Day # 8 For those of you (especially you , Peter Schroeder) who notice such things, you will see that I have two entries on the same day, despite calling them Day 7 and Day 8. Today, August 31, 2010 is Day #8. Yesterday, the real Day #7 I fell asleep before I wrote and woke up at 4:20 a.m. on Day #8 thinking, "Oh no! I did not blog last night!" It was a fear I had when I took this challenge of writing daily for 40 days. What if I forgot a day, what if my computer would not function, what if I could not find anyone to write about, etc. A lot of what ifs and now "it" has happened and here I am telling the world (at least I hope the world will one day read this) that by day seven I screwed up. I promise you, there will be 40 entries. I am finding individuals, animals, cities and more that are making a difference and I am loving the positive way I feel after I write about them.
Kristie Rimmele was part of Corporate America when she found herself going into labour with her second child after only 25 weeks of pregnancy. Not good. She was immediately put on bed rest to delay that little boy from being born too soon. During the 10 weeks that Kristie had in bed she made God a promise, "Let the baby be born, let him live and Kristie would help people."
As a child growing up in rural America, Kristie knew she would grow up and make something of her life. She knew deep down that she would do something big. That knowing got buried in Corporate America but resurfaced during a very trying time.
The baby was born. Healthy and weighing in at an impressive 5 pounds, 14 ounces Kristie had managed to get to 35 weeks before her baby boy demanded to be seen. Home the new mom went, Kristie had quit her job and was now going to be a mom at home. Never one to hang out and watch daytime TV, Kristie taught herself HTML (the language to build web sites) and created a web site based on her rich genealogy. A sister-in-law seeing the site asked Ms. Rimmele to build a site for her. This was back in 1998 when few people were web designers and word spread quickly. Kristie found herself working at home building web sites.Deciding this would be a great way to be a stay at home mom with an income, Kristie used her experience as a Director of Marketing to promote herself and her business. Eventually the Gurnee Sun did a seven page spread on Kristie Rimmele and moms began to call and write. "How did she do it? How did she set up a business at home? How could they do it?" Then Kristie said she heard God say, "You should write a book." A woman of her word, Kristie remembered her promise from when she was trying to save her baby and she began the long work of writing a book for moms who wanted to work at home."I LOVE MY LIFE: A Mom's Guide to Working from Home" (By Kristie Tamsevicius) was born.
Now there was a book for moms but was that enough? Kriste thought of how many moms still had questions and she started (along with Michelle Floyd) www.webmomz.com
The list of what this amazing woman has done and continues to do is inspiring and makes me wish there had been a Kristie Rimmele around when I was a stay at home mom wishing to stay that way as I also started a business.
Her Action: She made a decision to follow her heart and live on purpose. She had a heartfelt desire to make a difference from the time she was a child and she took steps to make the dream a reality.
Kristie may be reached at: http://www.kristiet.com/
Tuesday, August 31, 2010
40 in 40 Day #7
Day #7 Dafna Michaelson was 14 years old when she made the decision to not complain unless she was willing to take the action to change what she complained about. I would call that, "Shut up or put up."
It was no accident when Ms. Michaelson focused her career in the area of non-profits. She began to change her world and luckily our world. Her life may have continued along this path except for a chance question we are all asked, "What would you do if you won the lottery?" How many times have you been asked that question or asked the question of yourself? Boats, travel, college funds and more are the typical answers. Dafna Michaelson is not typical, nor was her answer. She told her boyfriend (now fiance) that she would go from state to state, interview the mayors of small towns and big cities and find out what positive action was being taking to improve the world.
This spontaneous answer opened the dream. What if this divorced mother did actually travel to all 50 states collect stories of renewal, growth, and then somehow publish these stories. Dafna also realized she wanted to meet the people who were solving problems, not talk to politicians and policy makers. "The 50 in 52 Journey" was launched. This young mother would trek across all 50 states in 52 weeks while still caring for her child. She would bring back stories to combat the nightly news of doom and gloom. She would make her dream a reality and all would win.
