Reach Out; Be Powerful

Power is the ability to do good things for others. - Brooke Astor

     It is with both a heavy and full heart that I write this week’s Inspiration.  Heavy, because like many, I’ve watched Hurricane Gustav slam into the Gulf Coast, almost three years to the day that Hurricane Katrina hit.  It hurts to watch lives turned upside down by life-disrupting circumstances. Yet, my heart is at the same time full. I feel hope and gratitude, with a sense of empowerment, knowing many will rise to the occasion and ease the burden of those in harm’s way. Here in the US we are fortunate in generosity, and in generous world neighbors, such as our dear friends of Canada.

     I do not know why these things happen, so I’ve stop asking, “Why?”  I’ve learned to ask, “What’s next?” For me, what is next is reaching out to those in their time of need.  While lives are once again disrupted, many still in the process of rebuilding, I know there is life after loss.

    I know first hand what it is like to rebuild after natural disaster strikes.  I was ten when Hurricane Agnes caused massive flooding in upstate New York.  My family didn’t have flood insurance. My parents had to start from scratch, rebuilding our lives.  I am happy to report they did a great job, tackling work full time at their day jobs and remodeling our house in the evenings, over the course of a year.  I vividly remember a day a truck full of supplies arrived at our door, sent by my father’s long-lost cousin. We were gifted with appliances, sheets, towels, furniture and clothes.  It was as if our own special care package arrived unannounced, and just in time. I had the privilege of sending a similar care package to the Gulf area three years ago.  It never occurred to me that I might have further opportunity to be of service in this same area.

You can’t live a perfect day without doing something for someone who will never be able to repay you. -  John Wooden

     I was asked recently why I wanted to write my upcoming expert program, Get a Job Tools.  My answer is simple – because I know first hand what it is like to lose a job. You have to rebuild your career, and find a new paycheck. I know layoffs are isolating and lonely, not to mention scary. I know what it is like to watch a bank account balance dwindle. I’ve had to give enormous energy to stay focused and determined, to keep my career on track. I know first hand, from the school of hard knocks and the school of reward and fortune, what the job search is like.

     My hope is that I may provide direction, comfort and support to those facing similar circumstances, while also encouraging many to pursue their dream job. By helping others, I feel empowered and connected. I feel my purpose in the sharing of experience.  I reach out, empower others, and re-connect with my own power.   

     I have felt the honor of helping others as they struggle with natural disaster. We get back so much more than we give.  We can assist with the big things like natural disasters.  We can also assist others in everyday life. We can visit a sick friend in the hospital, make a meal for others, opening up our homes to those who have no place to stay, or make time to listen to friends who need a sympathetic ear. 

     You may have the financial means to donate to your favorite charity.  Others may be able to take time off from work or college to go to the gulf to assist.  Maybe you will feel lead to do what I did and take up a collection of durable goods.  I encourage you this week to look for opportunities to reach out to others, in ways that have meaning for you.

     For those directly impacted by these hurricanes, and other natural disasters around the country and the world, know that millions worldwide are thinking of you and sending assistance. We wish you comfort and peace during this time.

*If you have a story you would like to share with the community, join in by posting a comment.  I look forward to reading them.*

Be powerful this week – reach to others, and feel your heart swell!