tall blond daughter helped her sister with some cooking - she loves the preparing more than the eating. My son's daughter and son will make the Pilgrim Hats and Native American headdress. They will all watch the Macy's Day Parade this morning. We will be connected.
These sixty years have seen many changes. Death, divorce, remarriage, new in-laws, new friends, old friends moving away, me moving away, grandchildren, weddings, elderly parents, all a part of the expansion that is life. My daughters and I have been to New York. This year we took a tour of Radio City Music Hall and had our picture taken with a Rockette. My mother would like where I have gone and who I have become. Yesterday, November 24th, my mother would have turned eighty-five. I still miss her. This morning when I get my tea and turn on NBC and wait for Santa to show up at the end of the parade, I will thank her, as I always do, for planting those seeds of tradition, gratitude and wonder a very long time ago.
Happy Thanksgiving to each of you. May you find gratitude today and all through your year. May you watch the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade and allow our hearts to connect.
Years progressed, one father left and a new one arrived (along with three new siblings), by then Maureen and I had been joined with a baby sister, Lisa, and overnight there were six children and within a short time, seven. Much changed, but the fourth Wednesday night in November would still find my mother and whatever child was recruited, in the kitchen, chopping, stirring, sauteing and preparing the dining room. Thanksgiving morning still brought the Macy's Day Parade and stories of New York, Broadway, possibilities, and the fostering of dreams. My mother, Patricia, died when I was sixteen. It was August and in a few months, Thanksgiving showed up. On the night before the Macy's Day Parade, I was in the kitchen duplicating what my mother had started when she was a child. I watched Macy's Day Parade and related the New York stories to my three-year old sister.
Fast forward to 2010. It is Thanksgiving morning. My two daughters are far from this place I now call home, my son also is too far away to be here now or last night as I chopped and prepared. There is a different man than the one my children call father who I now love and make a part of my life. Much has changed. Much has continued. The daughter with children was chopping and listening to Christmas music yesterday with her daughters and sons. They had Thanksgiving dinner last night, because my son-in-law had an early flight to see his father this morning. The tall blond daughter helped her sister with some cooking - she loves the preparing more than the eating. My son's daughter and son will make the Pilgrim Hats and Native American headdress. They will all watch the Macy's Day Parade this morning. We will be connected.
These sixty years have seen many changes. Death, divorce, remarriage, new in-laws, new friends, old friends moving away, me moving away, grandchildren, weddings, elderly parents, all a part of the expansion that is life. My daughters and I have been to New York. This year we took a tour of Radio City Music Hall and had our picture taken with a Rockette. My mother would like where I have gone and who I have become. Yesterday, November 24th, my mother would have turned eighty-five. I still miss her. This morning when I get my tea and turn on NBC and wait for Santa to show up at the end of the parade, I will thank her, as I always do, for planting those seeds of tradition, gratitude and wonder a very long time ago.
Happy Thanksgiving to each of you. May you find gratitude today and all through your year. May you watch the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade and allow our hearts to connect.
Monday, November 22, 2010
#40 of 40
John Denver - artist, singer, songwriter, humanitarian, visionary. His legacy lives on through his songs and the seeds he planted - seeds of possibility, seeds of "what if," and seeds of spirit. Denver believed in the spirit of humanity and the ability of that spirit to take wing and soar. His belief that 60% of the power in our world rests in the hands of those individuals who sit back and do nothing, allowing the 40% to rule and run the world. A constant activist to promote peace, save the environment, stop hunger (especially among children), and reach beyond our boundaries in space and sea exploration, Denver walked the talk he spoke.
While strolling down the streets of Aspen, John would leave a conversation to cross those streets to pick up stray trash. His song, "Calypso," was written as a tribute to the work of Jean Cousteau. In 1976, along with Tom Crum, he founded The Windstar Foundation (www.wstar.org) that is still in operation. The foundation has scholarships, is dedicated to the earth and environmental works through volunteering, education and ongoing programs.
Denver, a peace advocate, wrote and performed a song which is now available to watch on You Tube, entitled "Let Us Begin (What Are We Making Weapons For?)." Denver recorded this relevant piece of music in 1986 with Alexander Gradsky, who, at the time, was the most popular recording artist in the Soviet Union. This was the first time ever that a Soviet citizen was allowed to record with a Western artist, and this single was recorded in Moscow. It also included the men's voices from the Reds Army Chorus. The two performed this song together on stages concurrently from both Russia and America. Unfortunately, the song still rings true. The faces may have changed but the result is still the same. Denver hoped that the 60% would be moved to change the results.
A good friend of Buckminster (Bucky) Fuller's, John also spoke about the energy crisis long before prices at the pump showed they were right. The song, "What One Man Can Do," was a tribute written for Fuller. The chorus, "What one man do is dream. What one man can do is love. What one man can do is change the world and make it work again" not only reflected the life of Buckminster Fuller, it was also the rallying cry of John Denver. It has become our rallying cry.
To write about all that John Denver did, all that he stood for, and all that he affected would take more than a simple blog. We invite you to read about this man, listen to his music, and then live the life you have been given as a contribution. Join us as we celebrate, unearth, nurture and ignite the passion we each have been born with, and with which we can all make a difference.
Action Taken: John Denver lived his passion. He lived his life with intention from the start to the finish.
Find out more about John Denver at www.johndenver.com
While strolling down the streets of Aspen, John would leave a conversation to cross those streets to pick up stray trash. His song, "Calypso," was written as a tribute to the work of Jean Cousteau. In 1976, along with Tom Crum, he founded The Windstar Foundation (www.wstar.org) that is still in operation. The foundation has scholarships, is dedicated to the earth and environmental works through volunteering, education and ongoing programs.
Denver, a peace advocate, wrote and performed a song which is now available to watch on You Tube, entitled "Let Us Begin (What Are We Making Weapons For?)." Denver recorded this relevant piece of music in 1986 with Alexander Gradsky, who, at the time, was the most popular recording artist in the Soviet Union. This was the first time ever that a Soviet citizen was allowed to record with a Western artist, and this single was recorded in Moscow. It also included the men's voices from the Reds Army Chorus. The two performed this song together on stages concurrently from both Russia and America. Unfortunately, the song still rings true. The faces may have changed but the result is still the same. Denver hoped that the 60% would be moved to change the results.
A good friend of Buckminster (Bucky) Fuller's, John also spoke about the energy crisis long before prices at the pump showed they were right. The song, "What One Man Can Do," was a tribute written for Fuller. The chorus, "What one man do is dream. What one man can do is love. What one man can do is change the world and make it work again" not only reflected the life of Buckminster Fuller, it was also the rallying cry of John Denver. It has become our rallying cry.
To write about all that John Denver did, all that he stood for, and all that he affected would take more than a simple blog. We invite you to read about this man, listen to his music, and then live the life you have been given as a contribution. Join us as we celebrate, unearth, nurture and ignite the passion we each have been born with, and with which we can all make a difference.
Action Taken: John Denver lived his passion. He lived his life with intention from the start to the finish.
Find out more about John Denver at www.johndenver.com
#39 of 40
I first met Terry Lipman on a cruise. I had heard about this vibrant man for a few years from my co-worker, Donna Lipman. Donna and I were the two recently graduated coaches, hired by Debbie Ford to further her training program to advance Integrative Coaching. Donna and I would share stories of our husbands and I knew I would love Terry long before I met him.
I am uncertain as to what hat he was wearing when I first saw him, but I know he was wearing a hat. He wore hats often and I especially remember his red cowboy hat. I am a sucker for accents and Terry had the best Australian accent going. Terry grew up in England and took a ship to Australia when he was in his 20's. He was able to book passage by providing the music on the ship. He played trumpet and piano. One of the many ways Lipman contributed was through his music. His piano still sits in the Austin living room I was lucky enough to relax in, and when I visit I can still hear him playing. Oh, I can still hear him laughing.
Laughter was another way Terry contributed. He knew no strangers and he was fond of telling stories that the unsuspecting would believe were the truth, only to get to the last sentence and know the delight of being tricked by Terry Lipman. According to Terry, all discoveries occurred in Australia and anything worth inventing was from the Land Down Under.
Terry was a man who gave back. A good friend of John Denver's, Terry, along with Donna, were involved in the flagship Windstar Foundation in Aspen, and Terry sat on the board of the foundation in Austin, Texas. After Denver died, Terry went on to raise money and awareness for Windstar to assure it, along with John's global concerns, would not die. Shortly before the tragic accident that took John Denver's life, Denver told Terry his dream to create a film that would showcase John's many passions to save the world. Oceans, hunger, peace, space and the environment were among John's specific causes. He would speak about the urgency of saving our world, saving the children when he would perform, but Denver knew he could reach the multitudes of people he sought through film. His message would be more available and easier to access all over the world. John Denver asked if Terry would be willing to help him. Terry had experience in film production and readily agreed to become a part of the Denver vision. A few days later, John Denver died as he was flying an experimental plane. Terry believed the film would never be made.
Quite a few years later, Betty Sue Flowers challenged the Australian to create the film, "Who better to do this, than you?" she asked. Terry then connected with JoLynn Long who had been working on a film about Denver. Terry produced a short that introduced "What One Man Can Do." Ironically or spiritually, Terry passed away soon after this short was completed. JoLynn continues and has recently completed a moving short and/or trailer using much of what Terry had begun to gather. John Denver's dream lives on. Terry Lipman's dream lives on.
Terry Lipman died suddenly and without warning on June 2, 2009. He lived his life as fully as any man is able. His son, Sam Lipman, is a gifted musician who makes his home in Austin. His daughter, Nanci, a young woman who Skyped with her dad every single morning, lives in Terry's beloved Australia. Of course, Donna, his wife of 18 years, is still in Austin, contributing through her songs, her heart, her coaching and her own passions.
Terry was involved and connected to the Austin community through his work with Challenge Day (www.challengeday.org), Landmark Forums (www.landmarkeducation.com), music and film.
Terry Lipman made a huge difference in my life. He was one of the most curious people I have ever met. He wanted to know what I thought, what I did, and why I did and thought as I did. He would sing as he prepared morning tea and put a plate of strawberries on the table. His amazement and appreciation of the warmth of the tea and the vivid colors of the berries was shared with any person lucky enough to take part in his a.m. rituals. Life was amazing, people were to be figured out, and food was to be relished. Laughter was to be expanded, arms were meant to be shared, and stairs were there to be run up. Life was to be lived fully and without censor or apology. Terry taught me to live in the details. I miss this man of supreme contribution. It is because of him that What One Man Can Do (the movement) was born.
Driving in the car in January of this year, I heard Terry say, Australian accent and all, "What we need, lovey, is a workshop." Peter and I had already planned on presenting a relationship workshop in Ireland in March. The topic was changed, and What One Man Can Do born. Thank you, Terry. Thank you for noticing how very important life and the lives of the people living life are. Thank you.
Action Taken: He lived the moments and knew that life was for living and giving.
I am uncertain as to what hat he was wearing when I first saw him, but I know he was wearing a hat. He wore hats often and I especially remember his red cowboy hat. I am a sucker for accents and Terry had the best Australian accent going. Terry grew up in England and took a ship to Australia when he was in his 20's. He was able to book passage by providing the music on the ship. He played trumpet and piano. One of the many ways Lipman contributed was through his music. His piano still sits in the Austin living room I was lucky enough to relax in, and when I visit I can still hear him playing. Oh, I can still hear him laughing.
Laughter was another way Terry contributed. He knew no strangers and he was fond of telling stories that the unsuspecting would believe were the truth, only to get to the last sentence and know the delight of being tricked by Terry Lipman. According to Terry, all discoveries occurred in Australia and anything worth inventing was from the Land Down Under.
Terry was a man who gave back. A good friend of John Denver's, Terry, along with Donna, were involved in the flagship Windstar Foundation in Aspen, and Terry sat on the board of the foundation in Austin, Texas. After Denver died, Terry went on to raise money and awareness for Windstar to assure it, along with John's global concerns, would not die. Shortly before the tragic accident that took John Denver's life, Denver told Terry his dream to create a film that would showcase John's many passions to save the world. Oceans, hunger, peace, space and the environment were among John's specific causes. He would speak about the urgency of saving our world, saving the children when he would perform, but Denver knew he could reach the multitudes of people he sought through film. His message would be more available and easier to access all over the world. John Denver asked if Terry would be willing to help him. Terry had experience in film production and readily agreed to become a part of the Denver vision. A few days later, John Denver died as he was flying an experimental plane. Terry believed the film would never be made.
Quite a few years later, Betty Sue Flowers challenged the Australian to create the film, "Who better to do this, than you?" she asked. Terry then connected with JoLynn Long who had been working on a film about Denver. Terry produced a short that introduced "What One Man Can Do." Ironically or spiritually, Terry passed away soon after this short was completed. JoLynn continues and has recently completed a moving short and/or trailer using much of what Terry had begun to gather. John Denver's dream lives on. Terry Lipman's dream lives on.
Terry Lipman died suddenly and without warning on June 2, 2009. He lived his life as fully as any man is able. His son, Sam Lipman, is a gifted musician who makes his home in Austin. His daughter, Nanci, a young woman who Skyped with her dad every single morning, lives in Terry's beloved Australia. Of course, Donna, his wife of 18 years, is still in Austin, contributing through her songs, her heart, her coaching and her own passions.
Terry was involved and connected to the Austin community through his work with Challenge Day (www.challengeday.org), Landmark Forums (www.landmarkeducation.com), music and film.
Terry Lipman made a huge difference in my life. He was one of the most curious people I have ever met. He wanted to know what I thought, what I did, and why I did and thought as I did. He would sing as he prepared morning tea and put a plate of strawberries on the table. His amazement and appreciation of the warmth of the tea and the vivid colors of the berries was shared with any person lucky enough to take part in his a.m. rituals. Life was amazing, people were to be figured out, and food was to be relished. Laughter was to be expanded, arms were meant to be shared, and stairs were there to be run up. Life was to be lived fully and without censor or apology. Terry taught me to live in the details. I miss this man of supreme contribution. It is because of him that What One Man Can Do (the movement) was born.
Driving in the car in January of this year, I heard Terry say, Australian accent and all, "What we need, lovey, is a workshop." Peter and I had already planned on presenting a relationship workshop in Ireland in March. The topic was changed, and What One Man Can Do born. Thank you, Terry. Thank you for noticing how very important life and the lives of the people living life are. Thank you.
Action Taken: He lived the moments and knew that life was for living and giving.
#38 of 40
Yikes! I have been waiting to interview a woman who makes a difference in the lives of thousands of people in the spiritual community. She is a busy woman and has not had the opportunity to be interviewed. I have decided to blog about her at a later date and move forward with the remaining entries.
