On Self Discovery and Self Respect

As a child I was told often to be quiet and not talk to everyone. It hurt my feelings and made me feel bad about myself. I remember learning all the names of the kids at Westlawn Elementary, such was my inclination to be an extrovert. I grew up and traveled and worked around the world, meeting and talking to countless people. 

"Why do you want to learn so many languages?'" people asked. 

"Because then I can talk to more people!" I would reply, knowing that language, when used for good, is a vehicle for learning, understanding, empathy and peace. 

Quarantine has been an especially hard time for me because I am isolated from others. Often overwhelmed by the day to day, I have done some communicating, but nothing like the past week. I put my passion to work by joining #PositiveChargePDX where my need and love for communication has sewn a web of connections. They are benefitting those who lost the most in our wildfires. 

Out of tragedy blooms a new garden. I have made new friends, encouraged people to take action, heard stories of unbelievable generosity and felt a glimmer of hope. All because I followed my inner voice as it told me to reach out and connect. 

At a donation event on Sunday, September 13th, a couple walked over to me and offered to donate a double-wide trailer. Can you believe that? A home for a family! 

Sunday was my 44th birthday. I could not have asked for a better gift than what I received, a chance to do what I love most: connect people. 

The flavor of my birthday cake this year was the sweetness of helping others. For those of you who celebrate the Jewish New Year, I am confident that this is the flavor we are all meant to taste. 

May you all be blessed with good health and wellness, and may you find that which makes your heart beat loudly, and use it to heal our world.