Lesson Learned

Do you view the challenges and so called tests that appear on your journey in life as yet another “problem” or do you look at them as lessons learned?

In recent years as I have changed my view to the latter. It’s made a huge difference in my life…it helps to keep me at peace with life. I don’t get upset when things don’t “look” the way I think they should. I don’t spend time in worry or feeling defeated. I look for the lesson and see where I can grow personally and spiritually.

This has been a process and it’s not always easy, but it’s worth the effort. I like who I’ve become and I love learning so I now study my lessons. I have found that when I look inside, for an answer to a challenge instead of looking at someone or something else to hold responsible, I feel better about the whole situation and resolving it.

Next time you feel tested take a look inside, instead of looking those around you, and see if there is a lesson to be learned.

Peace be with you!

Be open to see where you can give.

Good day! I pray your day is a blessed one. Life is good for me…but then it always is. My oldest daughter was married last weekend to a wonderful young man. It was a beautiful day and ceremony. I couldn’t be happier for them or more proud. They are both incredibly talented and responsible young people.

Today as I was flipping channels as I was watching some of my favorite sports teams I came across a news story that brought tears to me eyes. Tears of joy…I love to witness the goodness that people share. The story was about an act of kindness from the owner of an AutoTire Service location and his employees that freely volunteered their time. They purchased the supplies and built a wheel chair access ramp to the home of a wheel chair bound young man and his family.

There is always an opportunity to make a difference for someone…we just need to open to see them. May you be open to see where you can give

What are you most passionate about?

I learned a few years ago, that your purpose may lie in an area that really disturbs you. What I mean is what might be happening in the world that continually comes up for you and you get that ache right in your gut! The situation, circumstance or people tug at your heartstrings and you can’t let it go. You feel you have to do something about this, but you may not know what to do. You may be able to give financially to an organization that is providing a service already, such as feeding starving children, a breast cancer foundation, or one of many others. Giving financially is great…we all need to do that, but your purpose involves more that just giving your money. You need to take action…you need to get involved. Ones purpose may be a teacher, a pastor, an employee that loves his job and does it diligently. You are truly blessed if your “job” is your passion. I believe we all have one purpose…to serve! We are serving when ever we are giving to others using those gifts God has blessed us with.

I have only learned in that past year or so what I’m truly passionate about…now I’m passionate about many things, but what I feel I have to/want to do something about is our youth. Specifically…urban youth. I hate to see these young people wasting their lives and in some cases even killing each other. I believe they want better for themselves and I’m not willing to give up them. We all do what we know; unfortunately we don’t all grow up with the same benefits that help to form our choices. I’m not excusing anyone from what they do, but I have compassion and strong desire to help those that wish to make better choices.

I believe we are all good people. We are all children of God. We all deserve love, compassion and a chance to become what we can dream.

"If you judge people, you have no time to love them." Mother Theresa

“You have to change the way people see themselves before you can change their behavior.” Bill Strickland

“It’s all in the way you think about people that often determines their behavior.” Bill Strickland

Where are you giving?

Giving of yourself to someone or to an organization that assists others in need is the most incredible feeling you will ever have. To see the change you have helped to bring to someone’s life by the simple task of volunteering of your time is awesome. You don’t have to over do it. You don’t have to commit tons of time. Find the right organization that you are passionate about and seek where you can use your strengths in areas needed…have fun! Serving is why we were put on this beautiful earth in the first place.

I serve with Connections to Success (CtS), a non-profit whose vision is to “break the cycle of poverty, one family at a time. One of the committees I am a part of hosted a Fashion Show Gala to celebrate Connections 10th Anniversary this past weekend and raise awareness and funds for CtS. The event was amazing, but the feeling of knowing that hundreds of more St. Louisans are now able to give to CtS.

Get your “Give On!”

Who is Cari jo, Inc.?

Cari jo, Inc., is an inspirational t-shirt line that believes in the spirit of giving…and lives it! We are passionate about supporting others in achieving their dreams. Cari jo, Inc. donates a portion of proceeds to charity, and just as important we volunteer our time. One of our favorite's, Connections to Success, a faith based non-profit whose vision is to “break the cycle of poverty, one family at a time.”

Our message is delivered as a single word of inspiration on the front of a t-shirt, but we’re not just about an encouraging word. We are about inspiring every individual to truly believe. Believe in them selves and each other, believe in their dreams, and believe that they can be the difference they wish to see in this world.

As founder, my vision is to inspire the world to share love and kindness with words of spiritual encouragement. My prayer is that everyone lives a life of peace, love and joy, and shares that with their communities and the world.

Passion will most likely be the theme in my blog because those things I’m passionate about are the things on my mind and my tongue or should I say the tip of my fingers.

And on the subject of a passion…a big one for me is St. Louis Cardinal Baseball…I love it! Opening day is tomorrow! Be there or be square!