There are individuals who make a difference daily in the lives of others, some notice what needs to be done and they do it. Others notice what needs to be done and they enlist others to help them fix, or change, or contribute, to their vision. Anuradha Koirala is a woman who saw a wrong, set out to change it, and now has Demi Moore behind her. That is how taking only one step to correct, to contribute, to make a difference, works. Not everyone's path is to do global work. For many, changing family dynamics, contributing to a food pantry, or comforting an ailing sibling is the difference we are to make. The ripples of an action will spread to places you will never see and never know. What is important is to make a ripple. (How does one make a ripple? Dive in!)
Born in Nepal, and a former English teacher, Anuradha Koirala started Maiti Nepal in a small house in Kathmandu with her own savings. Today, she is a widely recognized activist and lecturer, who has dedicated her life to combating the sexual exploitation of women and children. Maiti Nepal is specifically dedicated to the sex trafficking of young (some as young as 7) girls. Ms. Koirala had little idea in 1993 that she would face dangers, abuse and threats as she set about the rehabilitation and support of girls who had been rescued from the sex slave industry and returned to Nepal. Maiti Nepal, meaning, mother's house, has been instrumental in setting up a place of respect for young women who may not be welcome in their homes.
Anuradha is described as a lioness as she protects whom she believes are her children. As she has said, “Each child, what's going to happen? What will happen to them? It really scares me, but then it gives me encouragement. I must do something. I must stop it.” Every girl is like her daughter, her child.
Maiti Nepal now has educational programs to prevent the trafficking - there are types of hostels along the way home, places of refuge where volunteers of Maiti Nepal watch for possible traffickers and offer a refuge to girls who may be additionally abused by border guards.
What was once a small home with one woman who saw a need and acted, is now a worldwide organization with volunteers dedicated to the ending of this terrible practice of forcing young girls into brothels against their will. Ms. Koirala has also set up a hospice center for those women who may be safely returned to their families but now face STDs and AIDS. One step, one decision has the potential to move mountains and change the world. One person matters, always.
Action Taken: Ms. Koirala stated it herself. She asked a question, "What will happen to them?" She then realized that someone must start to care, to come from hope and heart.
If you want to volunteer, send money or say thank you go to: http://www.friendsofmaitinepal.org/about-friends-of-maiti-nepal.php
There are individuals who make a difference daily in the lives of others, some notice what needs to be done and they do it. Others notice what needs to be done and they enlist others to help them fix, or change, or contribute, to their vision. Anuradha Koirala is a woman who saw a wrong, set out to change it, and now has Demi Moore behind her. That is how taking only one step to correct, to contribute, to make a difference, works. Not everyone's path is to do global work. For many, changing family dynamics, contributing to a food pantry, or comforting an ailing sibling is the difference we are to make. The ripples of an action will spread to places you will never see and never know. What is important is to make a ripple. (How does one make a ripple? Dive in!)
Born in Nepal, and a former English teacher, Anuradha Koirala started Maiti Nepal in a small house in Kathmandu with her own savings. Today, she is a widely recognized activist and lecturer, who has dedicated her life to combating the sexual exploitation of women and children. Maiti Nepal is specifically dedicated to the sex trafficking of young (some as young as 7) girls. Ms. Koirala had little idea in 1993 that she would face dangers, abuse and threats as she set about the rehabilitation and support of girls who had been rescued from the sex slave industry and returned to Nepal. Maiti Nepal, meaning, mother's house, has been instrumental in setting up a place of respect for young women who may not be welcome in their homes.
Anuradha is described as a lioness as she protects whom she believes are her children. As she has said, “Each child, what's going to happen? What will happen to them? It really scares me, but then it gives me encouragement. I must do something. I must stop it.” Every girl is like her daughter, her child.
Maiti Nepal now has educational programs to prevent the trafficking - there are types of hostels along the way home, places of refuge where volunteers of Maiti Nepal watch for possible traffickers and offer a refuge to girls who may be additionally abused by border guards.
What was once a small home with one woman who saw a need and acted, is now a worldwide organization with volunteers dedicated to the ending of this terrible practice of forcing young girls into brothels against their will. Ms. Koirala has also set up a hospice center for those women who may be safely returned to their families but now face STDs and AIDS. One step, one decision has the potential to move mountains and change the world. One person matters, always.
Action Taken: Ms. Koirala stated it herself. She asked a question, "What will happen to them?" She then realized that someone must start to care, to come from hope and heart.
If you want to volunteer, send money or say thank you go to: http://www.friendsofmaitinepal.org/about-friends-of-maiti-nepal.php
Tuesday, November 9, 2010
#37 of 40
Wayne Dyer is an internationally known author, speaker and trainer. His contribution stretches around the globe and his books, C.D's and DVDs have had an impact on hundreds of thousands of people. He is a man who makes a difference. Few would dispute this fact.
As I write this blog, I am struck over and over on how those individuals who make a difference to their community, their families or their world tended to have made a difference even as a child. They perhaps had a longing to contribute or a sense they were to do "something." Some of the people I have researched or interviewed had an epiphany, and a life lived in one direction suddenly was turned and lived in a completely different way, but the majority of the individuals I have spoken to or written of were also children who made a difference. As a matter of fact, many of those written about are still children.
Wayne Dyer is one who made a difference, one who knew at an early age that we humans are to be of assistance to the world. Born in 1940, Dyer spent a good portion of his adolescence and childhood in orphanages and foster homes. His father died early and his mother could not afford to support her children.
Wayne could have become depressed, unruly or bitter. What he did was champion the other children as they arrived at the orphanage, typically for the same reason young Dyer was there - parents could not afford to house and feed their young. Wayne would take a crying child and tell them it was a good place, there were no parents, and they would have fun. He would get them to look at their lives in a different frame. Wayne Dyer would build his career on what he seemed to know as a child - our thoughts shape our reality.
Graduating from high school in 1958, Wayne went on to serve in the United States Navy from 1958-1962. He received his D.Ed degree, and became a guidance counselor and a professor of counselor education.
At first, it appeared that Wayne would lead an academic career. He published in journals and ran a successful private practice. Life was good but there was more ways for Dr. Dyer to contribute. His lectures on positive thinking and motivational speaking drew more students than were actually enrolled. He was getting known for his ideas and his presentations. A literary agent convinced Dyer to take his popular ideas and put them in book form. Your Erroneous Zones was born. The book had rather "thin" sales at first, so Dyer quit his job and began a U.S. tour, selling books out of the back of his car and getting on any radio show he could. Over time, sales began to rise and the major networks became interested in this self-made man. He was eventually featured on national television and Dyer now began to build on that success with lectures and audio tapes (now CDs) and of course more and more books.
Reading Dr. Dyer's books, it is evident that he is a man who continues to grow both intellectually and spiritually. His beliefs became more clear and his writing took on deeper topics.
It is no surprise that books, CD's and lectures gave rise to a film. The Shift, a film produced as a full length movie, has Dyer being interviewed at a get-away spa as those visiting the spa are involved in their own life transitions. Dr. Dyer's goal is to continue to reach greater and greater audiences with the message that each individual has the power to shift their life at any time they decide. It is the belief of What One Man Can Do that we each make a difference and can choose to make that difference, be it positive or negative, depending on our choices. Wayne Dyer helps people with that decision and gives them tools to take the steps to live a life of passion and brilliance.
Action Taken: As Dr. Dyer writes, you will see it when you believe it.
You may find out more about Wayne Dyer at www.drwaynedyer.com
As I write this blog, I am struck over and over on how those individuals who make a difference to their community, their families or their world tended to have made a difference even as a child. They perhaps had a longing to contribute or a sense they were to do "something." Some of the people I have researched or interviewed had an epiphany, and a life lived in one direction suddenly was turned and lived in a completely different way, but the majority of the individuals I have spoken to or written of were also children who made a difference. As a matter of fact, many of those written about are still children.
Wayne Dyer is one who made a difference, one who knew at an early age that we humans are to be of assistance to the world. Born in 1940, Dyer spent a good portion of his adolescence and childhood in orphanages and foster homes. His father died early and his mother could not afford to support her children.
Wayne could have become depressed, unruly or bitter. What he did was champion the other children as they arrived at the orphanage, typically for the same reason young Dyer was there - parents could not afford to house and feed their young. Wayne would take a crying child and tell them it was a good place, there were no parents, and they would have fun. He would get them to look at their lives in a different frame. Wayne Dyer would build his career on what he seemed to know as a child - our thoughts shape our reality.
Graduating from high school in 1958, Wayne went on to serve in the United States Navy from 1958-1962. He received his D.Ed degree, and became a guidance counselor and a professor of counselor education.
At first, it appeared that Wayne would lead an academic career. He published in journals and ran a successful private practice. Life was good but there was more ways for Dr. Dyer to contribute. His lectures on positive thinking and motivational speaking drew more students than were actually enrolled. He was getting known for his ideas and his presentations. A literary agent convinced Dyer to take his popular ideas and put them in book form. Your Erroneous Zones was born. The book had rather "thin" sales at first, so Dyer quit his job and began a U.S. tour, selling books out of the back of his car and getting on any radio show he could. Over time, sales began to rise and the major networks became interested in this self-made man. He was eventually featured on national television and Dyer now began to build on that success with lectures and audio tapes (now CDs) and of course more and more books.
Reading Dr. Dyer's books, it is evident that he is a man who continues to grow both intellectually and spiritually. His beliefs became more clear and his writing took on deeper topics.
It is no surprise that books, CD's and lectures gave rise to a film. The Shift, a film produced as a full length movie, has Dyer being interviewed at a get-away spa as those visiting the spa are involved in their own life transitions. Dr. Dyer's goal is to continue to reach greater and greater audiences with the message that each individual has the power to shift their life at any time they decide. It is the belief of What One Man Can Do that we each make a difference and can choose to make that difference, be it positive or negative, depending on our choices. Wayne Dyer helps people with that decision and gives them tools to take the steps to live a life of passion and brilliance.
Action Taken: As Dr. Dyer writes, you will see it when you believe it.
You may find out more about Wayne Dyer at www.drwaynedyer.com
#36 of 40
She began life in a place few travel to - Saskatchewan. Growing up in snow blizzards, utility outages and setting aside enough food in case of being snowed in were all considered normal. Perhaps it was her early days of learning that when everyone helped, the world was better, or perhaps she was born with an actual need to assist people. Whatever the reason, Linda Debelser-Owen, is a woman who must help.
Growing up helping and planning formed the foundation to fashion an excellent Executive Secretary. Linda is an excellent administrator and has made a difference in the lives of all those she assisted and worked for. For the majority of the world, this is an excellent contribution in and of itself, and makes a difference to the world. However, for this Canadian woman, nothing ever seems to be enough.
In the early part of the 1980's, Debelser-Owen worked at a local school in Edmonton. It was during this time that a five-year old little girl went missing. Mothers were terrified and the school system tried to decide how to educate young children about the dangers of strangers, without scaring them. This is when Linda began what would become a fourteen-year mission. In 1984, she and her husband and children moved to Ontario, Canada and while shopping at a nearby mall, Linda picked up a brochure about a new project that had begun in Alberta in 1983 - Child Find. The brochure was asking for help to build the organization; Linda could have made a sizable donation. Her memories of that little five-year old in Edmonton helped her decide to volunteer.
Taking her own typewriter (no laptops back then), she would climb the three flights to the Child Find office. The office was basically a large closet with one file cabinet and one chair, and Linda would type letters - to corporations, letters to governing bodies, letters to newspapers - seeking money and help. She wrote letters and she wrote education and she wrote solutions. Child Find began to grow. Actual programs to assist the police and inform communities were put in place. The "not-enough"woman then became Secretary of the Ontario Branch as they grew larger, while the original Child Find in Alberta began to grow smaller. Again, Linda pushed forward, becoming Vice President and, then, President of Child Find Ontario. What many of us take for granted in the U.S., Code Orange, all-points-bulletins for missing children, a national clearing house for missing children, and neighborhood watch programs, did not exist at that time. It is because of the Linda Debelser-Owenses of the world that many children are saved and many never taken.
Child Find Ontario knew that a National Program was what was needed next. Of course, Linda was the woman who began to set this up. She became the first National President of Child Find in Canada. All of this work was volunteer. All of this work was draining. Ms. Debelser-Owen has stories that still wake her up at night. Children never found, others found with missing body parts, and others who may have been rescued, but were severely damaged. These are memories that never leave and these are memories that eventually had Linda decide to step away from Child Find, leaving her work for others to continue.
That is of course not the end to what she has done. Divorced in 2000, Debelser-Owen began to take some classes through the Toronto Arch-Diocese of the Catholic Church. Wanting to heal from the pain and destruction of her own divorce, she was soon leading many of the classes that she had recently taken. A Certified Spiritual Divorce Coach, Linda began to dream of places throughout the world where divorced individuals could stop in and have a place to heal. Tiers of Healing was born. The program, originally designed to assist individuals with divorce, has been expanded to include all types of significant loss.
Linda Debelser-Owen is a grandmother, a mother, a master gardener, and is newly remarried. Currently she is living in British Columbia where she oversees the lives of her friends and loved ones. Her home is never empty and her phone never silent. The word has gotten out, Linda heals. She listens. She has a contagious laugh and a full kitchen. Above all, she cares for the human race and needs to help. We are blessed.
Action Taken: The inner need to help anyone who is hurting, lost, hungry or alone.
Linda Debelser-Owen a woman who always says yes. You can reach Linda at ldebelser@shaw.ca
Growing up helping and planning formed the foundation to fashion an excellent Executive Secretary. Linda is an excellent administrator and has made a difference in the lives of all those she assisted and worked for. For the majority of the world, this is an excellent contribution in and of itself, and makes a difference to the world. However, for this Canadian woman, nothing ever seems to be enough.
In the early part of the 1980's, Debelser-Owen worked at a local school in Edmonton. It was during this time that a five-year old little girl went missing. Mothers were terrified and the school system tried to decide how to educate young children about the dangers of strangers, without scaring them. This is when Linda began what would become a fourteen-year mission. In 1984, she and her husband and children moved to Ontario, Canada and while shopping at a nearby mall, Linda picked up a brochure about a new project that had begun in Alberta in 1983 - Child Find. The brochure was asking for help to build the organization; Linda could have made a sizable donation. Her memories of that little five-year old in Edmonton helped her decide to volunteer.
Taking her own typewriter (no laptops back then), she would climb the three flights to the Child Find office. The office was basically a large closet with one file cabinet and one chair, and Linda would type letters - to corporations, letters to governing bodies, letters to newspapers - seeking money and help. She wrote letters and she wrote education and she wrote solutions. Child Find began to grow. Actual programs to assist the police and inform communities were put in place. The "not-enough"woman then became Secretary of the Ontario Branch as they grew larger, while the original Child Find in Alberta began to grow smaller. Again, Linda pushed forward, becoming Vice President and, then, President of Child Find Ontario. What many of us take for granted in the U.S., Code Orange, all-points-bulletins for missing children, a national clearing house for missing children, and neighborhood watch programs, did not exist at that time. It is because of the Linda Debelser-Owenses of the world that many children are saved and many never taken.
