New Blog Bite-An Energizing Event!

CHRISTMAS IN JULY …
And I got the gift.

“Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world; indeed, it’s the only thing that ever has.” Margaret Mead

Isn’t it amazing — when we give to someone we often receive much more than we have given? I do believe that “paying it forward” is one of the most important actions we can take. Sometimes, though, I feel overwhelmed at the many problems facing us. This is why I love being a part of an “Energizing Event” to experience the Margaret Mead quote firsthand and sharing gift with you. I know small groups really do make big changes.

Recently, my favorite networking group, Carolina Professional Sales & Entrepreneurs (CPSE) did what they do best by supporting women who are making a difference. I have the honor of serving on the CPSE Board and it has been a big support for my business and personal life.

The CPSE held their July meeting at the “Dress for Success” organization in Charlotte where we learned about this very powerful program which helps women get & keep jobs…some for the first time in their lives! The Dress for Success program, a national organization, thoroughly prepares women to enter the workforce. Not only do they give women the appropriate clothes for a job interview (we all know how important that is), they also teach them how to be successful in their jobs and in their personal lives. The Charlotte Dress for Success program is so effective, the women they help have a 90%+ job retention rate — much better than other locations.

While CPSE has traditionally held a “fun social” in the summer, this year we decided to support the Charlotte Dress for Success program’s with our presence, lunch for their staff and the $500 we donated. We also enjoyed a delicious lunch catered by King’s Kitchen, a nonprofit organization which teaches culinary skills to people who have been homeless and donates the proceeds to hunger relief projects. Supporting two helpful organizations in one day was such a gift to us!
At this event, memories served another gift to me. I was reminded of the women I worked with for years who were coming out of jail or rehabilitation programs. Up close, I saw the enormous obstacles they faced. Their indomitable courage and unwavering devotion to their families both inspired and humbled me. It was a great gift to share their lives.

And so attending this year’s CPSE event was a wonderful reminder to honor those for whom I am grateful, to remember what is important and to look for times to gift other people by “paying it forward.”

We don’t have to wait until Christmas for our gifts!

Join Me At Bucket Brigade

THE BUCKET BRIGADE

If you haven’t been laid off, downsized or fired recently, you probably not have been working. The experience of this dramatic change has become commonplace but the emotional toll it takes is not one we talk much about but it is very real. It is very stressful takes a huge toll on our health, mentally and physically.

I know what it feels like because it has happened to me in a very dramatic way. Some years ago while living in CA, I was recruited for a great job in NC. It seemed like a good time to get closer to family and my roots so I packed up & moved across the country. I had only been here for about 2 months when I was laid off. I was devastated; I had no contacts here and couldn’t even find my way around. Money was tight as I got no severance, was not eligible e for unemployment & had spent a lot to get my house in CA ready to rent. It was an emotionally difficult time, to say the least.

Eventually I did come out of it but I never forgot how I felt and how hard it was to deal with the emotional toll. I looked for information on the emotions of job loss/job search but could not find much that was helpful. So I began to put together a “talk” on coping with that experience and to speak to job support groups several times a year. I always had people come up to me after the talks and tell me I should write on this as so many people needed to hear it.

Last winter I meet an amazing Presbyterian Chaplin, Rev.Elizabeth Hyland.She was creating a series of seminars to support people who were unemployed and asked me to be one of the speakers. The seminars were about giving people an emotional boost and they have been very helpful and uplifting for attendees as well as speakers.

But I began to realize that people need a regular place to come to get that boost and to get & give support. So the idea of a regular, drop –in support group was born.

The idea of a “Bucket Brigade” comes from practice of a community coming together to help fill a bucket and then pass it on. So this seemed a perfect name for creating a support group where we could fill our own & each other’s “well- being” bucket. So in Nov. we started and it is going strong.

We share with each other and talk about some simple, easy ways we can take good care of ourselves.

I always leave feeling uplifted and truly honored be in the “Bucket line” with such amazing people. I know you will find this true for you too.

So whatever your life situation is, you can come to a safe and uplifting place to get “filled up” and pass it on.

• First & Third Wednesdays
• 10:30-11:30
• Julia’s Coffee (upstairs)
• 1133 N. Wendover Rd, Charlotte, NC