When fund raising and grants brought a trickle of cash to support this magnificent dream, Dafna Michaelson cashed in a small 401K to fund her endeavor. She set out to find the America she believed still existed, an America of individuals who solve problems, not create them. Dafna Michaelson found them, over 300 of them, and she recorded their stories for all to see and hear. You can view these stories, read more about the vision Ms. Michaelson holds and see her most current projects at http://www.50in52journey.com/
Dafna Michaelson is a young woman with a huge vision. Her heart was ignited by the simple question, "What would you do if you won the lottery?" Her dream became a reality when the dream became a must, with or without the lottery. What is your dream?
Action Taken: Dafna Michaelson acted. She made a plan, did research. She took a dream and made a reality. She asked the question, "If not me, then who?" http://www.50in52journey.com/
It was no accident when Ms. Michaelson focused her career in the area of non-profits. She began to change her world and luckily our world. Her life may have continued along this path except for a chance question we are all asked, "What would you do if you won the lottery?" How many times have you been asked that question or asked the question of yourself? Boats, travel, college funds and more are the typical answers. Dafna Michaelson is not typical, nor was her answer. She told her boyfriend (now fiance) that she would go from state to state, interview the mayors of small towns and big cities and find out what positive action was being taking to improve the world.
This spontaneous answer opened the dream. What if this divorced mother did actually travel to all 50 states collect stories of renewal, growth, and then somehow publish these stories. Dafna also realized she wanted to meet the people who were solving problems, not talk to politicians and policy makers. "The 50 in 52 Journey" was launched. This young mother would trek across all 50 states in 52 weeks while still caring for her child. She would bring back stories to combat the nightly news of doom and gloom. She would make her dream a reality and all would win.
When fund raising and grants brought a trickle of cash to support this magnificent dream, Dafna Michaelson cashed in a small 401K to fund her endeavor. She set out to find the America she believed still existed, an America of individuals who solve problems, not create them. Dafna Michaelson found them, over 300 of them, and she recorded their stories for all to see and hear. You can view these stories, read more about the vision Ms. Michaelson holds and see her most current projects at http://www.50in52journey.com/
Dafna Michaelson is a young woman with a huge vision. Her heart was ignited by the simple question, "What would you do if you won the lottery?" Her dream became a reality when the dream became a must, with or without the lottery. What is your dream?
Action Taken: Dafna Michaelson acted. She made a plan, did research. She took a dream and made a reality. She asked the question, "If not me, then who?" http://www.50in52journey.com/
Monday, August 30, 2010
Send us your stories!
We are extremely dedicated to spread the word that there are ordinary people doing extraordinary things. And I bet you know several, at least. If you would, please tell us about someone you know (maybe you!) who has observed something taking place that "has to stop," or not taking place that "has to change." Either way, that person took action to make sure the past would not continue as is.
These are exactly the stories we are looking to publish, and exactly the people we want to acknowledge. We seldom hear about them in the media, so who better to broadcast their accomplishments than WOMCD. Send them to anne@womcd.com
Please format your stories as follows:
1) Introduce the person (brief background as to how it prompts their action)
2) The situation they observed
3) The action they took
4) The effects of their action (the change they created).
These are exactly the stories we are looking to publish, and exactly the people we want to acknowledge. We seldom hear about them in the media, so who better to broadcast their accomplishments than WOMCD. Send them to anne@womcd.com
Please format your stories as follows:
1) Introduce the person (brief background as to how it prompts their action)
2) The situation they observed
3) The action they took
4) The effects of their action (the change they created).
Sunday, August 29, 2010
40 in 40 Day #6
Day #6 What One Man Can Do is change the world and make it new again. Words to the song that have inspired this movement and words that some people take to heart and act on.
Day # 6 is August 29, 2010. It is the anniversary of the storm that drowned a city. Katrina hit New Orleans five years ago today, the levies gave way and 1,800 people lost their lives. If you are over the age of ten you have seen the news coverage of people waiting for help that did not come, you have seen the homes that were destroyed and five years later still stand vacant. This could be a story of blame and ineptitude and victims, it could be ,but it is not.
The people of New Orleans made it their business to build back their homes, their city, their lives. Media stars and movie stars volunteered money, time, materials to assure that change would be good. Habit for Humanity took on the daunting challenge to build five homes in five days for the fifth anniversary. They succeeded. They had help. Volunteers from far and near hammered nails, held beams, put down floors to assure the city that drowned would be resuscitated.