Child Find Ontario knew that a National Program was what was needed next. Of course, Linda was the woman who began to set this up. She became the first National President of Child Find in Canada. All of this work was volunteer. All of this work was draining. Ms. Debelser-Owen has stories that still wake her up at night. Children never found, others found with missing body parts, and others who may have been rescued, but were severely damaged. These are memories that never leave and these are memories that eventually had Linda decide to step away from Child Find, leaving her work for others to continue.
That is of course not the end to what she has done. Divorced in 2000, Debelser-Owen began to take some classes through the Toronto Arch-Diocese of the Catholic Church. Wanting to heal from the pain and destruction of her own divorce, she was soon leading many of the classes that she had recently taken. A Certified Spiritual Divorce Coach, Linda began to dream of places throughout the world where divorced individuals could stop in and have a place to heal. Tiers of Healing was born. The program, originally designed to assist individuals with divorce, has been expanded to include all types of significant loss.
Linda Debelser-Owen is a grandmother, a mother, a master gardener, and is newly remarried. Currently she is living in British Columbia where she oversees the lives of her friends and loved ones. Her home is never empty and her phone never silent. The word has gotten out, Linda heals. She listens. She has a contagious laugh and a full kitchen. Above all, she cares for the human race and needs to help. We are blessed.
Action Taken: The inner need to help anyone who is hurting, lost, hungry or alone.
Linda Debelser-Owen a woman who always says yes. You can reach Linda at ldebelser@shaw.ca
Saturday, November 6, 2010
#35 of 40
Derek Blumke was born and raised in Alanson, Michigan. He joined the U.S. Air Force and had multiple overseas deployments since 9/11 (in the Afghan Theater). He had six years of active duty and eventually left the Air Force to attend college in his home state of Michigan.
It quickly became apparent to this young man with the wide grin, that going to college as a returning vet was nothing like attending as a fresh-faced eighteen year old.
Many of the challenges faced by the fast growing group pf men and women returning from war to gain an education, were faced by Derek - older, out of touch, coming from a highly structured, regimented organization where group is above individual, to a campus where freedom and individualism is paramount. Derek Blumke felt isolated; indeed, who wouldn't. He had several choices. He could hunker down, get through school, and build a career. He could isolate further, take up drinking and/or drugging. He could forget his six years of selfless service and join the eighteen-year olds. But, Derek chose something different.
Reading in a magazine about other returning vets, Derek decided he was not alone and he began The Student Veteran Association at University of Michigan http://sitemaker.umich.edu/svaum/home The organization holds regular meetings for socializing, and advocates for Student Veterans. Not content with making a difference at one major university, Blumke began to network and eventually had a part to play in the formation of Student Veterans of America.
Derek Blumke personifies what each person on the planet has the ability to do - when faced with a problem, you have the choice to change the problem and solve it, ignore it, or complain.
Action Taken: The ability to take a problem and turn it into a solution for the greater good.
You can read more about Derek Blumke at www.newleaderscouncil.org/40under40/winners/2010
It quickly became apparent to this young man with the wide grin, that going to college as a returning vet was nothing like attending as a fresh-faced eighteen year old.
Many of the challenges faced by the fast growing group pf men and women returning from war to gain an education, were faced by Derek - older, out of touch, coming from a highly structured, regimented organization where group is above individual, to a campus where freedom and individualism is paramount. Derek Blumke felt isolated; indeed, who wouldn't. He had several choices. He could hunker down, get through school, and build a career. He could isolate further, take up drinking and/or drugging. He could forget his six years of selfless service and join the eighteen-year olds. But, Derek chose something different.
Reading in a magazine about other returning vets, Derek decided he was not alone and he began The Student Veteran Association at University of Michigan http://sitemaker.umich.edu/svaum/home The organization holds regular meetings for socializing, and advocates for Student Veterans. Not content with making a difference at one major university, Blumke began to network and eventually had a part to play in the formation of Student Veterans of America.
Derek Blumke personifies what each person on the planet has the ability to do - when faced with a problem, you have the choice to change the problem and solve it, ignore it, or complain.
Action Taken: The ability to take a problem and turn it into a solution for the greater good.
You can read more about Derek Blumke at www.newleaderscouncil.org/40under40/winners/2010
Friday, November 5, 2010
#34 of 40
Medical care is hot topic in the United States. Finger pointing, blaming, rising costs, greed and ineptitude make up the stew that is simmering. Occasionally, even a pot of stew will bubble over. That is exactly what happened in France in 1971. That year, Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) is an international medical humanitarian organization, created by doctors and journalists. In 1990 MSF-USA was founded in New York City to raise funds, create awareness, recruit field staff, and advocate with the United Nations and US government on humanitarian concerns.
Today, MSF (Doctors Without Borders) is an international movement and organization. They maintain complete independence from any and all government agencies. This gives MSF the unique ability to speak out against atrocities, or neglect, or to bring the world's attention to an area few would like to think about or help.
Doctors Without Borders is neutral. They do not take sides, unless it is the side of the poor, the victimized, or those living in 60 different countries whose survival is threatened by violence, neglect, or catastrophe, primarily due to armed conflict, epidemics, malnutrition, exclusion from health care, or natural disasters. MSF provides assistance based on medical ethics and impartiality.
MSF is not just physicians giving back. On any one day, more than 27,000 committed individuals representing dozens of nationalities, can be found providing assistance to people caught in crises around the world. They are doctors, nurses, logistics experts, administrators, epidemiologists, lab technicians, mental health professionals, and others who work together in accordance with MSF's guiding principles of humanitarian action and medical ethics. http://www.doctorswithoutborders.org/aboutus/?ref=main-menu
Doctors Without Borders is supported by donations. 100% of the funding in the U.S. comes from private sources. The entire organization of MSF is 90% funded by private donations, not by governments.
There are many ways to become involved in this divinely inspired association. They of course need donations, but are also looking for interested individuals who would like to volunteer. http://www.doctorswithoutborders.org/work/field/
MSF/ Doctors Without Borders won the Nobel Peace Prize in 1999. Want to make a difference? You could do this.
Action Taken: Physicians and others came together to stand up for the belief that all humanity deserves good health care, not only the advantaged people of the world.
You can read more at http://www.doctorswithoutborders.org/index.cfm
Today, MSF (Doctors Without Borders) is an international movement and organization. They maintain complete independence from any and all government agencies. This gives MSF the unique ability to speak out against atrocities, or neglect, or to bring the world's attention to an area few would like to think about or help.
Doctors Without Borders is neutral. They do not take sides, unless it is the side of the poor, the victimized, or those living in 60 different countries whose survival is threatened by violence, neglect, or catastrophe, primarily due to armed conflict, epidemics, malnutrition, exclusion from health care, or natural disasters. MSF provides assistance based on medical ethics and impartiality.
MSF is not just physicians giving back. On any one day, more than 27,000 committed individuals representing dozens of nationalities, can be found providing assistance to people caught in crises around the world. They are doctors, nurses, logistics experts, administrators, epidemiologists, lab technicians, mental health professionals, and others who work together in accordance with MSF's guiding principles of humanitarian action and medical ethics. http://www.doctorswithoutborders.org/aboutus/?ref=main-menu
Doctors Without Borders is supported by donations. 100% of the funding in the U.S. comes from private sources. The entire organization of MSF is 90% funded by private donations, not by governments.
There are many ways to become involved in this divinely inspired association. They of course need donations, but are also looking for interested individuals who would like to volunteer. http://www.doctorswithoutborders.org/work/field/
MSF/ Doctors Without Borders won the Nobel Peace Prize in 1999. Want to make a difference? You could do this.
Action Taken: Physicians and others came together to stand up for the belief that all humanity deserves good health care, not only the advantaged people of the world.
You can read more at http://www.doctorswithoutborders.org/index.cfm
#33 of 40
Fifty some years ago today, November 5th, a baby girl was born who would one day grow up to be a major Spiritual Leader. She would be one of two individuals in the world who lead The Shadow Process, a life-changing weekend for the fearless. She would impact hundreds of thousands of people through the use of her powerful voice.
Today is the birthday of Donna Lipman. As a girl, she would tell you she was painfully shy and anxious to please all around her. She did not see herself as a powerful teacher, brilliant seminar leader, or gifted singer. Donna saw herself as perhaps unlovable and/or not quite good enough. Many grow up believing much of what Donna believed.
How did she, a mouse of a girl, turn it all around? She opened her heart. There is a story of Donna as a young girl passing a coveted award she was presented with on to another girl whom everyone teased and belittled. Able to feel the emotional pain of others, turned Donna towards kindness and a life of helping.
Today, Donna Lipman is the woman who organizes and markets the art work of a gifted friend. She is the woman who will stay up until 2:00 a.m. to take one more coaching call from a distraught client. She is the woman who is is still working and studying while the rest of us are watching a movie or having a glass of wine. She is the voice that begins a song first thing in the morning and you can still hear her singing as she is turning off the light. Her talent freely given to anyone who asks for it. Her ear always available to listen to the drama of her many friends. Donna is available.
Donna Lipman is the president of What One Man Can Do. She is the role model for contribution. When her beloved husband Terry was alive, the couple were continually involved in any and all programs that would promote human development. A friend of John Denver's, Donna also sang with Denver http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_mxWPd3MiCM She has a her own CD and is a regular in the Austin music arena.
There does not seem to be an end to Lipman's contribution and creativity. At this wrting, Donna seems to have no enemies or detractors. She is loved by all who know her.
Her Action: Show 100%, 100% of the time.
You can reach Donna at donna@donnalipman.com or view her website http://www.donnalipman.com/
Today is the birthday of Donna Lipman. As a girl, she would tell you she was painfully shy and anxious to please all around her. She did not see herself as a powerful teacher, brilliant seminar leader, or gifted singer. Donna saw herself as perhaps unlovable and/or not quite good enough. Many grow up believing much of what Donna believed.
How did she, a mouse of a girl, turn it all around? She opened her heart. There is a story of Donna as a young girl passing a coveted award she was presented with on to another girl whom everyone teased and belittled. Able to feel the emotional pain of others, turned Donna towards kindness and a life of helping.
Today, Donna Lipman is the woman who organizes and markets the art work of a gifted friend. She is the woman who will stay up until 2:00 a.m. to take one more coaching call from a distraught client. She is the woman who is is still working and studying while the rest of us are watching a movie or having a glass of wine. She is the voice that begins a song first thing in the morning and you can still hear her singing as she is turning off the light. Her talent freely given to anyone who asks for it. Her ear always available to listen to the drama of her many friends. Donna is available.
Donna Lipman is the president of What One Man Can Do. She is the role model for contribution. When her beloved husband Terry was alive, the couple were continually involved in any and all programs that would promote human development. A friend of John Denver's, Donna also sang with Denver http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_mxWPd3MiCM She has a her own CD and is a regular in the Austin music arena.
There does not seem to be an end to Lipman's contribution and creativity. At this wrting, Donna seems to have no enemies or detractors. She is loved by all who know her.
Her Action: Show 100%, 100% of the time.
You can reach Donna at donna@donnalipman.com or view her website http://www.donnalipman.com/
#32 of 40
Bob Browning grew up in a small suburb of Chicago. The oldest in a yours, mine and ours family, Bob left home to take up drumming shortly after high school. A session drummer, he was able to tour with some leading bands in the late 60's and early 70's. Rock and Roll, late nights, shabby rooms and a belief system that did not involve the God he has found today.
Bob is vague in the how or why he had such a major life transformation. The Universe tapped him on the shoulder several times throughout his life and each time he learned a bit more about God, about himself, about life.
When he was living in New York and working as a desk manager at a cheap hotel where transients typically hung out, Browning found himself attending a local Methodist church from time to time where he befriended an elderly woman who became a shut in. Bob had always loved the elderly and he began to visit her. They spoke of books, local events and spiritual matters. The woman flourished and Bob Browning began to read more spiritual books and fewer atheist-inspired texts. Bob flourished.
He is the never-been-married Uncle Bob who sometimes has too many beers or says the embarrassing line. The nieces and nephews could watch and learn as Bob is the nephew who took his elderly Aunt to Europe, a place she had always wanted to see, but could never afford. Bob Browning is the nephew that called another aunt (this one in an assisted living facility) on a regular basis, despite the fact she made no sense on the phone. He is the writer of letters, the one who goes to visit those shut-ins. He shares a joke, a story, an ear, to a segment of the population that few honor or treasure.
Fast forward to today. Bob Browning spends time teaching emotionally and intellectually challenged adults the catechism of the Catholic Church. He took it upon himself some years ago to learn Spanish so he could communicate with some of the people he worked with. This took him to Costa Rica, where he lived for more than a year. His Spanish is now fluent and he has recently applied to work with street kids in Latin American countries. Bob gets no pay for any of the work he does - he volunteers. His long-term intent is to live in Latin America and care for the needy. This is Browning's plan for retirement. No thoughts of travel, golf, leisure clubs. His desire is to follow the gospels he reads daily and clothe the naked, feed the hungry, and visit the home bound.
As a single man, never married, no children, Bob will face a day when he may be unable to care for others, and perhaps there will be a someone like Bob Browning who will decide that he or she will make a difference in the life of a shut-in. Perhaps there will be a young man or woman, who for no reason other than he or she believes it is what their Creator would want, that young person will do what Browning has done for others, let them know they still have value.
Bob Browning - a man of God.
Action Taken: Slow but steady. Look for what is in the highest and do it.
At this time the only way to contact Bob is through anne@womcd.com
Bob is vague in the how or why he had such a major life transformation. The Universe tapped him on the shoulder several times throughout his life and each time he learned a bit more about God, about himself, about life.
When he was living in New York and working as a desk manager at a cheap hotel where transients typically hung out, Browning found himself attending a local Methodist church from time to time where he befriended an elderly woman who became a shut in. Bob had always loved the elderly and he began to visit her. They spoke of books, local events and spiritual matters. The woman flourished and Bob Browning began to read more spiritual books and fewer atheist-inspired texts. Bob flourished.
He is the never-been-married Uncle Bob who sometimes has too many beers or says the embarrassing line. The nieces and nephews could watch and learn as Bob is the nephew who took his elderly Aunt to Europe, a place she had always wanted to see, but could never afford. Bob Browning is the nephew that called another aunt (this one in an assisted living facility) on a regular basis, despite the fact she made no sense on the phone. He is the writer of letters, the one who goes to visit those shut-ins. He shares a joke, a story, an ear, to a segment of the population that few honor or treasure.
