 | | Looking Forward! |
For many years, I have enjoyed taking 2-3 days during the holiday break to isolate myself so I can reflect on the previous year and figure out my directions for the next. Since my intellectually-disabled brother's death, I only took this break a couple times over the past six holiday seasons. I was determined to take the break this year, and I did. This time, I pulled out my business plans, marketing collateral, correspondence and memories from the idea inception of my creating Silver Lining Solutions in 2001. This year marks the 10th anniversary. Wow, how the time has flown! And my, oh my, what a decade of experiences full of triumphs, heartaches, mistakes and lessons learned. This was probably my most evolved decade of the past five. Yes, it's the big 50 for me this year. Bring it on!
The biggest transition and loss I faced was the death of my brother. Many of you have known the devotion I had for my brother and the disabilities population. My brother will always hold the biggest part of my heart and his friends will continue to be in my thoughts and through The Over 21 Disabilities Project I created in his memory - The Jeffrey J. Stampahar Fund at ACHIEVA. What many of you do not know about me is the special place kids and disadvantaged women have in my heart. I was fortunate to have born into a life that taught me about having compassion and respect for all people. I was also born into a life that taught me about the hardships of single-parenting and how at-risk behaviors develop in kids.
From an early age, I believed in volunteering and always rooted for the underdog. I had a unique lifestyle with my brother and his friends. I never did any structured volunteering with the disabilities population until after his death. My structured volunteer time was spent serving youth and women. The deepest part of my soul goes to a child, an innocent, helpless human being. I assume this came from the tough, painful times my brother and I experienced. When I decided to drop out of high school 33 years ago, I made a conscious decision to ruin my future because I just didn't care. I was an at-risk teen who hated life and me. I am now evolved with a great education and life. This year, I intend on reconnecting with our youth and doing what I can to help them become healthy, productive adults. I hope some of you will do the same. Children have no choice over the environment they are born into and raised. They become a product of their environment; consequently, too many children evolve into unhealthy adults that keep the cycle going. The cycle can break when they seek help or receive love and guidance from someone else. It takes a long time to heal and evolve. Some people never do. |
 | |
Listen to Reverend Pattisonn and Nancy Chat About Change
(click image and scroll) |
Each decision we make today, effects our tomorrow. You must listen to your heart with a little use of your head. You must live your life with integrity and authenticity. This means to find the greatest happiness and fulfillment possible, you must live a life and work in a career that is aligned with your personal beliefs, values and talents, no matter what others may say or do. You do this because it will bring you greater purpose to your life. But mostly, you do this because you have finally realized that while everyone and everything in your life are important, you matter and are worthy of good things too. You will no longer sit back and simply exist by taking life as it comes to you. You will embrace change and lead your life in ways that make you happy, healthy and whole. You will learn to say "yes" and "no" as necessary. You will give and receive. You will have the greatest high you have ever known.
I share this background information and insights with you to show that there is always more to a person than what you see on the surface. Everyone has a past, tough times and the right to change their directions. Everyone is a human being who deserves love, respect and hope. Finally, everyone deserves to live a life that brings out their best to make themselves happy and to contribute to making a better society for generations to come.
But hang on, it's not going to be easy, and it will take time. If you want easy, delete this e-mail and stay as you are for however long you remain alive. The choice is yours. If you want things to be different for you, put forth the effort to discover the real you, to learn the "how-to's" and to step out of your comfort zone. Life can be better than you may realize. As the phrase goes, "You don't know what you don't know."
As with anything, we are a work-in-progress. That is, if we are on the pursuit of growth and change. For me, I am continuing to learn, grow and evolve. I strive to live my best life with hope and aspirations. With all my heart, I strive to make a difference in the lives of others. Even though I have greatly evolved and helped many people and organizations, I know that I have much more to do and give.
I have a refreshed focus and am eager to help you better your lives and organizations. In reflection of my past decade, I will get back in touch with my passion for youth, bring back personal coaching for people who want to become more empowered and assertive, continue to help organizations grow and enjoy the gradual writing my second book. It's going to be a fabulous year! I hope so for you too.
Imagine It, Believe It, Become It!
Nancy Stampahar
|
