Celebrate

The past couple weeks, a common theme has been standing out for me-Celebrate.  A word that can be interpreted in different ways, for me I look at this as a celebration of where I currently am in my life and my journey that lies ahead.  

This word has been coming to me through dreams, songs, and tonight through just picking a daily wisdom card off of Sonia Choquette's website.  Something that I would not of noticed in the past, and it seems that when things just seem like coincidence, think again.  As you look within yourself, and open your heart to the unimaginable, you will start to see little small miracles start to happen.  I have had many small miracles happen to me the past few months, but to me I consider them huge....cause it is just one step closer to living a more peaceful life, even sometimes in the midst of chaos.  Take time to celebrate all of the good that is going on in your life, which includes your health, family, friends and loved ones.....Celebrate with a thank you to that special someone, or a hug, or a letter, or dinner with a special friend or loved one, and the list goes on.......Celebrate good times.

The Shift Video Segment

Ran across this segment on U Tube, it is a series of Wayne Dyer's movie called The Shift.  Been watching some of the segments and it has really struck home for me. Brings tears to my eyes every time I watch it. To look at life in this way is truly amazing. "Put your attention on how may I serve. Not being attached to outcome and putting attention to service." This video is so powerful, I wanted to savor it somehow.  What a better way to save this video than in my blog series.  " Wherever you are, at whatever age, you are only a thought away from changing your life. " Thank you Wayne Dyer!

Patience is a Virtue

I ended last night feeling grateful for my life, my family and friends, my job, my co workers, my health-oh and my little man of course.  Oddly enough, I dreamt about a birthday cake and looked it up in my dream book. What I got out of my dream is that my wishes will soon come true-with action of course.

Had an off day today for some reason.  Really off day.  Could of been the Hay House Radio I was listening to last night-heavy stuff.  I could'nt even concentrate at work.  Guess we all have those days.

Was doing some casual searching on a website of Sonia Coquette earlier tonight, picked a random daily card off of her site, and this is what showed up for me:

How convenient and a fabulous way to end my night-this is so right on.

  I am recognizing that  I just need to be patient and let things go where they need to go. 

All in due time.  All in due time. 

  

Paying Tribute Part 6-Marjorie

I first met Marjorie back in January 2006 when I first interviewed for the Operations Supervisor position.  She was on my interview panel.  I remember leaving my interview Scott was waiting for me in the car and I told him I did not get the position.  Wow-what confidence right-lol.  I got the offer that week.

It was not until after the first year, going more into my second and third year at Head Start that Marjorie and I started to develop an actual working relationship that lead into a friendship.  I was asked to become the Acting Operations Manager for the program.  We worked closely together running the program, keeping it a float and along the way came many challenges for myself professionally and personally.   She helped me through those challenges.  She would always use Yoga and its philosophy during those times.  She even got me started in Yoga.  

Marjorie has always been there for me when I needed her.  I remember when I got my wisdom teeth out she took me to get them out and took care of me following.  She would spend hours just sitting on the couch with me while I was healing.  A memory to treasure for sure.  One out of many. Margie has always been in her love to me maternal in some ways, and always made sure that I was taking care of myself. She would always say to me, Be Kind To Yourself....now I know what she meant. It took me a while to figure it out as I have made strides in my spiritual journey.

After about five years of working with Margie she announced out of the blue in a meeting that she was leaving the program.  I felt a like someone had hit me in the stomach.  Hard news to hear at first for someone who has always been there.  The place where I miss her most is at the Yoga studio since that is where our friendship truly evolved.  As time progressed I came to accept it and was so happy that she was embarking on a new journey-new adventures.  She has moved out of state to San Francisco and I know that she is only a phone call or plane ride away if I ever need her.  

Margie and I at the Yoga Studio

Paying Tribute Part 5-Mary

Little Miss Mary :) I met Mary when I was her supervisor at Maricopa County Human Services-Head Start Program.  Mary was hired to oversee our Volunteer Program.  The Volunteer Program was something that was new to the program.   Previous to her being hired I was working closely with a consultant Pam Betz to create some framework in the program.  When we interviewed Mary she stood out over all the rest of the candidates.  Within the first five minutes of the interview, I knew she was the right fit for the position.