Fast forward to today. Bob Browning spends time teaching emotionally and intellectually challenged adults the catechism of the Catholic Church. He took it upon himself some years ago to learn Spanish so he could communicate with some of the people he worked with. This took him to Costa Rica, where he lived for more than a year. His Spanish is now fluent and he has recently applied to work with street kids in Latin American countries. Bob gets no pay for any of the work he does - he volunteers. His long-term intent is to live in Latin America and care for the needy. This is Browning's plan for retirement. No thoughts of travel, golf, leisure clubs. His desire is to follow the gospels he reads daily and clothe the naked, feed the hungry, and visit the home bound.
As a single man, never married, no children, Bob will face a day when he may be unable to care for others, and perhaps there will be a someone like Bob Browning who will decide that he or she will make a difference in the life of a shut-in. Perhaps there will be a young man or woman, who for no reason other than he or she believes it is what their Creator would want, that young person will do what Browning has done for others, let them know they still have value.
Bob Browning - a man of God.
Action Taken: Slow but steady. Look for what is in the highest and do it.
At this time the only way to contact Bob is through anne@womcd.com
Post #30 of 40
Did you catch I am now posting a number not a day? I will complete this project and make myself and all of you aware of all that is well in the world - all the places and people that make a difference.
Yvonne and Rich St. John Dutra are two individuals near and dear to my heart. I first met them when I was on staff for The Institute for Integrative Coaching by Debbie Ford. One of the staff members knew Yvonne and Rich and had the honor of attending a Challenge Day. This was in 2001 or 2002 and Challenge Day was struggling with budgets, over worked staff, getting the word out, and getting the amazing program into schools all over the U.S.
The vision Challenge Day held and still holds is: That every child lives in a world where they feel safe, loved and celebrated. As I participated in the high energy, big-hearted processes with 100 teenagers, I knew that this was the answer I needed several decades ago in the high school I attended.
This is not a posting about Challenge Day but please take a moment and check out the site, http://www.challengeday.org/ Bring the program to your school and be a part of the change.
Yvonne St. John Dutra began working with teens over 25 years ago. She was determined that her life, her teen mistakes would be used for the good of children everywhere. Yvonne is a vibrant, heart-centered woman who can join in with teens or their parents with equal ease. Her message of diversity, truth, the oneness we share, has had a positive impact on hundreds of thousands of teens and she has saved lives as she helps shape lives. Challenge Day was and is her baby to get the word out regarding what we can be when we take 8 hours to know who we really are and share it with others.
Rich has a high school teaching background and it is easy to see that he was a wrestling coach for many years. Rich and Yvonne combined their collective passion and experience to co-found the Challenge Day Program in 1987. What began as two people driving from school to school attempting to educate the faculty, parents and students about the oneness of our experiences despite the outward appearances, has turned into a hit show on MTV entitled If You Really Knew Me www.mtv.com/shows/if_you_really_knew_me/series.jhtml
Many people would love to have a hit TV show but Yvonne and Rich care more about the fact their message is being heard by the very segment of society they are dedicated to reaching, teens.
At a time when our news tells us about young people committing suicide before they even have a chance to fully experience life, a show such as If You Really Knew Me is not only important it is vital.
No overnight successes, Yvonne and Rich St. John Dutra held their vision, held their mission, held our children as they took the steps to assure that every child lives in a world where they feel safe, loved and celebrated. May they continue their journey.
Action Taken: Never give up. Keep the faith. Keep showing up and doing your part.
You can reach Yvonne and Rich through http://www.challengeday.org/
Yvonne and Rich St. John Dutra are two individuals near and dear to my heart. I first met them when I was on staff for The Institute for Integrative Coaching by Debbie Ford. One of the staff members knew Yvonne and Rich and had the honor of attending a Challenge Day. This was in 2001 or 2002 and Challenge Day was struggling with budgets, over worked staff, getting the word out, and getting the amazing program into schools all over the U.S.
The vision Challenge Day held and still holds is: That every child lives in a world where they feel safe, loved and celebrated. As I participated in the high energy, big-hearted processes with 100 teenagers, I knew that this was the answer I needed several decades ago in the high school I attended.
This is not a posting about Challenge Day but please take a moment and check out the site, http://www.challengeday.org/ Bring the program to your school and be a part of the change.
Yvonne St. John Dutra began working with teens over 25 years ago. She was determined that her life, her teen mistakes would be used for the good of children everywhere. Yvonne is a vibrant, heart-centered woman who can join in with teens or their parents with equal ease. Her message of diversity, truth, the oneness we share, has had a positive impact on hundreds of thousands of teens and she has saved lives as she helps shape lives. Challenge Day was and is her baby to get the word out regarding what we can be when we take 8 hours to know who we really are and share it with others.
Rich has a high school teaching background and it is easy to see that he was a wrestling coach for many years. Rich and Yvonne combined their collective passion and experience to co-found the Challenge Day Program in 1987. What began as two people driving from school to school attempting to educate the faculty, parents and students about the oneness of our experiences despite the outward appearances, has turned into a hit show on MTV entitled If You Really Knew Me www.mtv.com/shows/if_you_really_knew_me/series.jhtml
Many people would love to have a hit TV show but Yvonne and Rich care more about the fact their message is being heard by the very segment of society they are dedicated to reaching, teens.
At a time when our news tells us about young people committing suicide before they even have a chance to fully experience life, a show such as If You Really Knew Me is not only important it is vital.
No overnight successes, Yvonne and Rich St. John Dutra held their vision, held their mission, held our children as they took the steps to assure that every child lives in a world where they feel safe, loved and celebrated. May they continue their journey.
Action Taken: Never give up. Keep the faith. Keep showing up and doing your part.
You can reach Yvonne and Rich through http://www.challengeday.org/
Post #31 of 40
"Don't Blame The Game" is a book written by Mike Schwass and Clarence Trausch. Below is a quick synopsis of the book:
In December 1975, then sixteen year-old Michael Schwass sustained a devastating blow to his neck in a hockey accident, which left him paralyzed from the neck down for life. An instant quadriplegic. Don't Blame The Game is the chronicle of this indomitable youth who decided he would walk again, and the astonishing transformation that characterized his journey. Now in his mid-forties, and living in Des Plaines, Illinois, Michael teaches and lectures to audiences all over the country, inspiring his able-bodied listeners with courage and skills to face and overcome their own challenges.
At the end of each chapter, Michael is interviewed by Dr. Clarence Trausch, his long-time life coach, and co-author of Don't Blame The Game. In these dialogues, Michael inspires the reader with wisdom garnered from a lifetime of harrowing experiences and remarkable achievements. His penetrating answers and charming manner hold a treasure trove of insights into the playoff of one of life's most horrifying trials, faced head-on by a stellar personality. What follows is an adventure story - and an opportunity and a formula for conquering your trials too.
Mike Schwass died almost two months ago, suddenly and without fanfare. His life is a testimony to what any single person can do with their life, and it is also a microcosm of what can happen when a person has a strong vision. He lived a life with the intent to motivate, inspire and help others in any way he could. Listening, teaching, coaching and laughing, whatever it took is what Schwass used. He had a web site, Facebook page, and held yearly fund raising events to meet with people and offer inspiration as he raised the money to further his ministry to help those who believed they were out of hope.
When my husband and I met Michael Schwass, he had a ready smile and full belly laugh. Genial and kind, he attracted women and men alike. Everyone loved Mike. His motivation, inspiration and laugh will be forever missed. He lives on in the people he touched, the programs he began, and the stories he told.
On his plain pine coffin was a ribbon stating, Love, Service, Remember. This was Mike Schwass. Love, Service and Remembering a higher purpose.
We miss him.
Action Taken: Mike had a vision and never let up.
Even in death Mike thought of others. He has requested that individuals contribute to a fund for others. Please contact anne@womcd.com and I will put you in touch with the family.
In December 1975, then sixteen year-old Michael Schwass sustained a devastating blow to his neck in a hockey accident, which left him paralyzed from the neck down for life. An instant quadriplegic. Don't Blame The Game is the chronicle of this indomitable youth who decided he would walk again, and the astonishing transformation that characterized his journey. Now in his mid-forties, and living in Des Plaines, Illinois, Michael teaches and lectures to audiences all over the country, inspiring his able-bodied listeners with courage and skills to face and overcome their own challenges.
At the end of each chapter, Michael is interviewed by Dr. Clarence Trausch, his long-time life coach, and co-author of Don't Blame The Game. In these dialogues, Michael inspires the reader with wisdom garnered from a lifetime of harrowing experiences and remarkable achievements. His penetrating answers and charming manner hold a treasure trove of insights into the playoff of one of life's most horrifying trials, faced head-on by a stellar personality. What follows is an adventure story - and an opportunity and a formula for conquering your trials too.
Mike Schwass died almost two months ago, suddenly and without fanfare. His life is a testimony to what any single person can do with their life, and it is also a microcosm of what can happen when a person has a strong vision. He lived a life with the intent to motivate, inspire and help others in any way he could. Listening, teaching, coaching and laughing, whatever it took is what Schwass used. He had a web site, Facebook page, and held yearly fund raising events to meet with people and offer inspiration as he raised the money to further his ministry to help those who believed they were out of hope.
When my husband and I met Michael Schwass, he had a ready smile and full belly laugh. Genial and kind, he attracted women and men alike. Everyone loved Mike. His motivation, inspiration and laugh will be forever missed. He lives on in the people he touched, the programs he began, and the stories he told.
On his plain pine coffin was a ribbon stating, Love, Service, Remember. This was Mike Schwass. Love, Service and Remembering a higher purpose.
We miss him.
Action Taken: Mike had a vision and never let up.
Even in death Mike thought of others. He has requested that individuals contribute to a fund for others. Please contact anne@womcd.com and I will put you in touch with the family.
Day or Rather Posting # 29
As I write this blog I am discovering more and more about the topic of What One Man Can Do and what it takes to be that man or woman or child or being. It takes perseverance. It takes commitment. It takes a humble spirit to admit you just do not know. It takes being embarrassed. I am embarrassed.
Here on this blog I wrote I would do 40 in 40. I assured all those who are reading this I would complete it in 40 days. It is November 3rd. I am on Posting # 29. I have let myself down and I have let those of you who were counting on me to complete 40 in 40. I apologize. My intention and self discipline were not strong enough. I could use these facts to beat myself up, to offer excuses, to share with you my life. I could use the facts to play down what I am doing, I could also just ignore the facts.
That is not what the people and organizations and animals I have been writing about do or have done. They each just get on with the job at hand. It is a great conversation: Do you ever just stop what you know you are to do, longing to do, because you have embarrassed yourself? Stop doing that. Listen to the yearning, the longing; pick yourself up and get going. As Nike so aptly puts it, "Just Do It!"
Lissa Boles knows all about picking oneself up and getting the job done. Lissa told me she listens to her life and then lives her life. Listening to your life. Life is her teacher and she listens, then she takes action. Daily.
Lissa has not just a passion, Lissa has a giant hand at her back moving her forward at lightning speed to fulfill her purpose. What is the purpose of Lissa Boles? Her purpose is to assist others in fulfilling their purpose.
Over the years, Ms. Boles has done this in many ways. She is a Certified Life Coach, Intuitive Astrologer, Speaker and Trainer. Podcasts, Teleclasses, Intuitive Readings - all aimed at assuring individuals fulfill their purpose on this planet.
Lissa was like so many people - she knew she had something to say and had the desire to know who she was. She began the journey by learning who she was not. Many learn who they are not. They are not sales people, they are not parents, they are not students, they are not 9-5 business managers, the list goes on. Who do you know (or sense) you are not? What a vast majority of people is do is find out what they do not like, but then continue doing it. They do not listen to their lives. They do not live their lives. Lissa wants to change that. Lissa Boles wants to assist (business people especially) our planet in waking up to the changes that are occurring at this time in our history and to live out the destiny that expands their spirit.
Lissa believes we are at a great time in our world where, "If you don't love what you do, someone will take your place who does love it." Lissa Boles wants to be certain that every man, woman and child knows their purpose and is living it.
Her Action: From Lip Service to True Service using her voice.
You can reach Lissa Boles at lissaboles@gmail.com Lissa told me her first marriage is with God and everything else flows from that place. She is making a difference daily. Lissa is married to the amazing Randy Boles. They actively chose to sell a large home and move into a tiny cabin on the shores of a Great Lake where they must pull their groceries in by sled. Two individuals who truly walk their talk.
Here on this blog I wrote I would do 40 in 40. I assured all those who are reading this I would complete it in 40 days. It is November 3rd. I am on Posting # 29. I have let myself down and I have let those of you who were counting on me to complete 40 in 40. I apologize. My intention and self discipline were not strong enough. I could use these facts to beat myself up, to offer excuses, to share with you my life. I could use the facts to play down what I am doing, I could also just ignore the facts.
That is not what the people and organizations and animals I have been writing about do or have done. They each just get on with the job at hand. It is a great conversation: Do you ever just stop what you know you are to do, longing to do, because you have embarrassed yourself? Stop doing that. Listen to the yearning, the longing; pick yourself up and get going. As Nike so aptly puts it, "Just Do It!"
Lissa Boles knows all about picking oneself up and getting the job done. Lissa told me she listens to her life and then lives her life. Listening to your life. Life is her teacher and she listens, then she takes action. Daily.
Lissa has not just a passion, Lissa has a giant hand at her back moving her forward at lightning speed to fulfill her purpose. What is the purpose of Lissa Boles? Her purpose is to assist others in fulfilling their purpose.
Over the years, Ms. Boles has done this in many ways. She is a Certified Life Coach, Intuitive Astrologer, Speaker and Trainer. Podcasts, Teleclasses, Intuitive Readings - all aimed at assuring individuals fulfill their purpose on this planet.
Lissa was like so many people - she knew she had something to say and had the desire to know who she was. She began the journey by learning who she was not. Many learn who they are not. They are not sales people, they are not parents, they are not students, they are not 9-5 business managers, the list goes on. Who do you know (or sense) you are not? What a vast majority of people is do is find out what they do not like, but then continue doing it. They do not listen to their lives. They do not live their lives. Lissa wants to change that. Lissa Boles wants to assist (business people especially) our planet in waking up to the changes that are occurring at this time in our history and to live out the destiny that expands their spirit.
Lissa believes we are at a great time in our world where, "If you don't love what you do, someone will take your place who does love it." Lissa Boles wants to be certain that every man, woman and child knows their purpose and is living it.
Her Action: From Lip Service to True Service using her voice.