This could be a story of doom, gloom, despair and flagrant buck passing. It could be, but I see it as a story of what people can do when they take action, on their own, and create change for the better.
Kudos to The City of New Orleans! Kudos for showing the world what can be done without the almighty hand of government.
Action Taken: The city saw and accepted what had happened. They accepted that if a city was to be born again it would be up to the individuals to birth it.
Happy Anniversary, New Orleans! You inspire us.
Day # 6 is August 29, 2010. It is the anniversary of the storm that drowned a city. Katrina hit New Orleans five years ago today, the levies gave way and 1,800 people lost their lives. If you are over the age of ten you have seen the news coverage of people waiting for help that did not come, you have seen the homes that were destroyed and five years later still stand vacant. This could be a story of blame and ineptitude and victims, it could be ,but it is not.
The people of New Orleans made it their business to build back their homes, their city, their lives. Media stars and movie stars volunteered money, time, materials to assure that change would be good. Habit for Humanity took on the daunting challenge to build five homes in five days for the fifth anniversary. They succeeded. They had help. Volunteers from far and near hammered nails, held beams, put down floors to assure the city that drowned would be resuscitated.
This could be a story of doom, gloom, despair and flagrant buck passing. It could be, but I see it as a story of what people can do when they take action, on their own, and create change for the better.
Kudos to The City of New Orleans! Kudos for showing the world what can be done without the almighty hand of government.
Action Taken: The city saw and accepted what had happened. They accepted that if a city was to be born again it would be up to the individuals to birth it.
Happy Anniversary, New Orleans! You inspire us.
Saturday, August 28, 2010
40 in 40 Day #5
Day #5 Every man, woman, and child is worthwhile, each has a unique contribution to make to the world and all that is in it. We have each been given free will to decide if we will contribute. What about animals? Do animals contribute beyond what is expected? I asked this question and got an amazing answer. It seems as if animals have the ability to reach out and actually contribute to what the world would call their enemy.
Lily, a Labrador mix at The Burlington, Iowa Humane Society is only one of many stories concerning animals that reach beyond what we might call their comfort zone and actually make the world better for another. Lily was pregnant when the Humane Center found her. She quickly gave birth to six adorable puppies all of whom were adopted. As the Center waited for a kind person to adopt Lily four newborn kittens were brought into the Center. Their eyes were barely open and the staff was in quandary of how to be certain the little balls of fluff were all fed round the clock to assure their survival. A quick witted staff member thought of Lily and gingerly the experiment began. Would a 60 plus pound black Lab mix eat the small kittens? Would she shake the life out of them? Or would she somehow know the need of a species not even her own and guarantee their survival? Lily became the mother the kittens needed, not only urging them to nurse but cleaning them and assuring their safety. As I watched this tender video, I was struck by the thought that dogs have the ability to contribute and when presented with a need they do not see differences, only solutions. Evolutionists claim that man is the pinnacle in the chain at this juncture in history. My question, what will it take for humans to act like dogs?
Her Action: Lily saw need, not difference, and she took action to fill the need.
Check out the video on youtube. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rodq5oGsnoI
Lily, a Labrador mix at The Burlington, Iowa Humane Society is only one of many stories concerning animals that reach beyond what we might call their comfort zone and actually make the world better for another. Lily was pregnant when the Humane Center found her. She quickly gave birth to six adorable puppies all of whom were adopted. As the Center waited for a kind person to adopt Lily four newborn kittens were brought into the Center. Their eyes were barely open and the staff was in quandary of how to be certain the little balls of fluff were all fed round the clock to assure their survival. A quick witted staff member thought of Lily and gingerly the experiment began. Would a 60 plus pound black Lab mix eat the small kittens? Would she shake the life out of them? Or would she somehow know the need of a species not even her own and guarantee their survival? Lily became the mother the kittens needed, not only urging them to nurse but cleaning them and assuring their safety. As I watched this tender video, I was struck by the thought that dogs have the ability to contribute and when presented with a need they do not see differences, only solutions. Evolutionists claim that man is the pinnacle in the chain at this juncture in history. My question, what will it take for humans to act like dogs?
Her Action: Lily saw need, not difference, and she took action to fill the need.
