Who's Your Catcher?

     At the funeral of one of my best friend's mother, the minister spoke about how he researched trapeze acts at the circus.  They always fascinated him and he wanted to know more.  You don't hear much about trapeze acts in a funeral message, so it intrigued me.  What he learned was the interesting part to me!  One would normally think that it's the fllyer doing tricks in the air that is the most important part of the act.  But, in reality, the catcher is the most important person.  We may all gawk at the flyer for his/her abilities to tumble in mid-air.  But if he/she doesn't have a person on the other end to catch him/her, it is all for naught.  They have to trust that that person will be there to catch them.  Trusting is the key word here.

     I find myself being the one who is "flying through the air" taking chances.  And I am so grateful for those around me who "catch" me!  I may go out on a limb, but, fortunately, it hasn't broken!  Learning to trust has been a process and doesn't come easily. Luckily, trusting is a two-way street and I hope those I trust know that I hold their trust just as securely. I cannot go through life sitting still.  I need to keep swinging on that trapeze.  So this post is dedicated to those who are at the other end "catching" me and holding my trust.  We can't go it alone.

     May we always be open to be the "catcher" when someone is flying through the air and has "let go"!  They may not be expecting you to be their "catcher", but do it anyway.  You never know when it is going to be your turn to be the "flyer"!  Sometimes the best friendships are made that way!

My Take on Excellence

     Wow!  The summer has flown past and I have loved all the sunshine!  I am totally looking forward to Fall and the new school year.  Summer has been a little laid back for me, but I'm gearing up for the future!  It has provided me with the opportunity to set new goals for myself.  I usually don't plan too far ahead, but now it's different.  And exciting!

     Back to the present...I heard a quote yesterday about "excellence" that said it can be obtained "...by caring more than others think is wise.  By risking more than others think is safe.  By expecting more than others think is practical..."  (There isn't anyone attributed to this quote, but it hit home to me.)  "Excellence" doesn't mean perfection to me.  People are never going to be perfect.  But when we lead our lives in ways that show caring, risking, expecting then there are opportunities for excellence to show through.  We can have those attributes in our daily lives without being trapeze artists or The Evil Knevils of the world.  Sure, some professions are naturally going to have more risks, but that doesn't mean that all of us can't stick our necks out if an opportunity presents itself and we need to act on it.   

     I want to go through life with no regrets or what ifs.  Life provides too many opportunities to form friendships and meet new people to miss anything.  Even a "Good Samaritan" act like making a food delivery can be a springboard to friendship.  In order to receive, one must be out there.  You have to "break out of your cocoon"!  "Serendipity" is another word used to describe experiences that happen from the unexpected.  All these cliches and phrases help form my life.  And it is those around me that make it happen!

     Strive for excellence!  Take that risk!  Care!  Expect that great things will happen for you!  Trust me, they will!

    

Get out of the rut!

Something that was said by the priest at church yesterday rang true to me.  Sometimes we get in a rut and don't think that life has anything new to offer us.  I have not really followed that line of thinking because each day provides new opportunities to reach out or to connect.  But one has to be open to those possibilities and be ready when it happens.  Sometimes the opportunity happens when we aren't looking!  And those can be the most fun! 

Being on Council has provided me with more opportunities than I can count!  Social media opens doors for connecting that I never would have dreamed of.  But the communication has to be a two-way street.  There is no connection if you are not open to new ideas or thoughts or people.  New people come into your life and can bring new perspectives that totally make life exciting!  Life has so much to offer past the four walls of your comfort zone.  Taking a chance exploring outside those walls is what keeps me going!  There is so much to learn and so many teachers out there for me to learn from!  (And I'm not talking about the classroom!) 

Open up!  Make yourself available!  That new "Best Friend" could be out there just waiting to meet you!    Get ready for the adventure and you will be surprised where that path can lead....

The sky's the limit!

With a little help from my friends!

What? It's been since February since I wrote? Where's my prodder been?!!

I think I'm turning a corner this Spring. So many situations have surrounded me and through them all, friends have given advice that has allowed me insight to move forward. I've been able to grasp ideas and experiences in ways that make sense to me. I feel like I have more voice to give to issues or concerns when I need to speak up. I know, I know. I am usually a little shy (really), and it has taken me a long time to be able to speak more aggressively in public. It is because I feel I need to advocate for those who aren't able to for themselves. Because others share their views and feelings with me, I feel that I need to step out of my shell and speak up. Stand up for what is right, in my opinion. Many thanks to you who have nurtured this in me and given me ideas on how to be effective. I hope that I will be so going forward.