You can reach Lissa Boles at lissaboles@gmail.com Lissa told me her first marriage is with God and everything else flows from that place. She is making a difference daily. Lissa is married to the amazing Randy Boles. They actively chose to sell a large home and move into a tiny cabin on the shores of a Great Lake where they must pull their groceries in by sled. Two individuals who truly walk their talk.
Saturday, September 25, 2010
40 in 40 Day #28
Day#28 Sister Paula Hagen, O.S.B., is a nun with passion. She is a woman who has definite ideas and strong opinions. Sister Paula is devoted to God, and she is not what one would think of when picturing a nun. She speaks quickly, forcefully and with tremendous emotion.
I was lucky enough to meet her over twenty-five years ago. She rode a bike, dressed in regular clothing and wore a large cross around her neck. Her eyes sparkled as she would somehow enlist you to help her and you would be left feeling as if she had helped you. Sr. Paula is the person they wrote about when they fashioned the statement about selling ice to Eskimos.
Her love of families is only surpassed by her love of women and the women who run families. In 1983, she was hired at the church I attended to begin what was known as Family Ministry. She took the church, its families and our hearts by storm. The parish was a very large one in Mesa, Arizona, and not only did Sister Paula learn every person's name, she knew their children, their extended families, and was able to support their dreams.
I moved away from the church during a painful divorce but kept contact with Paula for a number of years. Eventually she moved, I moved and moved again and I also remarried.
Fast forward to last year. Through what appeared to be, synchronicity, I learned Paula was closeby in her home state of Minnesota. I called her, and she had not changed. Her voice after 20 plus years is still strong, still vibrant. Her photos continue to show a woman in her prime, leading the way for families to have meaning.
Sr. Paula Hagen is the originator of a ministry for women entitled M.O.M.S. (Ministry of Mothers Sharing). It is an 8-week peer-based ministry for women to share their faith, their lives, and support each other as they grow in faith. She also leads Women's Retreats with break-out sessions, supports generational sharing through stories and rituals, and is a force that is sometimes disapproved of in certain circles.What I am learning, as I write this blog, is how leaders create controversy and that to change the world and make it new again can be an uphill climb.
Paula believes completely that change begins at the bottom, not the top, and she has devoted her life to changing the way women perceive themselves in The Church and in their families. Her belief is that women must come together, share their stories and support each other's growth (spiritual, mental and emotional).
In addition to loving women, families and God, Sr. Paula Hagen loves rituals, traditions and ceremony. Her ability to bring richness and depth to daily living is perhaps one of her greatest attributes. She knows what it is to live your life as a prayer and she has put together, and continues to put together, programs and processes to teach thousands of others.
Sr. Paula is changing day-to-day life for the better.
Her Action: She practices passion.
Contact Sr. Paula. She is ecumenical and her dynamic presence (even in an email) will charge your day.
srpaula@stpaulsmonastery.org
I was lucky enough to meet her over twenty-five years ago. She rode a bike, dressed in regular clothing and wore a large cross around her neck. Her eyes sparkled as she would somehow enlist you to help her and you would be left feeling as if she had helped you. Sr. Paula is the person they wrote about when they fashioned the statement about selling ice to Eskimos.
Her love of families is only surpassed by her love of women and the women who run families. In 1983, she was hired at the church I attended to begin what was known as Family Ministry. She took the church, its families and our hearts by storm. The parish was a very large one in Mesa, Arizona, and not only did Sister Paula learn every person's name, she knew their children, their extended families, and was able to support their dreams.
I moved away from the church during a painful divorce but kept contact with Paula for a number of years. Eventually she moved, I moved and moved again and I also remarried.
Fast forward to last year. Through what appeared to be, synchronicity, I learned Paula was closeby in her home state of Minnesota. I called her, and she had not changed. Her voice after 20 plus years is still strong, still vibrant. Her photos continue to show a woman in her prime, leading the way for families to have meaning.
Sr. Paula Hagen is the originator of a ministry for women entitled M.O.M.S. (Ministry of Mothers Sharing). It is an 8-week peer-based ministry for women to share their faith, their lives, and support each other as they grow in faith. She also leads Women's Retreats with break-out sessions, supports generational sharing through stories and rituals, and is a force that is sometimes disapproved of in certain circles.What I am learning, as I write this blog, is how leaders create controversy and that to change the world and make it new again can be an uphill climb.
Paula believes completely that change begins at the bottom, not the top, and she has devoted her life to changing the way women perceive themselves in The Church and in their families. Her belief is that women must come together, share their stories and support each other's growth (spiritual, mental and emotional).
In addition to loving women, families and God, Sr. Paula Hagen loves rituals, traditions and ceremony. Her ability to bring richness and depth to daily living is perhaps one of her greatest attributes. She knows what it is to live your life as a prayer and she has put together, and continues to put together, programs and processes to teach thousands of others.
Sr. Paula is changing day-to-day life for the better.
Her Action: She practices passion.
Contact Sr. Paula. She is ecumenical and her dynamic presence (even in an email) will charge your day.
srpaula@stpaulsmonastery.org
Friday, September 24, 2010
40 in 40 Day #27
Day #27 I'm taking a chance on my subject for today; please remember I started this blog to write about difference makers. Valentino is a difference maker, as is Coco and Manolo. I personally know what a difference Crash has made to my neighbor and also to me.
Yes, I am writing about dogs. There are dogs on this planet that make a huge difference to our world, they rescue babies from burning buildings, alert their owners to pending fires or break-ins, help law enforcement agencies on the war against drugs. They all deserve their own blog. This blog is about dogs in general, and a great deal about one dog in particular.
As I was meditating this morning, Valentino was right there with me. He has now learned that when I sit on the floor and lean back on the davenport in the living room, it is not time to play, get a belly rub, get a head scratch or some other delicious treat. He knows it is time to be still. I never told him this, but he knows. He will either lay next to me, or take a place behind my head on the sofa and wait for me to be complete. He knows that as soon as I put my journal away, it becomes Valentino time. He is patient. He never rushes me. He is loyal. He shows up again and again. He only wants to be near me, and does not ask for anything in return. Five years ago after surgery, I spent almost a week in a drug-induced fog, praying for relief from pain, and doing little else. Valentino stayed on the bed, his head on my leg or arm. There were no treats, no toys, no wrestling nor hide-and-seek. There was me sleeping. He only wanted to be near me. My thought is, that is pure love. I do not have that type of love. That type of love heals. It heals the body. Research shows that people with high blood pressure are able to lower their blood pressure as they pet or stroke a dog. That type of love definitely heals. I know it heals the heart. 26 years ago my heart and spirit were broken. I owned a Great Dane. She would literally attempt to lick my tears. She'd put her paw on my shoulder and I promise you, she would send some type of energy to me. Well, I know I felt better. Thirty-six years ago my six-week old daughter, Rebecca, died of SIDS. Four months later, my husband came home with a small, red ball of fur. Carrie got all of us through that Christmas.
My younger daughter has a dog that always makes me laugh. The harder I laugh, the more Manolo runs in circles, jumps up and over whatever is in her space, and I can feel myself lighter and brighter. Coco belongs to my other daughter. She will curl up with a sick child or an upset adult, or attack what she believes are those possibly wanting to invade the space of my daughter and her family. Coco knows her job is to care 24/7 for a family of six; she seems to love her work.
I would love to hear about your dog (or cat). Donna Lipman, the president of WOMCD, has two cats, Romeo and Tilly. When her husband, Terry Lipman, died suddenly, they both stayed with her. They got close as they seemed to share in her grief. Our animals, I believe, are a way for us to experience unconditional love.
Much has been written about unconditional love. Perhaps saints or the holy men and women of the ages were able to love in this manner. As I said, I know I do not seem to be able to do this. Intellectually, I can love humanity; I am able to feel compassion for those who do not behave in ways that are helpful to me, and I have finally reached a point in my life where I am able to forgive quickly. I know, beyond a doubt, that I can not, do not want to, probably will never, follow those I love the most while they ignore me. I want something back. Something more than a walk around the block, or time to run in the park.
Action Taken: Acceptance, devotion, unconditional love.
If you don't have a pet, find a cat or dog at your local pound and adopt them. You will be healed.
Yes, I am writing about dogs. There are dogs on this planet that make a huge difference to our world, they rescue babies from burning buildings, alert their owners to pending fires or break-ins, help law enforcement agencies on the war against drugs. They all deserve their own blog. This blog is about dogs in general, and a great deal about one dog in particular.
As I was meditating this morning, Valentino was right there with me. He has now learned that when I sit on the floor and lean back on the davenport in the living room, it is not time to play, get a belly rub, get a head scratch or some other delicious treat. He knows it is time to be still. I never told him this, but he knows. He will either lay next to me, or take a place behind my head on the sofa and wait for me to be complete. He knows that as soon as I put my journal away, it becomes Valentino time. He is patient. He never rushes me. He is loyal. He shows up again and again. He only wants to be near me, and does not ask for anything in return. Five years ago after surgery, I spent almost a week in a drug-induced fog, praying for relief from pain, and doing little else. Valentino stayed on the bed, his head on my leg or arm. There were no treats, no toys, no wrestling nor hide-and-seek. There was me sleeping. He only wanted to be near me. My thought is, that is pure love. I do not have that type of love. That type of love heals. It heals the body. Research shows that people with high blood pressure are able to lower their blood pressure as they pet or stroke a dog. That type of love definitely heals. I know it heals the heart. 26 years ago my heart and spirit were broken. I owned a Great Dane. She would literally attempt to lick my tears. She'd put her paw on my shoulder and I promise you, she would send some type of energy to me. Well, I know I felt better. Thirty-six years ago my six-week old daughter, Rebecca, died of SIDS. Four months later, my husband came home with a small, red ball of fur. Carrie got all of us through that Christmas.
My younger daughter has a dog that always makes me laugh. The harder I laugh, the more Manolo runs in circles, jumps up and over whatever is in her space, and I can feel myself lighter and brighter. Coco belongs to my other daughter. She will curl up with a sick child or an upset adult, or attack what she believes are those possibly wanting to invade the space of my daughter and her family. Coco knows her job is to care 24/7 for a family of six; she seems to love her work.
I would love to hear about your dog (or cat). Donna Lipman, the president of WOMCD, has two cats, Romeo and Tilly. When her husband, Terry Lipman, died suddenly, they both stayed with her. They got close as they seemed to share in her grief. Our animals, I believe, are a way for us to experience unconditional love.
Much has been written about unconditional love. Perhaps saints or the holy men and women of the ages were able to love in this manner. As I said, I know I do not seem to be able to do this. Intellectually, I can love humanity; I am able to feel compassion for those who do not behave in ways that are helpful to me, and I have finally reached a point in my life where I am able to forgive quickly. I know, beyond a doubt, that I can not, do not want to, probably will never, follow those I love the most while they ignore me. I want something back. Something more than a walk around the block, or time to run in the park.
Action Taken: Acceptance, devotion, unconditional love.
If you don't have a pet, find a cat or dog at your local pound and adopt them. You will be healed.
Thursday, September 23, 2010
40 in 40 Day #26
Day#26 My hope is that as you read these blogs, you will become inspired. Perhaps you will say to yourself, "I could do that!" or "I am going to contact that person and contribute some time, talent or money to assist them." or maybe you just read the day's entry, smile and feel better about the world we live in. That is my intention and my hope. My other intention, though secondary, is also very strong. I want to acknowledge those I write about. I want to thank these incredible human beings for listening to an inner prompting, and taking the action to make our world (and theirs) better.
Today's blog is an acknowledgment of a man who listens to the dreams of others. His kindness as he listens is astounding. No matter the topic or subject, he has the ability to access a kind place within himself and respond to the speaker in a direct and compassionate tone. In times of sadness, distress, planning, shock or anger, it is amazing what kindness can do to make a huge difference in a person's outlook or future.
Peter Schroeder was born with one hand that was not fully formed. Despite several operations, his hand never fully developed and he was left with what his granddaughter calls his "baby hand." Courage is also a part of Mr. Schroeder's make up. Not the type of courage that would take him to bungee off a bridge, nor the type of courage to defy the Midwest rules of behavior he was brought up with. His courage is the type that came from learning to tie his shoes with one hand, to play baseball everyday after school despite being the last kid picked for the team. His courage would lead him to learn and play the guitar and golf and one day say, "My hand did not happen to me, it happened for me." This is not a Pollyanna approach. Peter believes it. "It makes me memorable," he says with a smile.
Peter Schroeder is memorable not because of a misshapen hand, he is memorable because his mission is to connect with as many people as he can every day. He believes he can "make their day" and he does. A tired and overworked gate attendant at the airport finds a smile when Schroeder shows up with a cup of Starbucks with which he surprises her. The bagger at the local market lights up when Schroeder asks him what is his favorite movie, or who he would most like to see in concert that weekend. Peter Schroeder talks to people in elevators, and people love it. Some smile, some laugh and they all depart a little lighter, a little brighter. Peter has "made their day."
A present day knight, Peter Schroeder seems to be a throwback to another age when valor, honesty, kindness, and loyalty were words that men lived by, words that set them apart and put them at a round table to help shape the land they lived in. Peter believes human beings are born with these attributes and they only need a nudge to appear. This is not a man who knows cynicism.
Peter is the guy on the bowling team, the man who holds the door and winks at the little old lady walking through. Charm helps, as do blue eyes that sparkle. He likes absolutely nothing better than to share, which he does through writing (he is a published author - "It's Your Movie" and "Ten Tips for Family Caregivers"), through performingh (he is a singer songwriter - look for him on iTunes), through coaching (a Certified Master Coach), through motivational speaking, and most recently he and a friend began, Elder Proof Home, an online site that addresses keeping seniors safe, independent and thriving. The new site has articles, tips, a variety of products, and coaching for family caregivers. Elder Proof Home is a result of Mr. Schroeder's involvement with his elderly father. He (Schroeder) moved from Sedona, Az. to a suburb of Chicago to supervise his father's care almost four years ago. What he thought would be a 6-9 month commitment has turned into a much different outcome. Living in his father's townhouse, returning to sub-zero temperatures and dealing with the day-in and day-out stresses of being responsible for a 92-year old man with dementia, has been what Peter describes as a mixed blessing. When asked why he moved in with the senior Mr. Schroeder, Peter reports there was no other option. He saw a need and knew he could make "his father's day."
His Action: Take the high road. Recite the boy scout code and live like Davy Crockett.
Peter Schroeder makes a difference to a wide variety of people daily. He uses any avenue open to him to bring joy and kindness. He believes this to be his sacred mission.
You can reach Peter at pete@peteschroeder.com His books are available on Amazon and ElderProof Home
Some of his songs are on iTunes and others on www.peteschroeder.com He also has a variety of You Tube presentations, some are listed as A Man For All Seniors (Schroeder performs for seniors), others are listed as Peter Schroeder or PGS. Do yourself a favor and let him "make your day."