Check out the video on youtube. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rodq5oGsnoI
Friday, August 27, 2010
40 in 40 Day #4
Day #4 Scott Silverman was a kid in trouble who grew to be a man in trouble. Learning disabilities left undiagnosed and mismanaged led to shame, shame led to relief through alcohol and drugs. It is a common story. What makes Scott unique?
Reaching the end of the line on a window ledge in New York City, Mr. Silverman had the thought of how easy it would be to simply fall backwards and end what had become an escalating, destructive addiction. A colleague entering the office and seeing Silverman leaning backwards to certain death cried out and Scott made a decision. He chose life. He chose life and became an advocate for the downtrodden and overlooked in our society. Mr. Silverman, who was raised in a loving upper middle class family, began talking to the homeless in San Diego. He volunteered to serve meals and began to ask why the men he saw on a regular basis were not working. Excuses of poor work history, ex-felons, recovering drug addicts were heard by Scott and he quickly dismissed them as excuses. He promised men that if they did what he told them, he could get them jobs. They did and he did. This decision to help grew and today Scott Silverman runs the organization he founded over twenty years ago, Second Chance. He had no knowledge of what a non for profit was or how to start one. He had no idea of where he would get the money needed to house men and then women, fresh from prison. He had no idea and yet he took action. His background was in retail clothing. He had no idea that one day there would be a Scott Silverman Day in San Diego in his honor, he just saw a need and he acted. His action has taken what was once a couple of homeless men into a multi million dollar agency that he still runs. He graduates men and women from a job readiness program that is run like a compassionate boot camp. People who have never been treated with dignity are treated with respect and expected to dress and act professionally from day one forward. Stop by, take a look at the wall of the thousands of men and women who now have jobs, renewed families and have not returned to prison. Many of these graduates are making a difference in their families, their communities, the world, as a result of one man who saw a need and took action.
His Action: Scott called upon his tenacity and belief in the potential of human beings. His book, "Tell Me No. I Dare You!" goes into detail on the hows to get to yes.
Scott Silverman, a man who not only has made a difference he has assured the difference will continue through Second Chance, far into the future.Scott Silverman [ssilverman@secondchanceprogram.org]
Reaching the end of the line on a window ledge in New York City, Mr. Silverman had the thought of how easy it would be to simply fall backwards and end what had become an escalating, destructive addiction. A colleague entering the office and seeing Silverman leaning backwards to certain death cried out and Scott made a decision. He chose life. He chose life and became an advocate for the downtrodden and overlooked in our society. Mr. Silverman, who was raised in a loving upper middle class family, began talking to the homeless in San Diego. He volunteered to serve meals and began to ask why the men he saw on a regular basis were not working. Excuses of poor work history, ex-felons, recovering drug addicts were heard by Scott and he quickly dismissed them as excuses. He promised men that if they did what he told them, he could get them jobs. They did and he did. This decision to help grew and today Scott Silverman runs the organization he founded over twenty years ago, Second Chance. He had no knowledge of what a non for profit was or how to start one. He had no idea of where he would get the money needed to house men and then women, fresh from prison. He had no idea and yet he took action. His background was in retail clothing. He had no idea that one day there would be a Scott Silverman Day in San Diego in his honor, he just saw a need and he acted. His action has taken what was once a couple of homeless men into a multi million dollar agency that he still runs. He graduates men and women from a job readiness program that is run like a compassionate boot camp. People who have never been treated with dignity are treated with respect and expected to dress and act professionally from day one forward. Stop by, take a look at the wall of the thousands of men and women who now have jobs, renewed families and have not returned to prison. Many of these graduates are making a difference in their families, their communities, the world, as a result of one man who saw a need and took action.
His Action: Scott called upon his tenacity and belief in the potential of human beings. His book, "Tell Me No. I Dare You!" goes into detail on the hows to get to yes.
