Category: Personal Satisfaction

Have you ever thought, “I wonder if I would be good at….” or “ I wish I had tried to….” Listening to the cry of our hearts and being all that we desire, is often difficult if we are required to completely self-motivate.

I had a drama teacher in high school, Mr. Earl Byers, who taught me, through his example, the importance of empowering others. Like many of my classmates, I took an introductory drama class my freshman year because it sounded fun and fulfilled part of the Fine Arts requirement. To this day, it is one of the classes I can recall many moments from and still count some of my classmates as friends. This I know: besides just a few in the class, none of us were “gifted” actors. However, that Mr. Byers could get us to do the craziest things on improv day and he knew how to make us believe that no matter how small, our contribution meant everything to the production.

Because of that class, I took part in numerous musicals and plays throughout my high school years. Most of my roles were small but Mr. Byers would take the time to coach me, individually at times, to get the reaction he was looking for or make me take my little part more seriously. One time, he let me order an extra costume, even though my part did not really require numerous costume changes. I now realize, this was his way of bringing out the best in each student. My favorite memory, was when he awarded me the lead in a play when I had not officially tried out for it. That production ended up being selected for some prestigious awards and I got to experience performing in competitions and on stage at the Ahmanson Theater in Los Angeles. I count those experiences as priceless. I saw on Facebook the other day, another student in my graduating class had dinner with Mr. Byers last week. In her post, she said she cried when she left him because she realized what an impact this man had on her life. I get it! It is powerful when a person who you respect, believes in you. Powerful.

Continue reading “Lesson from my high school drama teacher: Encouragers leave legacies.”

Have you ever been consumed over something? It could be anything: A new home, a sports team, a hobby, or even a political candidate? Our passions are what often give us motivation. Passions are what make us simpatico with some and different from others. I believe passion is God-given, for when passion is ignited within us, we feel most alive. When we are passionate about something and we hit a roadblock, it can be most disturbing, because the fire that burns and gives light to our life starts to fade. Keeping the embers going is tough work and sometimes needs the assistance of others.

Once a year, I serve with an organization called Thrive Ministries (formerly Women of the Harvest), as a counselor/therapist to passionate women who need to be reminded that their passion is worthy. These global workers are feet on the ground, serving the homeless, the fatherless and the truly humbled around the world. They are teaching, helping the impoverished to build homes and businesses, risking their lives to get women and children out of prostitution and sex trafficking, and when they do this, they get tired. These women do what they do and they also raise children of their own, learn new languages, get sick where good healthcare is unavailable and miss their friends and family back in the United States. But they go because they are fueled by a deep passion.

Continue reading “Anyone need a match? Let’s get a fire going!”