Peter Schroeder is a principle in the WOMCD movement.
Today's blog is an acknowledgment of a man who listens to the dreams of others. His kindness as he listens is astounding. No matter the topic or subject, he has the ability to access a kind place within himself and respond to the speaker in a direct and compassionate tone. In times of sadness, distress, planning, shock or anger, it is amazing what kindness can do to make a huge difference in a person's outlook or future.
Peter Schroeder was born with one hand that was not fully formed. Despite several operations, his hand never fully developed and he was left with what his granddaughter calls his "baby hand." Courage is also a part of Mr. Schroeder's make up. Not the type of courage that would take him to bungee off a bridge, nor the type of courage to defy the Midwest rules of behavior he was brought up with. His courage is the type that came from learning to tie his shoes with one hand, to play baseball everyday after school despite being the last kid picked for the team. His courage would lead him to learn and play the guitar and golf and one day say, "My hand did not happen to me, it happened for me." This is not a Pollyanna approach. Peter believes it. "It makes me memorable," he says with a smile.
Peter Schroeder is memorable not because of a misshapen hand, he is memorable because his mission is to connect with as many people as he can every day. He believes he can "make their day" and he does. A tired and overworked gate attendant at the airport finds a smile when Schroeder shows up with a cup of Starbucks with which he surprises her. The bagger at the local market lights up when Schroeder asks him what is his favorite movie, or who he would most like to see in concert that weekend. Peter Schroeder talks to people in elevators, and people love it. Some smile, some laugh and they all depart a little lighter, a little brighter. Peter has "made their day."
A present day knight, Peter Schroeder seems to be a throwback to another age when valor, honesty, kindness, and loyalty were words that men lived by, words that set them apart and put them at a round table to help shape the land they lived in. Peter believes human beings are born with these attributes and they only need a nudge to appear. This is not a man who knows cynicism.
Peter is the guy on the bowling team, the man who holds the door and winks at the little old lady walking through. Charm helps, as do blue eyes that sparkle. He likes absolutely nothing better than to share, which he does through writing (he is a published author - "It's Your Movie" and "Ten Tips for Family Caregivers"), through performingh (he is a singer songwriter - look for him on iTunes), through coaching (a Certified Master Coach), through motivational speaking, and most recently he and a friend began, Elder Proof Home, an online site that addresses keeping seniors safe, independent and thriving. The new site has articles, tips, a variety of products, and coaching for family caregivers. Elder Proof Home is a result of Mr. Schroeder's involvement with his elderly father. He (Schroeder) moved from Sedona, Az. to a suburb of Chicago to supervise his father's care almost four years ago. What he thought would be a 6-9 month commitment has turned into a much different outcome. Living in his father's townhouse, returning to sub-zero temperatures and dealing with the day-in and day-out stresses of being responsible for a 92-year old man with dementia, has been what Peter describes as a mixed blessing. When asked why he moved in with the senior Mr. Schroeder, Peter reports there was no other option. He saw a need and knew he could make "his father's day."
His Action: Take the high road. Recite the boy scout code and live like Davy Crockett.
Peter Schroeder makes a difference to a wide variety of people daily. He uses any avenue open to him to bring joy and kindness. He believes this to be his sacred mission.
You can reach Peter at pete@peteschroeder.com His books are available on Amazon and ElderProof Home
Some of his songs are on iTunes and others on www.peteschroeder.com He also has a variety of You Tube presentations, some are listed as A Man For All Seniors (Schroeder performs for seniors), others are listed as Peter Schroeder or PGS. Do yourself a favor and let him "make your day."
Peter Schroeder is a principle in the WOMCD movement.
Tuesday, September 21, 2010
Monday, September 20, 2010
40 in 40 Day #24
Day #24 Most of us know the power of positive thinking. How many of us believe the power truly exists, and use it to make positive thoughts a daily and hourly habit? For many adults, the response to the power of thought is a roll of the eyes or the words "it's merely a coincidence." Time seems to have worn some people's belief in their own power, or the power of the Universe, down or perhaps diluted their belief.
Mackenzie Saunders put her belief into action after a soccer accident in which she collided with another player. Her mother noticed Mackenzie bounced right back up, as usual, but within minutes, it was evident that something was wrong. Limping, Mackenzie complained that her legs were burning, and her mother noticed the unusual tears. Mackenzie was not a crier. Going to the ER, the little soccer player could not feel her toes, and her legs were in terrible pain. Tests revealed that she had fractured her tailbone and a vertebra in her lower back. Spinal cord injuries are serious and it is often impossible to predict long-term outcomes. Nobody could tell Mackenzie's mother if or when Mackenzie would walk again. No one, that is, but Mackenzie.
Pain was excruciating, yet the doctor stated that sometimes pain showed the possibility that nerves were healing, although it could also mean that her paralysis was spreading.
Mackenzie decided she would walk again. As the days stretched into weeks, and then a month, there was no relief. Painful therapy to exercise eleven-year old legs would lead into such a struggle for the little girl, that it brought tears to her mother's eyes. Mackenzie focused on what came after the therapy, for it helped her move through the pain. After the pain of daily therapy, came a time for visitors. Mackenzie enlisted all those who knew her in her vision of walking again. She went so far as to put a photo of herself in her soccer uniform with the words, Think positive, in all her thank you notes. When told to pick out her favorite color cane, Mackenzie Saunders declined any cane. "I will not be needing a cane." In time, Mackenzie's belief and determination had her walking on her own. Transformation from paralyzed legs to walking under her own volition would be enough for any child (or adult!) to accomplish. It was not enough for Mackenzie.
Returning to school, Mackenzie did not sign up for soccer but rather chose to enroll in speech. She had another vision, another belief. She would share her experience with others who needed hope. Returning to the hospital where she had learned how to come back from paralyzed limbs, she now traveled as a spokesperson to visit kids with injuries. TV brought her story to others who had lost hope, bringing them a light in a place of darkness. Mackenzie brought her belief and continues to bring her belief of hope to all who meet her.
Mackenzie Saunders, a real life hero at the age of eleven.
Her Action: When faced with a choice, she chose hope and determination.
See her story on you tube www.youtube.com/watch?v=kXGdiKu_f_M
Mackenzie Saunders put her belief into action after a soccer accident in which she collided with another player. Her mother noticed Mackenzie bounced right back up, as usual, but within minutes, it was evident that something was wrong. Limping, Mackenzie complained that her legs were burning, and her mother noticed the unusual tears. Mackenzie was not a crier. Going to the ER, the little soccer player could not feel her toes, and her legs were in terrible pain. Tests revealed that she had fractured her tailbone and a vertebra in her lower back. Spinal cord injuries are serious and it is often impossible to predict long-term outcomes. Nobody could tell Mackenzie's mother if or when Mackenzie would walk again. No one, that is, but Mackenzie.
Pain was excruciating, yet the doctor stated that sometimes pain showed the possibility that nerves were healing, although it could also mean that her paralysis was spreading.
Mackenzie decided she would walk again. As the days stretched into weeks, and then a month, there was no relief. Painful therapy to exercise eleven-year old legs would lead into such a struggle for the little girl, that it brought tears to her mother's eyes. Mackenzie focused on what came after the therapy, for it helped her move through the pain. After the pain of daily therapy, came a time for visitors. Mackenzie enlisted all those who knew her in her vision of walking again. She went so far as to put a photo of herself in her soccer uniform with the words, Think positive, in all her thank you notes. When told to pick out her favorite color cane, Mackenzie Saunders declined any cane. "I will not be needing a cane." In time, Mackenzie's belief and determination had her walking on her own. Transformation from paralyzed legs to walking under her own volition would be enough for any child (or adult!) to accomplish. It was not enough for Mackenzie.
Returning to school, Mackenzie did not sign up for soccer but rather chose to enroll in speech. She had another vision, another belief. She would share her experience with others who needed hope. Returning to the hospital where she had learned how to come back from paralyzed limbs, she now traveled as a spokesperson to visit kids with injuries. TV brought her story to others who had lost hope, bringing them a light in a place of darkness. Mackenzie brought her belief and continues to bring her belief of hope to all who meet her.
Mackenzie Saunders, a real life hero at the age of eleven.
Her Action: When faced with a choice, she chose hope and determination.
See her story on you tube www.youtube.com/watch?v=kXGdiKu_f_M
40 in 40 Day #23
Day #23 Divorce can be an upheaval in any person's life. Changes in finances, changes in housing, changes in friendships, changes in dreams for the future are only small parts of what happens when a marriage ends. Difficult at best for adults. Imagine the impact on a child.
Carolyn Ellis not only imagined the impact, she took steps to reduce this impact. Finding herself divorced and the mother of young children, Carolyn looked around and asked herself, "How can I be a single woman with children?" How could she deal with her own anger, her hurt and betrayal, and yet support the love between her children and their father? How could she deal with the overwhelming guilty thought that somehow she could not "fix it" for her children? What did she need to do to care for herself at a time in her life when all she really wanted was to stay in bed and cover her head? The questions prompted answers.
Carolyn is an intelligent woman who has been involved in the self-growth and transformation field for a number of years. She was wise enough to use a coach to assist her to find answers as she took the needed time to journal the inner wisdom that came to her as she questioned.
Eventually, she began to organize her wise and practical answers. Those answers would be translated into a book to help others. "The 7 Pitfalls of Single Parenting: What To Avoid To Help Your Children Thrive After Divorce," by Carolyn Ellis, was published in 2007. The book is a Best Books Award Winner (USA Book News) and an invaluable tool to assist divorced or divorcing parents during a time of upheaval and chaos. Had I read this book 25 years ago, I would have avoided a great deal of mistakes.
The book was actually a launching pad for Ms. Ellis, who has gone on to create a thriving business that helps individuals Thrive in a wide variety of life situations. Her techniques of Thrive can be viewed on her websites www.thriveafterdivorce.com and www..brilliancemastery.com
Her Action: Carolyn used her adverse situation to find answers for herself, and she then was prompted to share her answers with others. I also know her to be a woman of great self-discipline.
Please contact Carolyn Ellis through her websites and sign up for her newsletter. She offers classes and podcasts in addition to coaching.
Carolyn Ellis not only imagined the impact, she took steps to reduce this impact. Finding herself divorced and the mother of young children, Carolyn looked around and asked herself, "How can I be a single woman with children?" How could she deal with her own anger, her hurt and betrayal, and yet support the love between her children and their father? How could she deal with the overwhelming guilty thought that somehow she could not "fix it" for her children? What did she need to do to care for herself at a time in her life when all she really wanted was to stay in bed and cover her head? The questions prompted answers.
Carolyn is an intelligent woman who has been involved in the self-growth and transformation field for a number of years. She was wise enough to use a coach to assist her to find answers as she took the needed time to journal the inner wisdom that came to her as she questioned.
Eventually, she began to organize her wise and practical answers. Those answers would be translated into a book to help others. "The 7 Pitfalls of Single Parenting: What To Avoid To Help Your Children Thrive After Divorce," by Carolyn Ellis, was published in 2007. The book is a Best Books Award Winner (USA Book News) and an invaluable tool to assist divorced or divorcing parents during a time of upheaval and chaos. Had I read this book 25 years ago, I would have avoided a great deal of mistakes.
The book was actually a launching pad for Ms. Ellis, who has gone on to create a thriving business that helps individuals Thrive in a wide variety of life situations. Her techniques of Thrive can be viewed on her websites www.thriveafterdivorce.com and www..brilliancemastery.com
Her Action: Carolyn used her adverse situation to find answers for herself, and she then was prompted to share her answers with others. I also know her to be a woman of great self-discipline.
Please contact Carolyn Ellis through her websites and sign up for her newsletter. She offers classes and podcasts in addition to coaching.
40 in 40 Day #22
Day # 22 Have you heard of Geoffrey Canada? If you are poor, black and attend school in New York's Harlem Children's Zone, you would know Mr. Canada very well.
Geoffrey Canada grew up poor in the South Bronx. His parents divorced and Canada's father had little contact with his children and there was no support for the family. Mr. Canada has become a champion of the need for fathers to be involved in their children's lives. As a society, we have come to accept the disappearance of fathers and have forgotten or denied their vital role in the raising of children. Geoffrey Canada keeps us reminded.
Knowing first hand how unfair life can be, Geoffrey Canada does not and will not succumb. Receiving a Bachelor's Degree from Bowdoin College, Canada went on to receive a Master's Degree in Education from Harvard Graduate School of Education. Mr. Canada has used his degrees to help children whom he believes are born longing for something bigger.
Starting as president in 1990, Canada began working with the Rheedlen Centers for Children and Families which evolved into the Harlem Children's Zone. Unsatisfied with the scope of Rheedlen, Canada transformed the organization's makeup in the late 1990s into a center that would actively follow the academic careers of youths in a 24-block area of Harlem. The goal is to increase the high school and graduation rates of Harlem students, sometimes enrolling these children before birth. The Harlem Children's Zone has become a model for other programs in the country and expects to serve over 18,000 children by 2011. Tracking children from kindergarten through high school and beyond, Geoffrey Canada has shown what can happen when children are cared for by adults who believe in a child's promise, and work to bring that promise to the world.
Mr. Canada is the founder of The Harlem Children's Zone. This program is multi-faceted and addresses not only educational needs, but also social and health needs of the children who participate. Geoffrey Canada would love to replicate the success of this program in other cities. I would love to see him accomplish this goal.
His Action: He gives back. He sees a need, identifies with the longing, and gives back to the place from which he came.
In 2005, U.S. News and World Report named Geoffrey Canada one of it's Best Leaders.
To read more or contribute to this plan for the future go to http://www.hcz.org/
Geoffrey Canada grew up poor in the South Bronx. His parents divorced and Canada's father had little contact with his children and there was no support for the family. Mr. Canada has become a champion of the need for fathers to be involved in their children's lives. As a society, we have come to accept the disappearance of fathers and have forgotten or denied their vital role in the raising of children. Geoffrey Canada keeps us reminded.
Knowing first hand how unfair life can be, Geoffrey Canada does not and will not succumb. Receiving a Bachelor's Degree from Bowdoin College, Canada went on to receive a Master's Degree in Education from Harvard Graduate School of Education. Mr. Canada has used his degrees to help children whom he believes are born longing for something bigger.
Starting as president in 1990, Canada began working with the Rheedlen Centers for Children and Families which evolved into the Harlem Children's Zone. Unsatisfied with the scope of Rheedlen, Canada transformed the organization's makeup in the late 1990s into a center that would actively follow the academic careers of youths in a 24-block area of Harlem. The goal is to increase the high school and graduation rates of Harlem students, sometimes enrolling these children before birth. The Harlem Children's Zone has become a model for other programs in the country and expects to serve over 18,000 children by 2011. Tracking children from kindergarten through high school and beyond, Geoffrey Canada has shown what can happen when children are cared for by adults who believe in a child's promise, and work to bring that promise to the world.