Scott Silverman, a man who not only has made a difference he has assured the difference will continue through Second Chance, far into the future.Scott Silverman [ssilverman@secondchanceprogram.org]
Thursday, August 26, 2010
40 in 40 Day #3
Day #3 Molly Mackin was born with a heart wide open for the underdog. As a child she would cry at the thought of bug spray. Bugs that made it past the front door had to be carried back outside, small birds must be put in a safe place away from the family cat and when her sister cried at the thought of picking up toys, Molly helped or did the job herself. As Molly Mackin grew, her heart for those who suffer grew. Her mother would come home to find a teenager having a tough time at home hidden in Molly's room or Molly's clothes that grandparents had sent being worn by those who had no grandparents. For Molly, when she saw an other's pain it became her pain. She had to act.
Molly went on to befriend the ones her parents told her to leave alone. She spent her time with kids who would become the cutters, drop outs and runaways. To parent such a child as Molly a person needed the ability to see far into the future to know that Molly was on the path she (or a Higher Power) had chosen. Do any of you perhaps have such a child? Try your utmost to not shut down their light or block their path. These are the children who will one day grow to be the ones who will save our world. With a child who has a heart for those who are filled with pain, get them involved in helping, in healing early in life. They are what the beatitudes refer to as the peace makers. They bring peace and healing to the world. Help them , shape them, protect them. They will do their work with or without you. Join them.
Molly Mackin went on to marry her college professor, bringing his two young children in to raise as she was raising her own two children, giving this young woman four children to raise when Molly was under the age of thirty. If Molly fought for insects, birds and troubled friends it was nothing compared to how she would fight for children. Her children and any that crossed her path. Her heart grew.
The day came when Molly met a woman who yearned for children yet was unable to carry these children to term. Miscarriage after miscarriage, adoptions that went south days before the baby was to be born, and finally a treacherous person masquerading as a pregnant donor for the childless couple.This yearning for children had created the type of person Molly's heart wanted to heal, to help. The woman and Molly became friends in a Bible study group and eventually the woman asked Molly what her thoughts were on surrogacy and shared with Ms. Mackin her desire to find a surrogate that could carry the child that would be created by the woman and her husband.This tiny cell would then placed in the womb of a person willing to carry this baby, care for this baby and then give the baby back to the woman and her husband at the end of nine months. Would Molly do that for them? Their was no question, at least not for a heart born to heal and comfort. This was a gift. No thousands of dollars changed hands, no special arrangements to get something from this decision to become a surrogate. Only the thought of someone else's pain that could be healed by taking on the overwhelming work of invitro fertilization and that it entailed with nothing at the end of nine months but the knowledge that
this woman now had her twins and her dream of motherhood had come true.
Few if any knew of the agony of daily shots, morning sickness times two, the rules and regulations and restricted travel. Few knew her feelings as Molly handed over twin girls that her hand had patted as they moved deep within. Handed over tiny bodies she had seen grow in the sonograms, tiny bodies that had kicked and heartbeats felt in the middle of sleep. Few knew, most certainly not the parents of the twin lives. They took the babies and went home. They contacted Molly four weeks later and asked if they could now stop the medical insurance they had arranged for her. Few knew. Few knew.
Molly Mackin a woman who makes a difference. A woman who made a difference and asked for nothing in return. Molly Mackin, we stand and salute you and we can not wait to see what will be next.
Her Action: Molly followed the urging of her heart despite the repercussions. Molly acted on her compassion.
Molly Mackin is continuing with her education and will receive her Masters in Counseling in 2011. Molly has asked that any emails be sent to womcd (anne@womcd.com)
Molly went on to befriend the ones her parents told her to leave alone. She spent her time with kids who would become the cutters, drop outs and runaways. To parent such a child as Molly a person needed the ability to see far into the future to know that Molly was on the path she (or a Higher Power) had chosen. Do any of you perhaps have such a child? Try your utmost to not shut down their light or block their path. These are the children who will one day grow to be the ones who will save our world. With a child who has a heart for those who are filled with pain, get them involved in helping, in healing early in life. They are what the beatitudes refer to as the peace makers. They bring peace and healing to the world. Help them , shape them, protect them. They will do their work with or without you. Join them.
Molly Mackin went on to marry her college professor, bringing his two young children in to raise as she was raising her own two children, giving this young woman four children to raise when Molly was under the age of thirty. If Molly fought for insects, birds and troubled friends it was nothing compared to how she would fight for children. Her children and any that crossed her path. Her heart grew.