I was so bummed because on her first week of work I had to go somewhere out of State I think....I can not remember.   I wanted to be there for her first week of work.  I supervised Mary for quite some time, and then she got moved to a different supervisor as we were re structuring staffing.  I remember when I was still supervising her, we ran into each other at Martini Ranch.  We both had some drinks in us-lets just say the Monday following was a little awkward at first...lol.

Mary was such professional and was always willing to go the extra mile.  She was always asked to do extra because of her strong work ethic and it was just known that she would get the work done. Not only would she get the work done, but it was quality. Mary put her heart and soul into developing the Volunteer Program and the program would not be where it is today with parent and community volunteers without her hard work and persistence.  She has moved onto bigger and better things. I am so proud of her for making that move.

Mary is one of the most caring individuals I have ever met.  She is so fun to hang out with and is always such a great listener.  She has such a big heart and I am so lucky to call her my friend.  Thank you Mary for what you do for me, and for our friendship.  So lucky to call you FRIEND :)

Paying Tribute Part 4-Mentor and Friend Margaret T.

I met Margaret a couple years ago and it seems like I have known her forever.  The picture above is from my 37th birthday back in August.  Margaret was hired as a consultant where I work.   I remember the first time I met her I was in a meeting room with some other co workers and I was thinking, "who is this woman and who does she think she is"...lol.


Margaret had such a strong presence about her and it screamed confidence.  Little did I know that my life would be changed forever in the years that followed professionally and personally.   It was following this time that she became my mentor.  She believed in me when I did not believe in myself.  She has helped me to see my abilities beyond which I would of never seen. All I needed was that extra nudge. 


Margaret is a woman that does not take no for an answer.  She always finds the positives in every situation or circumstance.  Love Love Love her perspective on things.  She is a role model for all woman who aspire to make themselves a better person professionally and personally.  She has accomplished so much and the funny thing is she is just getting started.


Margaret has a heart of gold.  She has a peaceful presence about her and when you are in the same room with her you feel like you are being hugged when you are not.  She is my sounding board and anchor.  In times when I need her most she is always there for me. To have someone that just gets it---is so refreshing.


To have a mentor and a friend at the same time is a once in a lifetime opportunity.   Forever grateful that she has allowed me into her life.   


Looking forward to many more good times ahead.  There are some friends that come and go into your lives, I know that Margaret is one of those friends that will be around no matter what.   Thank you Margaret for your " Wisdom, Dedication and Example. "


Love my M time :)

We All Can Make a Difference

We had our work End of Year Event just this Friday night.  These are always events that I look forward to.  Part of the reason I love my job is the people I work with.  Such a diverse group of people and the best part is that in the five and a half years that I have been working in the program something that stood out for me on this day and became clear- we all at some point or another make a difference in someone's life.  This happens on a daily basis.  At least for me I do not really think about it often.  It is not until you hear it from someone that it really becomes reality for you.  


There were two instances that day really stood out and meant the world to me to hear.  One staff member was a Teach for America student.  For those of you that do not know what Teach for America is, they recruit recent college graduates from all over to teach for two years in low income communities.  Pretty intense program and such an amazing diverse group of young individuals looking to make a difference in someones life-true leaders.  Our program recruited about six to come and work in our Head Start program. As I was talking to some of them that day it is was so rewarding to hear their stories from when they first started with Teach for America and their first year as a teacher in our Head Start classrooms.  How far they have come!


One corp member in particular came up to me and we started talking about the program year.  I told her that I was thinking just the other day the first time I met her and how much time just goes so fast.  She responded back and told me that just the other day she was telling one of her co workers about the first day that we met.  Our program was giving orientation to the Teach for America corp members, kind of like a meet and greet.  She said that when she first met me, and there was something about me that  just drew her to me.  She said I made her feel comfortable when she felt scared of what was to lie ahead.  To hear that made my heart melt and to know that I had impacted her in that way is something that I will never forget.  Another staff member was graduating with her AA in Early Childhood.  She had her college graduation that night  and said to me that it would not be possible without me believing in her and pushing her to complete this.  There are many others now that I look back, but I won't bore you :)


We all have the opportunity to change lives for the better, and we all have the opportunity to let that someone else know what a difference they have made in your life by telling them. Part of why I started the Paying Tribute series in my blog page.  Go out into the world, have fun and remember that each and every day you impact a life in some what or another or you have someone in your life that has done the same for you.  Tell them, life is too short to live with regrets!