Mr. Canada is the founder of The Harlem Children's Zone. This program is multi-faceted and addresses not only educational needs, but also social and health needs of the children who participate. Geoffrey Canada would love to replicate the success of this program in other cities. I would love to see him accomplish this goal.
His Action: He gives back. He sees a need, identifies with the longing, and gives back to the place from which he came.
In 2005, U.S. News and World Report named Geoffrey Canada one of it's Best Leaders.
To read more or contribute to this plan for the future go to http://www.hcz.org/
Tuesday, September 14, 2010
40 in 40 Day #21
Day #21 Joumana Rizk is a woman who giggles when you compliment her, praise her or list her large body of work and accomplishments. She is humble in certain arenas and yet her passion has been the theater. As a child she would create plays and when she was sent to school she would organize the other students and Joumana would become the Theater Director. The school she attended had no formal department for drama so Joumana did what she does best, she created the structure to assure there would be productions. Little did she know that she was in training to produce worldwide events as an adult.
Ms. Rizk was born in Lebanon amid the conflict of the country and the conflict of her family. As a child she noticed the philanthropic work that her mother took part in and paid close attention to the work her father was creating, the infrastructure of their country. Both parent's interests and skills would come together in Joumana, shaping her life path and great ability to develop programs that make a huge difference in the world.
At the age of 14, Joumana was moved to the United States with her parents. Guilt would surface years later when Joumana thought about her homeland and what she had left behind when she departed Lebanon. This led her to take her skills she had developed through her training with Debbie Ford (see entry #2) back to Lebanon to lead the first Shadow Process in that country. Joumana has led workshops that explore the shadow in New York and Lebanon. Her dedication to peace and conflict resolution was born, according to her, from the conflict she saw around her as she grew. She knew there was a better way and when her frustration with her career in the theater led her to the work of Debbie Ford, she had a spiritual awakening that continues to this day.
Not one to take the middle road, Joumana Rizk went from an avowed atheist to becoming a representative of Amma (NGO M.A. Math) at the United Nations. Amma is a Hindu religious leader who some believe to be a present-day saint. Joumana has taken her role seriously as she embraces the teachings of this very holy woman.
Continually striving to bring peace to the chaos of the world and the individual, Joumana has recently launched Peacelights, an organization dedicated to changing cultural shadows through personal transformation, arts and media projects, and leadership development. Her list of achievements and involvement in charitable events, organizations and development is extensive. She will not tell you all that she does unless she feels she can somehow help you. Joumana Rizk embodies the aspects of WOMCD. She dreams, loves and changes her world to make it work again. Her actions result in a better place for each of us. Now and in the future.
Action Taken: Action and movement is what this gifted woman carries into every area of her life.
You may reach Joumana at info@peacelights.org Peacelights is currently planning two great events for Peace Day, which is September 21st. They are looking for individuals who would like to take the word of peace to the streets on the 21st (or any day:).
Ms. Rizk was born in Lebanon amid the conflict of the country and the conflict of her family. As a child she noticed the philanthropic work that her mother took part in and paid close attention to the work her father was creating, the infrastructure of their country. Both parent's interests and skills would come together in Joumana, shaping her life path and great ability to develop programs that make a huge difference in the world.
At the age of 14, Joumana was moved to the United States with her parents. Guilt would surface years later when Joumana thought about her homeland and what she had left behind when she departed Lebanon. This led her to take her skills she had developed through her training with Debbie Ford (see entry #2) back to Lebanon to lead the first Shadow Process in that country. Joumana has led workshops that explore the shadow in New York and Lebanon. Her dedication to peace and conflict resolution was born, according to her, from the conflict she saw around her as she grew. She knew there was a better way and when her frustration with her career in the theater led her to the work of Debbie Ford, she had a spiritual awakening that continues to this day.
Not one to take the middle road, Joumana Rizk went from an avowed atheist to becoming a representative of Amma (NGO M.A. Math) at the United Nations. Amma is a Hindu religious leader who some believe to be a present-day saint. Joumana has taken her role seriously as she embraces the teachings of this very holy woman.
Continually striving to bring peace to the chaos of the world and the individual, Joumana has recently launched Peacelights, an organization dedicated to changing cultural shadows through personal transformation, arts and media projects, and leadership development. Her list of achievements and involvement in charitable events, organizations and development is extensive. She will not tell you all that she does unless she feels she can somehow help you. Joumana Rizk embodies the aspects of WOMCD. She dreams, loves and changes her world to make it work again. Her actions result in a better place for each of us. Now and in the future.
Action Taken: Action and movement is what this gifted woman carries into every area of her life.
You may reach Joumana at info@peacelights.org Peacelights is currently planning two great events for Peace Day, which is September 21st. They are looking for individuals who would like to take the word of peace to the streets on the 21st (or any day:).
Monday, September 13, 2010
40 in 40 Day #20
Day #20 I am half way through my 40 in 40. As with almost everything in my life I have learned more than I have taught. I imagine by day 40 I will learn even more. I love that about life. As humans we think we will teach or give or share and the person who really gets taught, the person who really receives, the person who really benefits from the sharing, is the person who initiated the process. Very cool, Universe. I like how you do things:)
At this half way point, I am dedicating this day to those of you who are waiting in the wings to share, to teach, to give, to contribute. You are making a difference.
You are making a difference to the classroom waiting for a man filled with passion to share his knowledge of the civil war with them. They will learn about the Civil War (or Math or Shakespeare or Botany, etc) but will they get the spark? Will it come to life for this classroom who is waiting to come to life? You are making a difference to the young woman walking the baby carriage back and forth, day in and day out, waiting for someone to say "Hello" or to invite her to have coffee and to guide her in the ways of parenting or to listen to her frustration. She will release those frustrations (maybe on the baby, maybe by having a few too many glasses of wine) but frustrations get released and loneliness is solved, not always in ways that benefit the lonely, but it is solved. Do you believe you may be saving a life, shaping a life by inviting someone to coffee? I know first hand that you are. You are making a difference when you vote. You are making a difference when you smile. You are making a difference when you call. You are making a difference. You always make a difference. Always. If you lay on your couch, watch soap operas, smoke crack and never leave your apartment you are making a difference.
My question on Day #20 is what type of difference do you want to make? What would you like to learn? What would you like to have someone share with you? What would you like someone to give you? That is the difference you may choose to make or not. You get to decide.
Action Taken: Ability to decide
At this half way point, I am dedicating this day to those of you who are waiting in the wings to share, to teach, to give, to contribute. You are making a difference.
You are making a difference to the classroom waiting for a man filled with passion to share his knowledge of the civil war with them. They will learn about the Civil War (or Math or Shakespeare or Botany, etc) but will they get the spark? Will it come to life for this classroom who is waiting to come to life? You are making a difference to the young woman walking the baby carriage back and forth, day in and day out, waiting for someone to say "Hello" or to invite her to have coffee and to guide her in the ways of parenting or to listen to her frustration. She will release those frustrations (maybe on the baby, maybe by having a few too many glasses of wine) but frustrations get released and loneliness is solved, not always in ways that benefit the lonely, but it is solved. Do you believe you may be saving a life, shaping a life by inviting someone to coffee? I know first hand that you are. You are making a difference when you vote. You are making a difference when you smile. You are making a difference when you call. You are making a difference. You always make a difference. Always. If you lay on your couch, watch soap operas, smoke crack and never leave your apartment you are making a difference.
My question on Day #20 is what type of difference do you want to make? What would you like to learn? What would you like to have someone share with you? What would you like someone to give you? That is the difference you may choose to make or not. You get to decide.
Action Taken: Ability to decide
40 in 40 Day #19
Day #19 I get lost. If I have been to a particular address several times I can still get lost driving there. I especially get lost as I return home. MapQuest was a help when it came out but often I still got lost. I have accepted this fact and for years depended on the kindness of strangers as I would stop and ask how to get where I wanted to go. People are very kind and I quickly learned that people will often tell you what they believe to be the correct directions, so you can be happy and not in a panic. Often, I was given incorrect directions and became lost and had to stop and ask again. My car has several maps. I like maps unless I am trying to determine where I am and where I am going. I do not like to unfold and try to refold maps and I truly detest those F2 or D3 attempts at showing you where you are or where your Dr. office may be hiding on the map.
What does my getting lost and not knowing directions have to do with making a difference? GPS. I was recently given a GPS as a gift. It may be the best gift I have ever been given. My husband and I attempt to never buy any product that has a manual. Our GPS came with a manual, so it sat on the dining room table for almost a month before we worked up our courage to have my husband set it up as operational. He claims it was easy to set up. It is a breeze to use! It has changed my life and I am guessing the lives of others such as myself who are directionally challenged.
I went to Answers.com and asked, "Who invented the GPS?" Here is the answer.
Roger Easton was a collaberating individual among a group of individuals including Ivan Getting, Colonel Brad Parkinson, James Buisson, Thomas McCaskill, Don Lynch, Charles A. Bartholomew and Randolph Zirn.
As is the case with many "inventions," there were numerous parallel efforts, and many committees involved. Approximately $12 billion was spent to develop the program, and along the way compromise was necessary to maintain funding controlled by politicians with an agenda.
Do you wonder what type of compromise and why? What type of agenda? Were there politicians who wanted their favorite restaurants included or a special language or did they want it named for their district or state? Did they want a "free" GPS for their car? Most people surveyed had no idea what type of agenda the politicians would have had.. Do you know? Do you have a theory? If you do, let me know.
My GPS is wonderful and I am in deep gratitude to those brilliant men,women and politicians who have made it available. A feature I especially love is the "recalculating" feature. Perhaps that was an agenda item. For those without a GPS, recalculating is what the non-judgmental voice says when you miss a turn or turn in the opposite direction of where you were directed to turn. I wish I could have have had that voice in my head, in that particular undramatic tone throughout my life. For example when I discovered my husband (now ex) was "involved" with a friend, I could have said, "Recalculating." I could have said that word when I discovered where my teenagers really were, or when I found myself once again in a job I thought I wanted and really hated. Recalculating, said in a very non-dramatic, unjudgmental almost soothing way. Just get back on the path and continue in the correct direction. No need to sit on the side of the road and weep and scream and downgrade others, just, "Recalculating." That GPS, she is a very centered being.
I had the thought that perhaps God may be like my GPS. He/She sees where I am to go, gives me the directions to get there and then, I take a wrong turn. God does not leave or call me names. Just, "Recalculating." Somehow or somewhere I get back on the path that is my life and then there I go again, turning left not right, thinking I know the way or thinking maybe I am at my destination. I think if I were God (or a GPS) I might say, "Are you stupid!? I have given you this direction a dozen different ways and times and I am done, done, done with recalculating for you!" I would say that. Not God, not my GPS. They just stay right there with me, patiently saying, "Recalculating" and waiting for me to catch on. Is it weird to aspire to be like a GPS?
Action Taken: Listen and follow directions:)
To get a GPS go to a store or get great friends like Father Mike and Mary Ann. They will give you one.
What does my getting lost and not knowing directions have to do with making a difference? GPS. I was recently given a GPS as a gift. It may be the best gift I have ever been given. My husband and I attempt to never buy any product that has a manual. Our GPS came with a manual, so it sat on the dining room table for almost a month before we worked up our courage to have my husband set it up as operational. He claims it was easy to set up. It is a breeze to use! It has changed my life and I am guessing the lives of others such as myself who are directionally challenged.
I went to Answers.com and asked, "Who invented the GPS?" Here is the answer.
Roger Easton was a collaberating individual among a group of individuals including Ivan Getting, Colonel Brad Parkinson, James Buisson, Thomas McCaskill, Don Lynch, Charles A. Bartholomew and Randolph Zirn.
As is the case with many "inventions," there were numerous parallel efforts, and many committees involved. Approximately $12 billion was spent to develop the program, and along the way compromise was necessary to maintain funding controlled by politicians with an agenda.
Do you wonder what type of compromise and why? What type of agenda? Were there politicians who wanted their favorite restaurants included or a special language or did they want it named for their district or state? Did they want a "free" GPS for their car? Most people surveyed had no idea what type of agenda the politicians would have had.. Do you know? Do you have a theory? If you do, let me know.
My GPS is wonderful and I am in deep gratitude to those brilliant men,women and politicians who have made it available. A feature I especially love is the "recalculating" feature. Perhaps that was an agenda item. For those without a GPS, recalculating is what the non-judgmental voice says when you miss a turn or turn in the opposite direction of where you were directed to turn. I wish I could have have had that voice in my head, in that particular undramatic tone throughout my life. For example when I discovered my husband (now ex) was "involved" with a friend, I could have said, "Recalculating." I could have said that word when I discovered where my teenagers really were, or when I found myself once again in a job I thought I wanted and really hated. Recalculating, said in a very non-dramatic, unjudgmental almost soothing way. Just get back on the path and continue in the correct direction. No need to sit on the side of the road and weep and scream and downgrade others, just, "Recalculating." That GPS, she is a very centered being.
I had the thought that perhaps God may be like my GPS. He/She sees where I am to go, gives me the directions to get there and then, I take a wrong turn. God does not leave or call me names. Just, "Recalculating." Somehow or somewhere I get back on the path that is my life and then there I go again, turning left not right, thinking I know the way or thinking maybe I am at my destination. I think if I were God (or a GPS) I might say, "Are you stupid!? I have given you this direction a dozen different ways and times and I am done, done, done with recalculating for you!" I would say that. Not God, not my GPS. They just stay right there with me, patiently saying, "Recalculating" and waiting for me to catch on. Is it weird to aspire to be like a GPS?
Action Taken: Listen and follow directions:)
To get a GPS go to a store or get great friends like Father Mike and Mary Ann. They will give you one.
40 in 40 Day #18
Day #18 Day # 18 in the 40 in 40 line up was September 11th. As you know I was with Victoria Caras. Peter Schroeder, a man who makes a difference daily and a partner in What One Man Can Do wrote the following and posted it to our facebook page (http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=326600162453&ref=ts. I could not have written anything more succinct.
9.11 reminds me that we can do astounding things. We can make such differences that life on this planet, as we know it, is never the same. And just as crucial, we can make a change in our relationship, family, community or city that has a profound impact on all it touches. Remember, each action we take, each word we say, has consequences, and lasting ramifications - a long shelf-life. And it is always OUR CHOICE! Today of all days, take a good look at what one man can do - in the name of creation or the name of destruction. Just as a child can build a house with Legos, a child can knock it down. Just as an adult can adopt a child, raise a child and love a child, an adult can abuse a child, and scar a child. This 9.11, you are invited to choose to create, choose to love. Please don't choose to destroy or abuse. And almost as bad, please don't choose to do nothing. Instead, make this a beautiful day for yourself and someone else.
