A Reason to Celebrate, A Reason to Hope and A Reason to Share!

Today is Robert’s birthday. He turned 19 today. As I contemplate his age, I realize that my youngest son is a young man! Even, more significant in many ways, he is mobile and is gaining more independence each day. He got his driver's license this morning and is now out driving on his own...behind the wheel without another licensed driver for the first time!

This is a milestone and a reason for celebration.

For years now, Robert has been responsible for maintaining our yard. He has been mowing the lawn, trimming the shrubs, power edging, spreading the mulch and planting new trees and shrubs. He has helped our neighbors with power washing and deck staining, spring and fall cleanup projects and snow removal. With his new mobility, he can now easily perform these services outside of our neighborhood and share his love of nature with those in Northern VA.

To see "Robert's yard" the fruits of his labor, and his latest venture and dream, visit Believe in a Ray of Hope website.

This milestone also brings to mind other celebrations and memories of years gone by. Flashing back, I recall, when I first learned that Robert would be joining our family. It was a sunny July 4th. The year was 1995, and yet I remember the details like it happened yesterday. To learn how this miracle unfolded, contact me and I will send you the full story.

In September 1995, Sandra and Robert joined our family and the picture above was taken in the early months. We enrolled Sandra in kindergarten and while we used our limited Latvian vocabulary, Sandra quickly picked up English and became a translator for Robert. Meanwhile, Robert quickly picked up a household broom, adopted it as his favorite toy, and has been sweeping up ever since!

Greg quickly bonded with them and they were seen as three peas in a pod. Our family, friends, and neighbors joined us in celebration. Everyone around us embraced Sandra and Robert and showered them with gifts. Within weeks of their arrival, their closets and drawers were bulging with clothes and toys.

Now, 15 years later, much has transpired. Greg has moved out, is happily managing the kitchen of an organic restaurant, has become a great cook, and is engaged to Christy. They share an old farmhouse, have planted a garden, love their Great Dane, Peyton, and plan to marry next year and begin their own business in the spring.

Sandra is in her second year of college. While attending classes full time, she is working part time, earning money, shopping, and paying off a portion of her college expenses. She is loved by the children in the neighborhood and their parents who see her as a warm loving spirit. She is highly sought after as a baby sitter and is determined to become an elementary school teacher.

Looking backwards, I realize that our lives have been tremendously enriched by their presence and through adoption. We have experienced great joy, success, pain, and frustration and we have weathered life as a family. I was naive and made many mistakes in the last 23 years as a parent, yet, I would not change my life in any way today.

Experience has been a great teacher. I have learned that transitions are seldom easy but when we can face our challenges with those we love and admire, we often find greater meaning in our lives.

While Sandra and Robert both still share the front doorway, I realize that time is marching forward and they too will be looking to venture beyond our doorsteps. Soon they will be marching out with high hopes and dreams for themselves, following in their older brother’s footsteps.

I continue to believe that our dreams and hopes will propel us to new heights and both Robert and Sandra seem to have caught the beat! What do you think?

Grand Parent's Day: Still Fishing for Dreams!

As a dreamer, water lover, and daughter of an avid fisherman, I could not pass up on the opportunity to share this story. I have been thinking of my dad alot today, as it is Grandparent's Day and my dad has been Grand in so many ways! He took me fishing as a little girl, took my children fishing and still has me fishing for my dreams!

It is my hope that my own dad, who has always loved fishing, the ocean and adventure, will see himself in this story and know how much we all appreciate him and the wisdom he has shared. My dad started early in pursuing his dreams.

He left home early, joined the marines early, saw the world early, married and had children early. Growing up, I listened to his stories of adventure and was in awe. I definitely wanted to follow in his footsteps but my courage was not as great. In fact, you might call me timid! In other words, I was SCARED!

My journeys began after college. I married late, had a family late, and found my voice late. As a result, I live with a sense of urgency, today. Being a late blooming flower, I am more committed than ever to live the remainder of my life pursuing my dreams, my passion and my purpose.

Far too often, parents put their dreams on hold, waiting for the "right" time and place to reconnect with their passions and dreams. For far too many, the right time and place never arrives and this breaks my heart. I grieve not only for the person who has stopped pursuing his dream, but for his children. It is my firm belief that children learn by following our actions, not our words. If you are not in action, pursuing your dreams, what are you teaching your children?

Following in my father's footsteps, I hope to give voice to unspoken dreams. I hope to inspire you to find your voice, to connect to your dreams and to call you to action. You see I want company on my journey!

Read Steve Wozniak's story then come back for a call to action!

Angler's amazing feat: 1,000 species of fish and counting

Wozniak exercised his passion and drive to not only accomplish his dream but to inspire others. While I do not know if Wozniak has a wife or children, I do know that his actions have inspired me. When we follow our hearts, others hear the joy and want to join the fun!

