Ignite!

We have all seen something catch fire, to become totally engulfed, and then become tiny particles of ash. But, my most fsavorite part is just to see something being ignited....to see just the spark to get its life at the starting gate. When you know that going back is not an option. I love to see it in little flare ups, when no one is looking, but I notice. When some else's life can be different because of some deed done or words said. It all matters. My dad sent me a video this week that reminds me of the way we can ignite something in others, but words we say. I am sure that you will love this video as much as I do... http://www.youtube.com/watch_popup?v=Hzgzim5m7oU&vq=medium Now, after watching that, how does that makes you feel? That taking just a few moments of your time can change EVERYTHING for someone else, without expecting anything in return. I have seen the sun shine in my office and I have seen people be more than they ever thought they could be because of the desire to be more. We all need a little encouragement...something to get us thinking, something to get us feeling, something to get us living again. Ignite courage in others so they don't have to live in fear...ignite strength in others so they forget their weaknesses...ignite the soul so that the head knows it no longer leads...ignite the role you were meant to play...ignite the Army of One to allow others to follow...ignite the light so others may see...ignite!

Changing lives begins with mine

Who would've thought that my life would turn out the way it is right now? My belief was always that I would take what was there, never really understanding that I could change it. I had to accept whatever was given to me and it was the way it was meant to be. I had a nice lunch yesterday with LL (I remember her name -- LOL) as we talked more about how our childhood and past really dictate some of our biggest fears that we carry later on in life. The funny thing is that you don't have to come from a broken home with no money to have the same fears of unworthiness and self-doubt. We all question where we belong, what scares us, and what we believe about ourselves inspite of our environment. That tells me something that is universal - we all have fear and question if what we do matters and makes a difference. I think now we are at an age when we will see it in our kids and want to try to help them get passed where we still are in our own lives. We want them to learn the lesson about hope and courage and passion earlier than we did (or are doing) in our 30's and 40's. We need to take on the committment and willingness to help those around us by guiding them into changing their lives and we can do that in the most simplest of ways...we change our own life. We cannot control what other people think or feel in thier lives, but we can impact them in greater ways than we ever imagined. I have changed my life (for good) over the last 18+ months and have noticed how that has impacted my relationships with other people, what dreams and goals I have for myself, and realized what I am capable of doing. But it started with me. When I started this blog, it was for me. I started looking at life in a way I never had before and it made me feel better about who I am and what drives me. Then I started saying, "Yes" to more things in 2010 than I probably ever had before. I began to let people see more of me and let the walls down. I started a very intense exercise program because I had to do it for me, not for Rocky. I still do it for me, but love it when she is with me. My heart started to tell me things that I had ignored and dismissed for years and I finally started to listen. I realized that I did not need to have everything planned out and that some times "Going with the flow" was ok, too. I was paying attention to what I thought was missing in these teenagers' lives that would be easy for me to incorporate, but could not at work. Then, the bigger cry was heard - the women who are just like me. Women who are trying to find their way, after feeling lost and alone for so long. I am taking on a new project that will be gratifying to those it touches and hopefully they will begin to change their lives. They will see the hope and dreams they have long forgotten. The biggest joy I have ever seen is seeing someone I love live their dream. Who wouldn't want to be a part of that? Change your life and you could very well change the lives of others as well. It Starts with you.

An Army of One

Do you know what you can do as an army of one? We show how strong we are when we are willing to stand alone. We know it may be temporary, but who hasn't had that experience when you are in a group of people and you know that no one, no one, wants to be the first one to say or do something. But isn't it amazing how many people will follow suit after someone else has broken the ice for them? It makes it easier to follow when someone else has already paved the way for you. "Conformity is only popular when it is the majority." Someone has to take the first step in order for there to be a second and so forth. I have no familiarity with the military, but I know what it means to go into battle. I know what it feels like when you think you are alone and no one will come to help or stand beside you. A brigade is a fleet of personnel that will assist you and that is what we are here to do for you. Right now, I feel like an Army of One. I question my strength, but never, ever do I question my committment to doing what my heart tells me to. I told a young lady last night that I was pursuing a new adventure and told her mom and they both were very excited about it. I will have some upcoming meetings that may take that new adventure to places I have never been. As much as I am nervous about this new journey, I have to try. I have to give it my everything. Are you willing to stick your neck out there and try something you always wanted to, but haven't? It begins with one dream, followed by the passion fueling that dream, then one question, and then one step closer to making that dream a reality. It starts with you...everyday...to change the world, if even your world. Sometimes people notice when you change, and other times they don't. But you notice. This started as an Army of One, but over the last 16 months has become something that has grown in ways I never imagined. Someone very dear to me gave me a book that she inscribed, "I hope 2011 brings you all you have ever dreamed of and more than you could ever imagine." So far, this year has been more than that and we are not even to June. Start your own army. Remember, It Starts Today.