The day came when Molly met a woman who yearned for children yet was unable to carry these children to term. Miscarriage after miscarriage, adoptions that went south days before the baby was to be born, and finally a treacherous person masquerading as a pregnant donor for the childless couple.This yearning for children had created the type of person Molly's heart wanted to heal, to help. The woman and Molly became friends in a Bible study group and eventually the woman asked Molly what her thoughts were on surrogacy and shared with Ms. Mackin her desire to find a surrogate that could carry the child that would be created by the woman and her husband.This tiny cell would then placed in the womb of a person willing to carry this baby, care for this baby and then give the baby back to the woman and her husband at the end of nine months. Would Molly do that for them? Their was no question, at least not for a heart born to heal and comfort. This was a gift. No thousands of dollars changed hands, no special arrangements to get something from this decision to become a surrogate. Only the thought of someone else's pain that could be healed by taking on the overwhelming work of invitro fertilization and that it entailed with nothing at the end of nine months but the knowledge that
this woman now had her twins and her dream of motherhood had come true.
Few if any knew of the agony of daily shots, morning sickness times two, the rules and regulations and restricted travel. Few knew her feelings as Molly handed over twin girls that her hand had patted as they moved deep within. Handed over tiny bodies she had seen grow in the sonograms, tiny bodies that had kicked and heartbeats felt in the middle of sleep. Few knew, most certainly not the parents of the twin lives. They took the babies and went home. They contacted Molly four weeks later and asked if they could now stop the medical insurance they had arranged for her. Few knew. Few knew.
Molly Mackin a woman who makes a difference. A woman who made a difference and asked for nothing in return. Molly Mackin, we stand and salute you and we can not wait to see what will be next.
Her Action: Molly followed the urging of her heart despite the repercussions. Molly acted on her compassion.
Molly Mackin is continuing with her education and will receive her Masters in Counseling in 2011. Molly has asked that any emails be sent to womcd (anne@womcd.com)
Rocky Mountain Hi!
Hi Folks!
I just returned from a blessed trip to Colorado. I always feel so alive when I'm there - and so cool! I visited with dear friends, hiked, went white water rafting (ok, there wasn't exactly A LOT of white water), laughed and cried. I saw little critters everywhere - rabbits, deer, birds of prey and even prarie dogs - I am always so inspired when I see animals in the natural habitat! I toured the Garden of the Gods (truly a natural wonder) and toured the army "post" at Ft. Collins in Colorado Springs. My friend, Patricia, works as a counselor to our returning soldiers from Iraq and Afghanistan. She is doing such important work especially given the nature of the wars our country is involved in. It's devastating to know what our men and women are going through - the things they have seen and experienced are such that no one should have to live through. Patricia informed me that, even in the face of these two wars, the biggest casue of death in the army is suicide. That is an eye-opening fact and it needs our immediate attention. It's a big job and emotionally draining but Patricia is passionate about her work. Now, talk about what one woman can do - she is truly making a difference in the world.
There is one special moment I'd like to share with you. My first "away" date with my husband, Terry, was to a spectacularly beautiful place called Mt. Princeton hot springs. The setting is exquisite and the waters are so very healing. We stayed at a little place just up the road called Love Ranch. It was (and still is) a series of small cabins that had no heat or running water. That meant there was no bathroom - only an outhouse...the kind made of wood with a half moon above the door about 100 yards outside the cabin. Now, I never have to get up in the middle of the night to go to the bathroom but, on this night, I had to!!! I couldn't stand it so I put on my coat (it was mid-October and cold in the evenings) and marched out bravely with the flashlight in hand. I found my way just fine and did my business. When I attempted to open the door, I realized that it had latched on the outside and I couldn't get out! Long story short - I was stuck in the outhouse for an hour! Terry, of course, was cozy in bed, sleeping like a baby. I went through every kind of emotion but the bottom line was I was not getting out. I peeked through the wood slats as the sun was rising and caught a glimpse of the only reproducing heard of big horn sheep in Colorado! Inspiring!! Finally, a worker appeared in the field and I yelled out to him. He came over, opened the door and never said a word - only shook his head in disbelief.