Imagine his joy, his energy and enthusiasm for life. While my dream is far from Steve's dream, I, too, have passion, energy and a calling and so do YOU. If I can do it, so can YOU. Let's get going!

Are you still counting the days or relishing the moments?

What can you do today to make your heart sing?

How can you begin to fish for your dreams?

How can you put Grand in your day?

How can you inspire action in your children?

A Shot of Inspiration to Get Into Action!

Do you hear a whisper from within? Are you looking to move your dreams forward? Do you need a shot of inspiration, to get into action? If so, I have a special treat for you!

I know I like to be inspired, before I get into action and this short movie, provides not only inspiration but validation. Please view Dreams Are Whispers from the Soul and consider getting this book which is written by my Dream University teacher, Marcia Wieder to keep you moving forward.

Many of you know that I am Certified Dream Coach® and attended Dream University in 2008. In attending this course, I fulfilled a long held dream. I have followed Marcia Wieder's work for years, and it was a great treat to finally meet and work with her in the last year. Marcia is widely known as America's Dream Coach, has appeared on Oprah a few times and is Jack Canfield's personal coach.

I have been applying Marcia's work in Transition Coaching for several years and have witnessed many transfomed lives as a result. I have tremendous respect and admiration for Marcia and was delighted to see that she highlighted many key concepts in this book. In her book, Marcia will show you how to turn your dreams into reality with real life stories, motivational quotes and beautiful photography.

Enjoy this 3 minute movie to get you started today on realizing your dreams!



My colleague and dear friend Dr. Carie Rotherbacher and I are currently offering Transition Quest, A Visioning Course for Parents, Educators and Advocates, utilizing Marcia's formula. We will be presenting an Introduction to Visioning for Resilience and Colaboration in Roanoke, VA in March.

Please go to my website at http://believeinarayofhope.com/to learn more about upcoming training events.

Secret of Success - Step Out of Your Comfort Zone!

Thomas Henry Huxley said, "Do what you should do, when you should do it, whether you feel like it or not." He went on to say, "There are 999 other success principles that I have found in my reading and experience, but without self-discipline, none of them work."

I added the special emphasis to whether you feel like it or not. It is easy to say these words and harder to implement them. Self discipline is the secret key to success according to Mr. Huxley. He does not mention tapping into your passion or purpose, and yet these elements are key components to success and are foundational. Without passion or purpose, these words are often ignored while we become heavier and heavier and ladened with guilt.

When we combine our passion and purpose and implement these words, we take action, stand out and move forward! People notice, we form habits, and it becomes easier to succeed beyond our initial yearnings. When we are doing what we are "meant to do," and step out of our comfort zone, our actions take on a life of their own and often stepping out can turn out to be exhilarating and very rewarding.

Let me know what you will do today, to step out of your comfort zone, to move forward in pursuit of your passion and purpose, whether you feel like doing it or not, to further your dreams?

Marcia's Dream Note - Summer Visions!

Happy Thursday! As you all know, I have been a Marcia Wieder fan for years and had the pleasure of working with her face to face on several occasions. Today, I got the following note from Marcia and an article that she wrote. I wanted to pass it on as I sense you will enjoy the message and wisdom it contains.

Marcia's Dream Note:
Dear Doreen,
Summer is just whizzing by. Don’t miss the opportunity to Dream Time before you have to focus on getting the kids back to school and then (good grief) the holidays. Be sure to do at least a few things that really make you happy, even if it’s just a lazy afternoon lounging in a hammock with a glass of lemonade.
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12 Ways to be a 21st Century Visionary
by Marcia Wieder

Over twenty years ago, when I began to write and speak about achieving our dreams, I had a big vision. It was (and still is) to change the way we think and speak about our dreams. Instead of it being a nice idea that you might (someday) explore, a dream is something that matters to you and that you fully intended to achieve.

As expected, life brought the unexpected and with it many challenges. We could justifiably look at the economy, the lack of heath care, war, education and many other areas and declare that this is no time to dream. Many would say it’s a time to focus more on what is, than on our dreams.

And yet, without our dreams, and this new definition of dreams, nothing changes. Since living in unusual times requires that we think, act and are different, here is my call to action.

