The power of ONE. The impact of the SUM.

The power of one is the power to do something. anything.  "The power of ONE" youtube video highlights how one person and one action can start a chain reaction of impactful change.  An experience, a story, a meaningful moment that not only touches your heart, but grasps it with a hold that beckons you to act... http://youtu.be/_QzjqOl2N9c

I am on my way to Africa to climb Mount Kilimanjaro for the second time.  After my first climb in 2012 with Rotary District 7680, I knew I wanted to share the experience with others.  The 2014 She Summits group will embark on the massive mountain in just a few short days.  While I am traveling, my mind wanders to the journey... the journey within, the physical journey, and the journey beyond for each and every person.  What are the personal mountains?  What will the impact be?  How will the journey affect others?  What can I offer for positive change?  The power of one begins within inviting one step towards action which is quite similar to climbing Mt Kilimanjaro.  And, the impact of the sum is endless.  What happens when many take steps of action?  An African proverb states, "Go alone and go fast.  Go together and go far."  We can do much greater things together and it starts with one person, one step, one act, one desire.  Let me introduce you to TanzaCare.  TanzaCare is the result of one.  One teenage girl highly impacted by her own climb up Kilimanjaro and her desire to give back to the community.  TanzaCare continues because of the impact of the sum.  Following the footsteps of many others over the past year, She Summits climbers are transporting school supplies, making donations, and even donating their time to teach while in Tanzania.  I invite you to give us a cheer of encouragement for our climb and a "high five" $5 donation at www.TanzaCare.org to support the children and their desire for education.  Stayed tuned for updates of our climb!  Thanks for your prayers, support, and encouragement.  

Happy Father's Day!

Happy Father's Day to all the dads out there.  And a very special wish to my dad.  When I think about my dad, many snapshots race through my mind.  I love and appreciate my dad and can recall many examples of his generosity, compassion, support, strength, integrity, and love.  One story, in particular, speaks to the image I hold of fatherhood.  When I was about eight, my dad built a balance beam for  me to practice gymnastics and he "spotted" me as I learned to do back handsprings and back flips.  Over and over, I would incessantly jump backwards with Dad's hand supporting my back.  Sometimes I  landed on my feet, sometimes my knees, and oftentimes, my rear!  Over and over again, Dad patiently positioned himself in the grass, "spotting"me so I would not get hurt.  Many years later, he told me how he would rather build ten balance beams than be the only support between me and the ground as I tried to master gymnastics.  It was hard for him to "spot" and guide me for fear I would get hurt.  But, he put his fear and his desire to protect his baby girl aside allowing me to take the risks needed in order to learn the flips.  Repeatedly, he was there for me as I tried.  He held the space and supported me while I figured out what I did wrong and what I did right.  I eventually mastered the back flips and enjoyed gymnastics for several years.  My dad was my biggest supporter through the ups and downs, failures and successes.  His love was strong, patient, kind, generous, protective, and supportive.  I am grateful for my dad and for who he is in my life.  I am grateful his legacy of love continues with his presence in my children's lives today.