“In a world filled with hate, we must still dare to hope. In a world filled with anger, we must still dare to comfort. In a world filled with despair, we must still dare to dream. And in a world filled with distrust, we must still dare to believe.” --- Michael Jackson
Reading these words, I see and hear another side of Michael Jackson. As he passed, I learned more about the children he left behind and more about those who loved him. A softer, kinder, more tender Michael emerged as he died. He is no longer just "Wacko, Jacko."
He had thoughtful and lofty ideas to share and now he is gone, but his words, work and legacy live on. His persona was often portrayed as troubled, he did outlandish things, and he was not completely understood or appreciated. Reading the headlines, I noted that his 11-year old daughter was moved to say, "I loved him so much. "
As we approach the second half of the 2009, I have been reflecting on my hopes, my blessings, my dreams, and my beliefs. I am filled with a greater sense of urgency. I wonder how can I make the next 6 months matter? How can I put my hopes, dreams, and beliefs into action and bring comfort to not only me but to my community?
I have decided to focus my energy on creating another workshop for Parents and Educators- this one will be entitled, "H" to the 4th Power. In this workshop, I will connect participants to their own hopes, hearts, heads, and hands and encourage them to tackle their challenges with renewed vigor and passion. I will prod, pull and provoke them until I hear their unspoken dreams clearly.
I intend to ask participants: What are you hoping for? Who are you comforting? What are you dreaming of? What are you choosing to believe? What action are you taking to leave a lasting legacy? What words do you say and what words will be remembered, when you are no longer here?
Sunday, July 12, 2009
Friday, July 10, 2009
Let Go, Let God!
These words have special significance for me today. These words, Let Go, Let God, allowed me to sleep last night. I had a very challenging day both at home and work. At work, I faced a discouraged colleague and a frustrated supervisor. I tried to meet the needs of both and left the office without satisfying either.
At home, I was met with an angry mother and my attempts to share my concerns and gain her support failed. As my daughter struggles to gain her independence and freedom, I worry about her fate. She is worried about hurting her boyfriend, worried about his anger, and wants the 30 to 40 texts she receives daily to be limited. Meanwhile, the texts continue....
As she shares her desire to breathe, to step back, his clutch becomes tighter and his pleas louder. She is finished talking to me and does not seem to be overly concerned. He is learning to text "less." Breaking up is hard to do and transitions are difficult. Meanwhile, I listen to stories of obsessive lovers and fear that her desire to spread her wings will be stifled by a "friend" who can not get enough of her. I share my concerns with her and vow to myself to reach out to a counselor. Getting her out of the area gives me reason to celebrate. Getting support from loved ones is crucial in times of transition.
Remaining here, I hear stange noises, start to fret and worry about the consequences of my actions. I fear the ramifications of confronting the controlling behavior and yet I know that these ties will limit her growth and development. After listening to the concerns and worries of friends and relatives for her safety and for my own, I decide to turn inward and seek guidance. In my quiet solitude, I hear, "Let Go, Let God." Knowing that I have done everything I can, I decide do just that. I Let Go and Let God.
I slept and woke up refreshed. I called the counselor with firm resolve and my daughter is now getting objective counsel and help. I remind myself again and again to continue to reach out for support, to tap into my inner resources and to Let Go, and Let God.
At home, I was met with an angry mother and my attempts to share my concerns and gain her support failed. As my daughter struggles to gain her independence and freedom, I worry about her fate. She is worried about hurting her boyfriend, worried about his anger, and wants the 30 to 40 texts she receives daily to be limited. Meanwhile, the texts continue....
As she shares her desire to breathe, to step back, his clutch becomes tighter and his pleas louder. She is finished talking to me and does not seem to be overly concerned. He is learning to text "less." Breaking up is hard to do and transitions are difficult. Meanwhile, I listen to stories of obsessive lovers and fear that her desire to spread her wings will be stifled by a "friend" who can not get enough of her. I share my concerns with her and vow to myself to reach out to a counselor. Getting her out of the area gives me reason to celebrate. Getting support from loved ones is crucial in times of transition.
Remaining here, I hear stange noises, start to fret and worry about the consequences of my actions. I fear the ramifications of confronting the controlling behavior and yet I know that these ties will limit her growth and development. After listening to the concerns and worries of friends and relatives for her safety and for my own, I decide to turn inward and seek guidance. In my quiet solitude, I hear, "Let Go, Let God." Knowing that I have done everything I can, I decide do just that. I Let Go and Let God.
I slept and woke up refreshed. I called the counselor with firm resolve and my daughter is now getting objective counsel and help. I remind myself again and again to continue to reach out for support, to tap into my inner resources and to Let Go, and Let God.
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