Fast forward 20 years later - I ofund myself in Mt. Princeton once again over the weekend. It was a girl's outing and we just wanted to talk and relax in the river. But first, I asked if we could seek out Love Ranch and the infamous outhouse. We asked for directions and finally found it. I saw the outhouse from the road. We parked and we walked up to the outhouse. I brought some of Terry's ashes with me (never thinking I'd be at Love Ranch but rather in Aspen.) We held hands in a circle and I said a prayer through my tears and walked over to sprinkle the ashes next to the outhouse. Now, Terry would have gotten a huge thrill out of this! I never made it to Aspen (next trip) but I am grateful to my friends for loving me enough to support me through this.
Thanks for being on the journey with me!
With Love and Generous Blessings,
Donna
Wednesday, August 25, 2010
40 In 40. People Who Make A Difference. Day #2
Day #2 Every man, woman and child matters. You matter. My thought is that what keeps people from stepping forward, the reason 60% of our planet does nothing to change themselves, their families, their world, is that people harbour a deep belief that they do not matter. My dear friend Debbie Ford would call this belief a Shadow Belief.
There was a time that Debbie Ford had a deep belief in her insignificance, she held tight to the thought that she did not matter. Her belief shaped her actions. Self sabotage, addictions, a life spinning out of control with no higher purpose than how high could she get, this was her life. What changed this woman? Debbie Ford is now a leader in the transformational community. Her number one selling books have helped thousands and thousands of individuals world wide. Ms. Ford continues to grow, continues to contribute. Her overwhelming belief in contribution has shaped schools in Africa, brought clothing and supplies to the victims of the San Diego fire, Katrina saw her donating time, money and supplies.Those close to her are urged to find charities, projects, unique and individual ways to contribute to the larger purpose of our planet.
Perhaps Debbie Ford's largest contribution, at this writing, is her body of work that brings normalcy to the Shadows of the individual, the country and our world. It is our human tendency to run from The Shadow, to hide The Shadow, hate and curse and shame The Shadows in our lives. Debbie Ford brings love and light into these dark places and like the proverbial match in a dark room... nothing is ever the same.
Her Action: Debbie had a dawning, a wake up, an epiphany. She literally got on her hands and knees and cried out to God to free her of addictions and to show her what was wanted of her. She asked. A simple and powerful action,ask. Ask, "What am I here for?" "What is my gift and how can I share it."
Debbie Ford, a woman who makes a difference. www.debbieford.com
There was a time that Debbie Ford had a deep belief in her insignificance, she held tight to the thought that she did not matter. Her belief shaped her actions. Self sabotage, addictions, a life spinning out of control with no higher purpose than how high could she get, this was her life. What changed this woman? Debbie Ford is now a leader in the transformational community. Her number one selling books have helped thousands and thousands of individuals world wide. Ms. Ford continues to grow, continues to contribute. Her overwhelming belief in contribution has shaped schools in Africa, brought clothing and supplies to the victims of the San Diego fire, Katrina saw her donating time, money and supplies.Those close to her are urged to find charities, projects, unique and individual ways to contribute to the larger purpose of our planet.
Perhaps Debbie Ford's largest contribution, at this writing, is her body of work that brings normalcy to the Shadows of the individual, the country and our world. It is our human tendency to run from The Shadow, to hide The Shadow, hate and curse and shame The Shadows in our lives. Debbie Ford brings love and light into these dark places and like the proverbial match in a dark room... nothing is ever the same.
Her Action: Debbie had a dawning, a wake up, an epiphany. She literally got on her hands and knees and cried out to God to free her of addictions and to show her what was wanted of her. She asked. A simple and powerful action,ask. Ask, "What am I here for?" "What is my gift and how can I share it."
Debbie Ford, a woman who makes a difference. www.debbieford.com
Tuesday, August 24, 2010
Keep On Doing!
The friends that you have, the memories you’ve made!
The places remembered, the music you’ve played!
Is there a location where you would not find
A nugget of gold that you personally mined?
And your song is not over, your story not done!
There is laughter awaiting; there are smiles, hugs and fun.
That sun keeps a-rising to a cock-a-doodle-doo.
The rooster does his job, so you do yours, too.
Keep singing, keep crowing, keep looking ahead;
Keep serving and showing up, just don’t lay in bed.
You’re needed! You matter! Keep open your heart!