I invite you step up and out as a 21st Century Visionary. A visionary has a big dream, shares it, and inspires others to join them. Here are additional qualities for you to consider.
A 21st Century Visionary:
1. Is comfortable with uncertainty, the place where true creation occurs. He or she knows we were created to create and allows the time and space for this to occur.
2. Has extraordinary faith. They are able to act on what’s important to them even without assurance and guarantees. They can walk on faith without knowing the strategy or even clear next steps.
3. Knows that the secret to enlightenment is to relax. As we relax, our ego (with its agenda, fears and doubts) can slip away and we are left with our essential self, essence or soul.
4. Practices getting empty, so they can hear the voice of the Divine and/or feel this presence. They often create ritual and sacred space as way to invite this in.
5. Can consciously drop into a deeper place of wisdom, knowing and truth and can ideate/dream, and speak from this place.
6. Is aware that miracles happen in their own time and is able to wait rather than asserting his or her will or effort too soon. They trust the process enough to let it unfold.
7. Is receptive and knows that “give and take” is not the same as “give and receive” and that giving and receiving need to be done in balance. They practice restraint, allowing space for the space where true creation and original thought happen.
8. Does not live primarily as a problem solver, but more as a creative force. They are aware that it is more powerful to move toward what you want than away from what you don’t want, yet they know that both creation and destruction serve.
9. Has a conscious relationship with the silent witness, the part that can see many points of view, all sides and new perspectives. They are big dreamers with great imagination and willing to traverse new terrain.
10. Is collaborative rather than hierarchal. They have the courage, clarity and commitment to share dreams and ideas and empower others to take ownership.
11. Is crucial to the Dream Movement's ultimate dream, which is to make the world a better place. They know that with one single highly intentional step, the world can and has changed.
12. Has tremendous integrity. Beyond keeping their agreements with themselves and others, they answer to a higher Source. They usually have a purpose, mission, vision, calling and dreams in many areas of life.
Here is mine. My purpose is to believe. My mission is to help others believe in themselves and their dreams. My vision is to lead a Dream Movement in order to make the world a better place. My calling is to help us remember who we are and why we’re here.

What’s your purpose, mission, vision or calling? How are you living as a 21st Century Visionary? What qualities or values would you add to this list?

_______________________________________________________________________________

I hope you find Marcia's article inspirational and will respond to her questions before the summer ends. It is good to get our ideas out of our heads and onto paper! On a related note, it's also good for the soul to reconnect with our friends and fellow travelers. Enjoy the short movie.

Saying Yes to Your Dreams and Joy!

My fellow travelers and I have been examining our dreams, values, and purpose. Today's lesson focused on our beliefs and attitudes. As I was searching for words of wisdom that might help us on our path, I came upon this inspiring movie.

I believe that this movie will help us to move forward. Click the link above and let me know if this inspires you to take action in the direction of your dreams.

2009, Somewhere, There's a Place for Us!

As 2009 begins, I believe that we have reason to celebrate. We have been to hell and back and have survived. My mother was always fond of saying, "What doesn't kill us, makes us stronger." I have seen the wisdom of her words and indeed do feel stronger today. The last year was full of emotions, a roller coaster ride I am not eager to jump on again. Nonetheless, the fact that we are still standing, makes me confident that we are survivors and we have reason to hope!

As we enter 2009, with all of its challenges, I am more determined than ever to help others in voicing their dreams, realizing their worth, and in taking action. I have been energized and stimulated by the masses of people who celebrated the change we are embracing. We seem to have regained optimism and renewed our sense of hope in America.

As the new year emerges, we can look back and see that on November 4, 2008, over 57 million Americans made their voices heard. Americans lined up, said that they were ready for change, and elected Barrack Obama as President. Overnight, we regained the respect of the world and stood as a united force. Together, we can face the challenge and transition into a more inclusive and caring society.

Despite our concerns and worries, we can now look forward to a brighter new year. If 57 million Americans were willing to stand in long lines to vote and to make their voices heard, I am convinced that many million more stayed at home with dreams and hopes unheard. I am anxious to hear these unspoken dreams and hopes in 2009. I am going to make a concerted effort to encourage those who are often overlooked and ignored to voice their dreams and hopes. I will encourage them to acknowledge their strengths, to connect with others and to walk toward peace and understanding.

I was recently reminded of a song that is very significant for me. I heard it sung during the the Kennedy Center Honors televised program in tribute to Barbara Streisand and was nearly moved to tears. I know you have heard it. It was sung by a classmate the year I graduated from high school and has always held a special place in my heart.

Barbara Streisand made it popular and it was written by Michael Spriggs, Andy Byrd and Lindsay Ellis. The song is Somewhere. The words resonate with me more now than even then.... Here they are:

"Someday, somewhere, we'll find a new way of living, we'll find a new way of forgiving. Somewhere. There's a place for us, someday, a place for us. Peace and quiet and open air. Wait for us, somewhere. There's a time for us. Someday, there'll be a time for us. Time together with time to spare. A time to learn, a time to care. Someday, somewhere, we'll find a new way of living, we'll find a new way of forgiving. Somewhere. Somewhere. Somewhere. There's a place for us. A time and place for us. Hold my hand and we're halfway there. Just take my hand and I'll take you there. Somehow, Someday, Somewhere."

Will you take my hand? Will you walk with me into 2009 and work with me toward a new way of living? Will we find a new way of forgiving? Is there time for sharing and a time for caring? I hope so!

Together, we can fill the potholes found along the road of life with Hope and make the future brighter for us all. Together, hand in hand, we are halfway there. What are you waiting for?