It's through our connections with others that the most impact can be felt. It's Jackie Robinson Day in MLB and here's a quote that is on the outside of Dodger Stadium from him, "A life is not important except on the impact it has on other people's lives." I like to think that each one of my friends fits that quote in the positive impact that you've had on mine. We can have fun, but yet know how to get down to business and get 'er done!

Friends, you're the best!

Land of the Free, Home of the Brave

Reflecting on Lincoln's presidency and the tumultuous times he served, I am reminded of our own brave soldiers who have fought for freedom. The picture that I have chosen to include is of PFC Danny Kimme, son of Champaign police officer, Doug Kimme. He was killed in the line of duty almost four years ago to this date. I took this picture of his sketching at the Illinois State Fair in 2010. An artist made sketches of all the soldiers who had fallen in the line of duty and the display surrounded four walls of the tent. It was a solemn and awesome tribute to the bravery exemplified by the soldiers.

It is isn't just those who go to war who are brave. We just have to look within our own lives to find it. We are surrounded by everyday people who show bravery all the time! "Brave" doesn't have to mean just one thing. It's anyone facing a challenge head on. Of course, those who put their lives on the line for us each day, as in our police officers and fire fighters, are the logical persons, but look around. Look at the baby who is taking his/her first steps. Look at the child who starts preschool or day care for the first time. Look at those who begin new treatments for diseases. Look at the wives, husbands, and families of those who go into battle or who protect us daily. Look at those making choices for others that may or may not be popular. Look at anyone making a choice that will affect their life's path. I could go on and on....All of these things take courage. Who in your life exemplifies courage? Maybe it's you! We have to be brave and trust that the choices we make will be the best ones for us.

After spending more time learning how officers train to keep us protected, it brings gratitude to my heart. PFC Danny Kimme did not have a chance to return. But many solders have and are using their skills now to keep the citizens of our communities safe. Even without going to war, we all can find someone that has shown bravery in this world we call "life". Acknowledge them! Give them kudos! Most importantly, pay it back.

Where's the line?

What does it mean to call someone a friend? Where do you have to draw the line from personal to business? These questions are important to consider when I think of my friendships. As a person, am I being congruent between my real friendships and those actions I take because of professional duties? There can be a disconnect there.

That's the struggle sometimes. I have had to make some difficult decisions that have brought serious consequences. I have had to trust others' confidences to me that they are also doing right. In this world today, it is hard to tell, but my gut has to lead me. I am grateful to those who share their trust with me and from that have formed meaningful friendships. Even though we move through the struggle, if we are moving for the right reasons, it will be worth it.

My nature is to be a supporter. I think we all want to be positive and see the world through rose-colored glasses. Unfortunately, life gets in the way! I have learned that I have had to choose where to place my support. It has to be where I think it's right. Sometimes, others disagree with me. That's ok. What a dull world this would be if we all agreed on everything. I wouldn't ever learn anything!

My core values will never change, especially the Golden Rule..."Do unto others as you would have them do unto you." I want to treat people the way that I expect to be treated.... with honesty. If someone betrays that trust, then our friendship is changed.

So, I guess what I'm trying to say is that there isn't always a line. Life cannot be black and white. Like the waves in the sand, the line is always changing, but the water's wet and sometimes brings stuff with it. Life moves forward, but it's not always predictable. We have to have some grey areas to maneuver, but within that maneuvering you have to keep your core values of being one who can be trusted, loyal, and honest. It's your reputation. Guard it and make sure that it is the reputation you want to follow you. You have to keep your friends' backs too. Without that what's the point of being a friend?

Keep open to listening to different opinions and supporting what you feel best matches your own. Without them the world would be a dull place!

Others inspire me...

Walking seems to prompt me to write! With the unusually warm weather for January, it was great to be out walking without freezing! Happy New Year!

Just a short thought came to mind...I was wondering how I get through some of the tough decisions that I have to make. It came to me that it's because of the people that surround me. People who do not shy away from hard decisions themselves. People who make sacrifices for others. People who show strength in the face of adversity. People who have taken risks when it is easier to remain quiet. People who have shown me how to wear the teflon that is sometimes needed.

To these people I say, "Thanks!" That's not enough, I know. But I hope that the way I lead my life will show you.