Keep finding more nuggets while doing your part!
The places remembered, the music you’ve played!
Is there a location where you would not find
A nugget of gold that you personally mined?
And your song is not over, your story not done!
There is laughter awaiting; there are smiles, hugs and fun.
That sun keeps a-rising to a cock-a-doodle-doo.
The rooster does his job, so you do yours, too.
Keep singing, keep crowing, keep looking ahead;
Keep serving and showing up, just don’t lay in bed.
You’re needed! You matter! Keep open your heart!
Keep finding more nuggets while doing your part!
40, Or More, Contributions In 40 days.
40 in 40. I have challenged myself to find 40 contributions in 40 days throughout the world. A few of the rules I will follow: the contribution must help more than two people. The contribution must be accomplished by a "regular" (not famous, at least not yet)man woman or child. In addition the contribution must be action based not financially based (ie. the person is actually doing something most of us could do. They are not donating their huge lotery win to a just cause) My final intent is to include all segments of our world, men, women, and children. For this I am requesting your help. Please send me names of individuals who you believe contribute to the greater good. You can post here or email me at anne@womcd.com
Today is Day One:(from Daily Herald August 24, 2010)Child
Kendall Ciesemier was 11 when an idea to donate $360 to sponsor one child in Africa blossomed into a charity that would raise money for thousands of kids affected by AIDS.
Her Action: Her first action, donating $360, was ignited by viewing a special about children in Africa who had lost their parents to AIDS. Kendall states that she has always wanted to reach out to those who are struggling, with her work in Africa she has found her true calling.
Her mother, Ellery Ciesemier, saw the same show as Kendall. Perhaps many of us saw the show and like Ellery, we felt sad, and then turned off the television. "Adults tend to get so overwhelmed with a problem as a whole that they think they can't do anything," Ellery said. "So they do nothing."
A child was needed to do something and that 11 year old child was, Kendall Ciesemier.
Kendall Ciesemier has taken that first contribution of $360 and grown a charity that reaches thousands of children. Kids Caring 4 Kids was granted not-for-profit staus in January of 2005. It has raised more than $830,000 for the various projects it supports.http://www.kidscaring4kids.org/
Ms. Ciesemier has been nominated for Glamour Magazine's Woman of The Year:
Readers Choice Award. To vote for Kendall, visit glamour.com/magazine/2010/08/woman-of-the-year-readers-choice-award-2010-nominee-kendall-ciesemier
Kendall Ciesemier, a child who found where her heart is. Good Luck! http://www.kidscaring4kids.org/
Today is Day One:(from Daily Herald August 24, 2010)Child
Kendall Ciesemier was 11 when an idea to donate $360 to sponsor one child in Africa blossomed into a charity that would raise money for thousands of kids affected by AIDS.
Her Action: Her first action, donating $360, was ignited by viewing a special about children in Africa who had lost their parents to AIDS. Kendall states that she has always wanted to reach out to those who are struggling, with her work in Africa she has found her true calling.
Her mother, Ellery Ciesemier, saw the same show as Kendall. Perhaps many of us saw the show and like Ellery, we felt sad, and then turned off the television. "Adults tend to get so overwhelmed with a problem as a whole that they think they can't do anything," Ellery said. "So they do nothing."
A child was needed to do something and that 11 year old child was, Kendall Ciesemier.
Kendall Ciesemier has taken that first contribution of $360 and grown a charity that reaches thousands of children. Kids Caring 4 Kids was granted not-for-profit staus in January of 2005. It has raised more than $830,000 for the various projects it supports.http://www.kidscaring4kids.org/
Ms. Ciesemier has been nominated for Glamour Magazine's Woman of The Year:
Readers Choice Award. To vote for Kendall, visit glamour.com/magazine/2010/08/woman-of-the-year-readers-choice-award-2010-nominee-kendall-ciesemier
Kendall Ciesemier, a child who found where her heart is. Good Luck! http://www.kidscaring4kids.org/
Wednesday, August 11, 2010
Unearth! Nurture! IGNITE!
Just like Ready-Set-Go gets you fired up as you start your race, WOMCD will Unearth your Contribution, Nurture your Spirit, and Ignite your Passion! Are you ready??? Check out our video on You Tube: click here.
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