Keep On Keeping On

There are 2 months before year-end.

Even if you slacked off on making 2023 your best, it is not too late to step up to the plate.

Look at this video and recalibrate; if you have gotten off course or continue if you are moving in the direction of your desire.

Basically, follow my grandmother's advice of…

keep on keeping on.

Look forward to hearing about your experiences.

Chatting with Gabby | The Importance of Self-Care for Mental Health

Chatting with Gabby | The Importance of Self-Care for Mental Health

My granddaughter started writing her blog when COVID began and she was confined.   Just found out a few days ago when her mother sent some of her blogs to me.  After reading them, I asked Gabby if I could share some of her writings with others.

Three ways to Live an Impactful Life

I recently had the opportunity to visit the Keith Haring exhibit at the Broad Museum, and I want to share a quote from the artist that was thought-provoking. As I entered the gallery, these words greeted me, "My contribution to the world is my ability to draw. I will draw as much as I can for as many people as I can for as long as I can." Keith Haring


His prescription for living a fulfilling and productive life can be encapsulated in just those two sentences. I believe these words hold valuable insights for each of us, guiding us toward a more meaningful existence.


In my journey through the exhibition, I couldn't help but be inspired by Haring's awareness of what he was here to do. Despite his tragically short life of 31 years, he accomplished exactly what he set out to achieve. His message holds valuable lessons for all of us, particularly in our pursuit of a fulfilling and impactful life.


 
 

Here are three points inspired by Keith Haring's prescription for living a meaningful life: 

  1. Discover your unique contribution: We are all brought into this world with a purpose, but sometimes we lose sight of it or allow others to define it for us. It's essential to set aside time each day for reflection, to listen to your inner voice, and ask yourself, "What do I have to offer? What does the world need from me?" Be still and receptive, allowing the answers to emerge. It may take time and patience, but trust the process. Keep a notepad handy to jot down any inspirations or tidbits that come to you. These could be the breadcrumbs guiding you toward your answers.


  2. Create a plan to share your gift: Once you have clarity on your purpose, it's time to develop a plan to bring your gift to the world. Just as Keith Haring proclaimed his intention to draw for as many people as possible,  aim to share your talents, skills, and passions with inclusivity. In a world often clouded by negativity and division, find ways to reach and connect with a wide audience.  Your mission should not be limited to a select few but should have the potential to inspire and impact the masses. 


  3. Leave a legacy: Keith Haring's commitment to his mission remained unshaken even in the face of adversity. Despite being diagnosed with AIDS, he continued to produce art, ensuring that his creative legacy would endure beyond his lifetime. Similarly, how can you embrace the concept of "for as long as I can" in your own life? Dedicate yourself to your mission, persist through challenges, and create work that will impact others long after you are gone.


While not a lot of the art in the exhibition may have resonated with me, I realized that the important thing isn't pleasing everyone but rather learning and speaking my own truth. He certainly spoke his truth. By sharing our authentic voices and experiences, we have the power to make a profound impact on the lives of others.


 Embark on your journey because it is yours to do.   Explore your purpose, create your plans, and persevere in the face of obstacles. Your truths have the potential to help and inspire those around you, contributing to a more fulfilling and meaningful life not only for you but also for many others.


On my journey back home, I couldn't help but reflect not only on the exhibit itself but also on the remarkable awareness Keith Haring possessed regarding his purpose in life and his unwavering commitment to it. Despite his short life of only 31 years, he achieved exactly what he set out to do.


Chatting with Gabby | Friendships are hard

Chatting with Gabby | Friendships are hard

My granddaughter started writing her blog when COVID began and she was confined.   Just found out a few days ago when her mother sent some of her blogs to me.  After reading them, I asked Gabby if I could share some of her writings with others.

Chatting with Gabby Remote Learning

Chatting with Gabby Remote Learning

My granddaughter started writing her blog when COVID began and she was confined.   Just found out a few days ago when her mother sent some of her blogs to me.  After reading them, I asked Gabby if I could share some of her writings with others.

You Were Made For this Moment


My pastor, John Cager, delivered a sermon recently, “You Were Made for This Moment”. As I listened I realized what a powerful directive he was offering.  I began to reflect on my being made for this moment and a light bulb went off.  Flash.  I began to experience an appreciation for the gifts I have at my disposal.  


As I continued to reflect I asked myself which of my gifts am I using and which ones am I just sitting on?  


Wow, What a revelation! It just takes Awareness to make things happen.  


It’s like shopping in your own closet and finding so many wonderful items you have not worn or haven’t worn in a long time, right there at your disposal. Once you see what you have, an abundant attitude surfaces.  Awareness in action.


I belong to a service organization and a message came from one of the members the very next day which said, “Happy Make It Happen Monday.” Being told You were made for this moment one day plus receiving the text Make it Happen Monday, the next day, was for me a message that was loud and oh so clear.  


It said Cynthia, you can and you will take action!  A surge of energy coursed through my being and a knowingness took over. 


You may have lost your instruction manual years ago and have been functioning on autopilot, but now with awareness you were born for this moment, you can now go back to your closet of you, rearrange and use what you have to be a part of the solution.  


With all the disruption that has taken place in the past few years, operate with the knowledge that you hold the keys for change.


I am asking you what would you do differently if you became aware that you were made for this moment and the following day a text message that says “Make it Happen Monday” appeared for you or even “Make it Happen Today”.


Let this message be a reminder that you were made for this moment and whatever day you read this make it a happy make it happen day.  An opportunity to elevate your best self by using what you were gifted with will give you a newfound joy and the whole world will benefit.


You can listen to the sermon that so excited me on

wardamechurch.org/watch August 28,2022.