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A year ago today, I was coming out of a bit of a fog in my journey. As I was reflecting on the places my journey had taken me to, I couldn’t help but think of the numbers of people in the world who may be walking through the fog of life unable to see what was in front of them or where their journey would lead them. I could relate to how the heart reacts and wanted to share a few of the insights I had gathered along the way.

I sat down and embarked on a new chapter in my life by signing up to write a blog. I was terrified. I have always struggled with opening my heart by journaling because I was very protective of the treasures that reside within my heart. I skipped the journal and went straight for the very public, open forum of blogging. I had no clue what I was doing (sometimes, I still don’t). However, I wanted to share hope, encouragement, and wisdom in a way that might help at least one other person in this big, wide world know that they could keep traveling their journey and make it through the difficult times.

The response has been overwhelming. You, my readers, have become an amazing part of my world.

Thank you for taking this journey with me. Thank you for your patience as I have been learning each step of the way. Thank you for your continued support as my life commitments have pulled me away for longer periods of time than my heart has desired.

WordPress notified me that as of today, I have been blogging for one year. What a rewarding journey.

I hope that you will continue to read, find inspiration and hope.

Thank you for sharing this part of my journey and enriching my life as only you can!

Cover of Pay it Forward

i blogged yesterday about focusing the mind. one of the elements on my list to focus on was- “whatever is worthy of deep respect”. i am blessed to have many things both great an small that are worthy of respect in my life.

i re-watched the movie, Pay It Forward, today. the story is about a 7th grade boy who is asked to do a social studies assignment. the teacher asks the students to “backflip” the world into something better. the children are young so the teacher’s expectation is not high. however, Trevor (who has every reason to believe the world to be completely harsh and unchangeable), decides to help three people in need. instead of allowing them to “repay” his kindness, he asks them to “pay it forward” by doing something kind for three people and asking them to do the same. Trevor is convinced that his assignment was a major “fail” even though his teacher grades him on his effort and he gets an “A”. as the movie continues, it becomes apparent to Trevor, his mom and his teacher that the impact of this assignment reached further than any of them imagined it could. Trevor says in the movie that he thinks it’s because people are afraid that what they have to give will not matter so they allow fear to shut them down.

i am an infant in the blogging world. i have no idea how to even get up on my feet as yet. at the moment, my eyes are consuming the world around me in fascination. i am intrigued. i am challenged. i am curious.

Mayi Carles has inspired me. her warm, enthusiastic approach brightens my heart. although extremely different from my approach, she has set me on an exploration within my heart for enthusiasm. you should check out her blog on voicing- powerful, fun, encouraging. she has no idea the level of inspiration she has sparked in the heart of a woman at the bottom of the world. lol. i provide my thanks, click “like” and share a comment yet the depth of her impact (and the paths it will take me down) can not be conveyed. she will live in my thoughts for years to come. could she have imagined that when she began? probably not.

Kim (KBT) inspired me to grab hold of my love for photography as a creative expression. i realized after reading her blog on “faking it” that although i am not a professional, allowing this interest to flow through my daily life allows me to express my heart creatively. my creativity has sky rocketed. through the lens of my camera, i experience the world around me in a whole new light. i have always loved photography. it makes my heart happy. i have had many days of great pleasure as a result of crossing paths with this woman who is sharing her gift. she reminded me in her blog on “10 easy steps to become a miserable artist” that comparing my expression with others is not wisdom. will she fully understand the impact my life will receive? probably not.

meanwhile,melody’s musings and Penny from the why about this have caused me to reach for maturity and seasoning in my writing. both of these woman demonstrate depth and excellence in their writing. they inspire me to strive for excellence in what i want to share, to develop more passion and grow. this inspiration is bleeding to all aspects of my life. did they hope their voice would find significance? i’m sure they did. i doubt they will ever truly see the full impact to the thousands of lives they reach. none the less, it is a reality even if they never fully see it.

i’ve met so many people who under estimate their supply. i think we have all been there. i once shared something simple with a group of friends. i gave it very little thought until one day i realized,” wait a minute. this has spread quite a bit further than i ever imagined!” i had no idea. i was a bit amazed. it opened my eyes to the fact that my circle of influence is real and the relationships within it pay attention.

the movie, “Pay It Forward” reminds me that i don’t always get to tangibly see, hold or feel the impact i am having. reminding me to make sure i don’t allow myself to stop being me because there is no immediate gratification.

i hope that you won’t either.

today, i celebrate and give well deserved honor to the bloggers who have inspired me. there are many more than i have mentioned today. i ask for your patience because i have not always pressed the “like” button or commented as often as i should have. i am still learning. i am still an infant blogger. i will find my feet. however, i want you all to know that nonetheless, the impact is there. i appreciate your contribution to my journey.

i also want my readers to know that i appreciate your contribution as well. the impact of you stopping in your day to read my blog means so much to my heart.

i encourage you to celebrate and honor the people who are encouraging you on your journey. smile at a stranger. reach out. express. impact. even if you never see the result. it may very well help change the world.