Action Taken: Choice. What do you choose?
You can respond to this or post your own thoughts here or on our facebook page;
http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=326600162453&ref=ts
9.11 reminds me that we can do astounding things. We can make such differences that life on this planet, as we know it, is never the same. And just as crucial, we can make a change in our relationship, family, community or city that has a profound impact on all it touches. Remember, each action we take, each word we say, has consequences, and lasting ramifications - a long shelf-life. And it is always OUR CHOICE! Today of all days, take a good look at what one man can do - in the name of creation or the name of destruction. Just as a child can build a house with Legos, a child can knock it down. Just as an adult can adopt a child, raise a child and love a child, an adult can abuse a child, and scar a child. This 9.11, you are invited to choose to create, choose to love. Please don't choose to destroy or abuse. And almost as bad, please don't choose to do nothing. Instead, make this a beautiful day for yourself and someone else.
Action Taken: Choice. What do you choose?
You can respond to this or post your own thoughts here or on our facebook page;
http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=326600162453&ref=ts
40 in 40 Day #17
Day #17 Wow! I just spent time with an amazing woman. Victoria Caras is a woman who is my hero. She fights for people who have medical bills they can not decipher, and the insurance companies are not paying. Victoria fights for the "little guy" in a world overrun with papers and sub-headings and part A and Part B and loopholes. Ms. Caras fights for those of us who are intimidated when we see the return address on an envelope stating it is from a hospital or an insurance agency. Victoria is my hero.
Victoria is the reason I have not written in several days. I met Victoria in Aspen, Colorado last year. My good friend and partner in What One Man Can Do, Donna Lipman, was in Aspen receiving the John Denver Spirit award in her husband's name. My husband and I were there to support Donna. Her husband, Terry Lipman, had been a dear friend who had died suddenly in 2009, and we we also wanted to honor his accomplishment. It was a great weekend and I met several people who are making a difference in the world.
One of them was Victoria Caras. We quickly connected and have spent time emailing, phoning and I spent a day with her in Denver after a seminar and she came to Chicago this weekend to spend time here.
Victoria Caras has lived in New York and San Francisco. She graduated from Columbia with a law degree and has always been involved in helping those less fortunate. As I spoke with her to get a sense of when she felt called to give back, to contribute, she was very matter of fact. (Victoria is a very matter of fact type of woman.) "It is the right thing to do. You give back; it is what you are to do." This was her answer when I asked what has propelled her all these years. As a freshman in high school, Victoria organized a group of teens that helped younger children. It was called T.A.S.K. - Teen Agers Serving Kids. When I asked her why she did this, she shrugged her shoulders and said,"It's what you do." No, it is not what one does, at least not always.
There was a reason that Victoria began Aspen Medical Billing Advocates. Within a very short amount of time, Victoria Caras' world came crashing down. Her ex canceled her insurance, she discovered she had cancer, and she had a major skiing accident. The bills were astronomical. One thing you notice about Victoria within the first five minutes of meeting her is her resolve. She made the decision to not allow these major setbacks to stop her. She made calls, she wrote letters, she did Google search after Google search to find less expensive alternatives that would be effective. She researched prescription drugs and the various costs. She triumphed.
She not only healed, but her path became crystallized. If she could do this for herself, she could do this for others. Victoria Caras is not intimidated when she sees the return address on the envelope is from a hospital or insurance agency.
She is saving lives. One of her clients, after developing cancer, wanted the very best treatment and a particular hospital was chosen. Unfortunately, this particular hospital (the very best for his type of cancer) did not take his insurance. Enter Ms. Caras. She negotiated a very win/win solution and the man is alive today and his hospital bill is paid. Aspen Medical Billing Advocates are truly advocates. Victoria Caras is truly a woman who makes a difference.
Action she took: Victoria sees giving as what everyone is to do. She does not see it as heroic or amazing or dramatic. She sees it as an "Of course!"
You can reach my hero at Info@AspenBillingAdvocates.com
Victoria is the reason I have not written in several days. I met Victoria in Aspen, Colorado last year. My good friend and partner in What One Man Can Do, Donna Lipman, was in Aspen receiving the John Denver Spirit award in her husband's name. My husband and I were there to support Donna. Her husband, Terry Lipman, had been a dear friend who had died suddenly in 2009, and we we also wanted to honor his accomplishment. It was a great weekend and I met several people who are making a difference in the world.
One of them was Victoria Caras. We quickly connected and have spent time emailing, phoning and I spent a day with her in Denver after a seminar and she came to Chicago this weekend to spend time here.
Victoria Caras has lived in New York and San Francisco. She graduated from Columbia with a law degree and has always been involved in helping those less fortunate. As I spoke with her to get a sense of when she felt called to give back, to contribute, she was very matter of fact. (Victoria is a very matter of fact type of woman.) "It is the right thing to do. You give back; it is what you are to do." This was her answer when I asked what has propelled her all these years. As a freshman in high school, Victoria organized a group of teens that helped younger children. It was called T.A.S.K. - Teen Agers Serving Kids. When I asked her why she did this, she shrugged her shoulders and said,"It's what you do." No, it is not what one does, at least not always.
There was a reason that Victoria began Aspen Medical Billing Advocates. Within a very short amount of time, Victoria Caras' world came crashing down. Her ex canceled her insurance, she discovered she had cancer, and she had a major skiing accident. The bills were astronomical. One thing you notice about Victoria within the first five minutes of meeting her is her resolve. She made the decision to not allow these major setbacks to stop her. She made calls, she wrote letters, she did Google search after Google search to find less expensive alternatives that would be effective. She researched prescription drugs and the various costs. She triumphed.
She not only healed, but her path became crystallized. If she could do this for herself, she could do this for others. Victoria Caras is not intimidated when she sees the return address on the envelope is from a hospital or insurance agency.
She is saving lives. One of her clients, after developing cancer, wanted the very best treatment and a particular hospital was chosen. Unfortunately, this particular hospital (the very best for his type of cancer) did not take his insurance. Enter Ms. Caras. She negotiated a very win/win solution and the man is alive today and his hospital bill is paid. Aspen Medical Billing Advocates are truly advocates. Victoria Caras is truly a woman who makes a difference.
Action she took: Victoria sees giving as what everyone is to do. She does not see it as heroic or amazing or dramatic. She sees it as an "Of course!"
You can reach my hero at Info@AspenBillingAdvocates.com
Thursday, September 9, 2010
40 in 40 Day #16
Day #16 As a child I loved watching "The Adventures of Ozzie and Harriot". Sara Buckner (O'Meara) and Yvonne Lime (Fedderson) were two young girls that would play the girlfriends of Ricky and David from time to time. They thought their life path was to one of acting, awards, parties and perhaps a movie they could star in. Life had another plan.
In 1959 they went to Japan on a goodwill mission for the United States. As they were walking the streets of Tokyo the young women came across eleven orphaned children living on the streets. The children were half Japanese and half American. Sara and Yvonne did not give the children money or take them to a local diner, they took all eleven children back to their hotel room, cleaned them up, fed them and got ready to take the small group to an orphanage in the morning. Life had just stepped in to show Buckner and Lime what their true life path was to become. The children were turned away from all orphanages due to their mixed race. Now what?
A woman in Japan, Kin Horvehig, would take all eleven children into her one room hut if the young women would promise to send money to care for the orphans. An agreement was reached. Word spread quickly and 100 mixed race children were dropped at the hut, all needing care. An awesome task for a seasoned veteran of non for profit but Sara and Yvonne knew nothing about orphanages, fund raising or regulations. They still said yes. Their hearts would only allow them to jump in and help. International Orphans Inc. was soon founded and eventually four orphanages were built.
In 1969 the US government again called upon the two women to help set up orphanages in Vietnam to care for the many children abandoned from the union of Americans and Vietnamese. Once it was time to pull out of Vietnam (1975)Sara and Yvonne organized and helped arrange Operation Baby Lift bringing a thousand babies back to the U.S. ready to be received by parents eager to adopt the children. An awesome accomplishment benefiting generations, but the path that life had laid out for the big hearted women was still not at an end.
A part of the fund raising that Sara and Yvonne did involved a great deal of speaking to large groups. After a speech they gave about The International Orphans, Inc. Nancy Reagan approached the pair. Mrs. Reagan asked Sara and Yvonne to turn their attention (and passions) towards the nations best kept secret, child abuse. Child abuse was the leading cause of death in young children (it continues to be the leading cause of death for young children). The two women immediately took up this important cause and in 1976 The International Orphans, Inc. name was officially changed to Children's Village USA. Today the organization is better known as Child Help.
Child Help became the life long mission for Sara and Yvonne who are still active in heading this wide reaching charity. They were able to produce the first film ("A Time to Love") that showed the damages and secrecy of child abuse. In 1982, they created a nation wide help line, 1.800.4.A. CHILD where suspected abuse could be reported anonymously and help given to those on the verge of harming a child. The line is manned 24/7. This charity utilizes 91 cents of every dollar collected, very little is used for overhead. Today Child Help has the hot line, residential treatment facilities, and advocacy centers throughout the U.S.
The two young women, who thought they would become actresses, have been nominated for The Nobel Prize in 2005, 2006 and 2007. Life had a different path for these ladies and luckily they took the path less traveled.
Their Action: They saw a need and acted immediately. They acted from their heart and then used their head. They did what it took to help.
For more information on this dynamic duo and to see what you could do to help or to gain additional information on child abuse please go to www.childhelp.org and when you get a chance hug your boy or girl.
In 1959 they went to Japan on a goodwill mission for the United States. As they were walking the streets of Tokyo the young women came across eleven orphaned children living on the streets. The children were half Japanese and half American. Sara and Yvonne did not give the children money or take them to a local diner, they took all eleven children back to their hotel room, cleaned them up, fed them and got ready to take the small group to an orphanage in the morning. Life had just stepped in to show Buckner and Lime what their true life path was to become. The children were turned away from all orphanages due to their mixed race. Now what?
A woman in Japan, Kin Horvehig, would take all eleven children into her one room hut if the young women would promise to send money to care for the orphans. An agreement was reached. Word spread quickly and 100 mixed race children were dropped at the hut, all needing care. An awesome task for a seasoned veteran of non for profit but Sara and Yvonne knew nothing about orphanages, fund raising or regulations. They still said yes. Their hearts would only allow them to jump in and help. International Orphans Inc. was soon founded and eventually four orphanages were built.
In 1969 the US government again called upon the two women to help set up orphanages in Vietnam to care for the many children abandoned from the union of Americans and Vietnamese. Once it was time to pull out of Vietnam (1975)Sara and Yvonne organized and helped arrange Operation Baby Lift bringing a thousand babies back to the U.S. ready to be received by parents eager to adopt the children. An awesome accomplishment benefiting generations, but the path that life had laid out for the big hearted women was still not at an end.
A part of the fund raising that Sara and Yvonne did involved a great deal of speaking to large groups. After a speech they gave about The International Orphans, Inc. Nancy Reagan approached the pair. Mrs. Reagan asked Sara and Yvonne to turn their attention (and passions) towards the nations best kept secret, child abuse. Child abuse was the leading cause of death in young children (it continues to be the leading cause of death for young children). The two women immediately took up this important cause and in 1976 The International Orphans, Inc. name was officially changed to Children's Village USA. Today the organization is better known as Child Help.
Child Help became the life long mission for Sara and Yvonne who are still active in heading this wide reaching charity. They were able to produce the first film ("A Time to Love") that showed the damages and secrecy of child abuse. In 1982, they created a nation wide help line, 1.800.4.A. CHILD where suspected abuse could be reported anonymously and help given to those on the verge of harming a child. The line is manned 24/7. This charity utilizes 91 cents of every dollar collected, very little is used for overhead. Today Child Help has the hot line, residential treatment facilities, and advocacy centers throughout the U.S.
The two young women, who thought they would become actresses, have been nominated for The Nobel Prize in 2005, 2006 and 2007. Life had a different path for these ladies and luckily they took the path less traveled.
Their Action: They saw a need and acted immediately. They acted from their heart and then used their head. They did what it took to help.
For more information on this dynamic duo and to see what you could do to help or to gain additional information on child abuse please go to www.childhelp.org and when you get a chance hug your boy or girl.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
By Dennis Ducey August 17, 1999
Dedicated to the memory of John Denver.
...Once there was a bright and shining Star
who’s voice and words filled my days with joy ---
and whose deeds set an example to guide my way ---
I heard him singing, Songs for all Lovers
Songs that expressed my deepest love - for my lady ---
As if he had looked into - my soul,
and wrote them just for me ---
and I knew that millions felt the same ---
I heard him Singing - Songs for all children,
Songs to End Hunger
Songs to End W-a-r ----
and they touched my soul ----
I heard him Singing - Songs for the Mountains,
Songs for the Rivers,
the Flowers,
and the Trees ----
and they filled my heart with hope and joy ----
I heard him Singing with the voice of an Angle
of his Love for You and for Me -----
and it brought tears to my eyes ---
And now I feel my heart is breaking, there’s an emptiness in side ---
I fear the Light that Brightened my days will shine no more ---
that voice that seem to come from within me ---
that expressed the things I couldn’t find the words to say ---
With the voice of an angle he gave words to my deepest feelings,
words I could not find or express, he expressed with such beauty,
and clarity they spoke directly to my soul -----
He became - - the voice of my soul ------
Oh I know his music lives on and often brightens my days ----
but I never know when his songs will bring tears to my eyes,
or a sense of loss that threatens to overwhelm me ----
And when I think, the emptiness inside me, is more than I can bare ---
I turn to the Mountains and look for there;
I search for him there in the flight of an Eagle,
or the sight of wild horses running free ----
And I hear him singing in the forest, as the wind whispers through the trees
He’s telling us - All that live here - where born to be free ----
I hear him Singing in sounds of the river,
Singing - I want to run Free ------
I hear him Singing in the Cry of an Eagle,
telling us to Be All That We Can Be ----
to stand up for our Mother the Earth,
for the Children, -- to End Hunger, -- to End War ----
and when we do He will be standing there beside us ----
And with a tear in my eye I KNOW he is HERE within YOU, within ME --
And I know the light he has brought into our lives need not go out,
for he has passed the torch to You --- and to Me,
In his songs and his deeds he has shown us the path to a Brighter World ---
Embrace one or more of the causes he worked for, with all your heart and soul,
In your hart you know what to do, find the courage to take a dedicated stand,
and let the knowledge that you can make a difference, brighten your day ---
And if all of that Love him stand up and do one thing to make the world a better
place ---
------- We will surly create a Glow that will light the world. -------