Month: March 2014

Walks in the woods

ImageOn a walk in Red Clay Park with my family last summer. I started taking pictures of all the various types of fungi and mushrooms that were growing around. I was fascinated by all the different types and colors. Purple, red, yellow, white and pink, white and yellow. Some small, some big. It never ceases to amaze me the amount of color and variety there is in nature. I wish human beings would take the time to appreciate what is around them. The beauty that can be found in a mushroom for example, or the bend of a tree. When I was walking this morning I tried hard to relax and just enjoy the walk. But, I have a goal in mind to finish the whole walking path, no matter what and to lose this weight that is causing me so much trouble. It is important to have goals and want to complete them, but It is just as important to enjoy the ride. It can be hard to do both. Especially when you find yourself at your wits end, in pain or in a financial hole that you don’t think you can get out of. But, at times like these it is vitally important to stand still for a moment, feel the sun on your face, allow the breeze to blow through your hair and smell the beginnings of spring in the air. It can lift the spirit and give you something to smile about even when you don’t think you can smile anymore.

One of my favorite sayings is “As the sun rises tomorrow there is hope for a better day.”

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Daily Prompt: Something So Strong

My best friend ever is Linda Watford. We have been friends for over 13 years. We have cried together, laughed together and been mad at each other from time to time, as all best friends can do, but we have always made up. We met when I met my husband to be, John. He was living with her, her boyfriend and her children. We just started talking when ever I came over to see John. It seems kind of funny now…because I can’t remember a time when we just didn’t talk or it seemed as if she was ever a stranger. But, then that is Linda. She is a spitfire. A person with a genuine spirit and a drive to complete what she starts. From going to nursing school and finishing that to becoming a fledgling novelist. She has a can do attitude and I have always loved her for that. Even when she was down, she was never down for long. She came back up fighting. What keeps our friendship going after all these years? Understanding and accepting each other just as we are. Knowing that we will always be there for each other if we can. No matter what. She knows that she can show up on my doorstep and need anything I will do my best to get it for her. And I know if I needed help she would do what she could to help me. And we make each other laugh. Laughter always helps. She is funny as heck. Love ya Linda Lou!!

Because I can…

When I thought of this title for my blog it was meant to be a statement. It was meant to state that anything could be possible because I can do something or I can try. There are many situations that can prevent someone from accomplishing a goal or even setting goals. However, trying is key. Because I can try can often lead to Because I did. I am going to dedicate this blog to the social issues I encounter while volunteering at DocUp and eventually with other organizations. I want the “Because I can..” to be applicable to others who wish to succeed and change and promote the betterment of themselves and their society. Because “we” can do that. We can make positive changes and it starts with “Because I can..” Because one individual starts a program or volunteers to help with a program. Because they reach out their hand and take the time to give part of themselves for the greater good and then help others to get involved. That is what is important and why “Because I can..” is so important to me.

DocUp

I have started volunteering for an organization called DocUp.
This is a church sponsored group that helps people financially if they can with rent and utilities. It is a much needed nonprofit organization that works in cooperation with other nonprofits in the area. Nonprofit organizations that work in the area need one thing more than anything else and that is volunteers.

I have found that one thing that was missing in my life was purpose. It is important not just to me, but many people to make a difference in their life. Not just for themselves, but for others. It is said too often that people have become self-centered and selfish. I don’t think that it necessarily the case, but that we have lost sight of the purpose in our lives. It is difficult to make time to volunteer when you are trying to work and put food on the table and keep a roof over your family’s heads. If you are retired, disabled or any number of other reasons or conditions, finding time to volunteer or even knowing how you can help when you feel you need the help yourself can be daunting. But, there are many ways to help.

Try calling some of the community outreach programs in your area or look at your church bulletin. They will be able to tell you what programs are in need of help, how to contact them and even give you ideas on how you can help. There is plenty that can be done in a small amount of time.

I have volunteered for projects and with community outreach before. But, have to admit that as time went on and for several reasons it became harder for me to want to get back into the world and I began to believe that I had nothing left to offer that anyone would want. That isn’t true. I have a lifetime of experience, education and knowledge that I can give to any organization that would like my help. And I know I can still make a difference.