You help...without question

Yesterday, as our family was driving to my inlaws, someone texted me asking for help. Not really thinking that I could or really understanding why she picked me, I did the best I could with helping her. I hope I did. She said I did and have no regrets about anything I said to her and I hope she knows that I am always here for her. But what do you do when people come to you for help? You help. When people compliment me, I shy away from that and usually just say, "I'm just me." But there are reasons that people come to you or me when they need something or someone. Just as there are reasons why I go to my slim, my sisters, and other friends when I have questions, have something to share, etc. When someone has the courage, is humble, and comes to you with the words, "I need you", What do you do? You help. You do all you can to make them feel better about a situation. You give them your love through your touch with a hug. You say what they need to hear, even if they don't want to. You go when you are not invited. They will forgive you for the intrusion later. You show them they matter and that what hurts them, hurts you. Sometimes, you can relate to the situation they are in and it takes you back to the time when you where there and you find yourself cringing at the very thought that someone else has to live in that nightmare, just as you did. I remember when I was about 14 and someone came into my life that I wanted to talk to, but I was forced to not have any contact with GC. That made me close everyone out. After so many years, I found GC on Facebook and apologized to her for the way things happened, even though most of it almost wasn't in my control. So, when I was asked to help yesterday and I could have removed myself from a similar situation, I did what GC tried to do for me so many years ago...I helped. Even if people are upset with me later for getting involved. Even if things do not work out the way we would like. I have no regrets about that and would do it again should the chance come up again. Even if you feel like it doesn't matter. I have to feel that I have done EVERYTHING I could imagine doing and give it my all. I have to give the world everything I have to offer because if I don't, I am not serving the people around me. I help because I can, because I want to make it easier for those that I love, because it means something to me to be wanted. When someone comes to you and says, "I need you"...do what I would do...help, without question, knowing that at some time, they will be there to return the favor.

I GET IT!!! DON'T YOU?

Oh my gosh!!!! Have you ever just been sitting down, doing whatever, and then felt like something just whopped you upside the head?!? I totally could not stop smiling all day. I send an email to Rocky and just tell her, "I get it!" She replies that she is curious, but I tell her she has to wait...I have to tell her in person. I cannot wait to tell her - I know I can hear the excitement in my voice already and I haven't said a word. Let me back up and really set this up right, so you get the full picture. A couple of weeks ago, I was visiting Rocky in "her office" and she is helping me with some computer stuff so I can take the next step. I begin to tell her how much I doubt (remember - I really, really dislike that word) on what kind of changes I can make in other people's lives and what I am doing there, etc. It all comes out and she says that she believes in me and that I need to move forward. Over the weekend, I send her an email that includes the hesitation of my ability to help others change their lives and that fear is not what seems to be the problem anymore. I actually admit that although I cannot change others lives, I can change mine. Once I admitted that, the doubt disappeared. Ultimately, the choice to change your life is yours alone, although outside influences may lead you to choose that. Even though I have taken chances and new steps that may lead me into a new direction, essentially nothing in my life has changed yet. When we feel inspired, it is mostly as a result of something we saw, read about, or heard. It has been mentioned to me by several people that I can inspire others. But that choice of free will is still their choice. They have to allow that inspiration to get to their soul, before they will make any changes. I realized today that I had the wrong attitude. First and foremost, I must be inspired and motivated to change MY LIFE. Then, and only then, will that change inspire others to do the same. I have heard it over and over at the office since I have lost weight. "What have you done to lose weight?" "Tell me how you did it!" "If you can do it, so can I." I was carrying doubt that wasn't mine to carry. The only doubt that I need to carry is whether or not I have the ability to change my life, and I know I can. I proved it to myself when I took my less than perfect childhood and still believed in wanting more for my husband and children. I proved it by doing it my way, even though it was hard and frustrating. I proved it when I ran my way to be 35 pounds lighter than I was a year ago. I have a sentence in my Life Statement that says, "I have control over how I choose to live my life." We all do, but do we really choose? Or do we just let it happen? You can choose. It was so hard to keep this to myself today...finding little moments to chuckle about how easy a revelation I had just found. Take a deep breath...do you get it yet? You can - it is possible!!

Can one person change the world?

This thought came to me on my vacation as I was running along the beach in Cancun. As I was focused on my run, I noticed a guest of the resort taking his time to pick up trash that had either been left on the beach or washed ashore. His actions stopped me in my tracks as I processed what I was seeing. His selfless act of taking his time to do something that perhaps others might not ever notice that would make the world better. Do you believe that YOU have the power to make such an impact on others? I believe we all do. Look at Oprah - 25 years ago, she was just another talk show host like Phil Donahue (before Dr. Phil) and Sally Jesse Rafael. Now, people cannot say her name without thinking of what she will do next. What project is she involved in, what book will she recommend, what celebrity will come and stand on her couch, etc. She was not satisfied with the status quo or said, "It is what it is" and has changed the world we live in. We are can inspire each other to be more, to do more, to give more, to love more. We should not settle for anything in life. If we want something different, then we have to be willing to work for that change. More homework - how can you change your life to impact the world? Now, the world does not have to mean the whole world - it always starts smaller. No one ever changed the whole world in one day. In fact, it is still a work in progress. Believe in yourself, follow your heart, and keep yearning for better and accept different. Nothing experienced is ever as you expect it anyway. Most times, in reality it is better. Enjoy the life you have been given and welcome it with open arms and treasure every day. Smile more, feel more and show it. You are one person and you have a purpose. Never, never, never, never give up. Every day, strive to make today better than yesterday, because before we know it, tomorrow will be here. Together, we can change the world.