Moving Right Along

I am often amazed by the power of intention. I set out in 2003 on an adventure that would prove to change my life in more ways than I could possibly imagine. I am now living in my sixth state since that journey began. I have loved deeply, lost much and am now open to receiving all the blessings life offers without attachment and without expectation. If you had told me, even two years ago, that I would be living in Wilmington, NC in pursuit of a clearly defined goal, I would not have believed you.

Alas, here I am. I returned to the South with the intention of engaging in a new community in ways consistent with my life mission that I developed in 2004. This mission is to contribute to the physical, emotional and spiritual health of my community. I am now working on an organic farm and at a cooperatively owned food market. I am a farm hand and a cashier; seemingly simple jobs that are proving to provide more fulfillment than I could possibly have hoped for. My long-term goal is to lead community development efforts in the poor neighborhoods of Wilmington. I plan to create a non-profit, after-school program modeled after the Cornstalk Institute, where I worked in Albuquerque, NM. A portion of this program will include gardening, which is why I am seeking experience on the organic farm. The cooperative food market is a community-based, non-profit organization through which I will learn a great deal about both my community and the inner workings of a non-profit business. I have already met amazing people with similar interests; something that I once thought impossible for me to find in the South. My mind was once closed.

I live 15 minutes from the sea. When I sit on the beach and look across the ocean at the distant horizon, I cannot help but be reminded how small I am. I cannot help but imagine a whole different continent on the other end of that great big ocean. This is how Columbus must have seen the sea. At times, I want to swim across and see what I find. When I see the porpoises in the ocean and the pelicans and gulls in the air searching for food, I am reminded about how fragile life is. When I reconnect with family that is so dear to my heart and meet distant relatives about whom I have always heard yet from whom I have remained so far away, I can see myself in their faces, actions and words. I realize that I am home. I am exactly where I need to be, where I want to be and it is my intention that brought me here. I feel comfort and safety. I feel love and gratitude.

I have a Great Aunt Caroline about whom I have heard much over the recent years. I was fortunate enough to share precious time with her before she passed of lung cancer. She was extremely tired when I shared this time with her and she opened her door and heart to me. She saw straight through me the minute I met her. She pegged my need for affection and need for a sense of belonging. Her long, strong embrace fulfilled both of these needs in an enduring way. Caroline has my grandmother's eyes and I have Caroline's hands. Strong, hard working

hands. This recognition strengthens my understanding of roots, heritage and ancestry. I learned of her passing only yesterday. Before learning of her passing, I planned to contact her to tell her I finally got a job on a farm. Farming is a trade that runs deep in our family and she encouraged me to follow this passion. I will long for one more visit with Caroline and will set intention to remain connected with her spirit.

Cornstalk Institute is no longer operating the after-school program for which I once worked. I am fortunate enough to remain in contact with several of my former students. I am amazed by their pursuits as they mature into adulthood. I realize the work that I do with teenagers isn't about helping the teenagers. It is about holding on to my own childhood and learning about the nature of being human. It is about sharing the lessons I have learned so that I can continue to benefit from them over and over again. I have had so many wonderful teachers in my life, the teenagers included. The reason I do the work that I do is to honor the many teachings that have given me the knowledge to make healthy choices for myself every day. I am indeed quite selfish.

I am in a phenomenal online graduate program through Clemson University. I battle with seeing orange and purple and hearing my classmates support the Tigers. It is not easy being a Gamecock; much less being a Gamecock Clemson student. The good news is, since the program is online, I don't have to engage in the Tiger activities. And I will not hold against my brilliant professors their love for all things obnoxiously orange. My intention is with the knowledge I am gaining, not with athletics. My current research concerns community development in support of positive youth development. My plan is to form a community coalition that prioritizes our youth. Our youth are our future. I have seen the positive outcomes of hearing and empowering youth. The potential of every human is limitless; regardless of gender, race, social class, physical challenges, learning challenges, emotional challenges, or behavioral challenges.

My life path is continuing to unfold and I feel more and more secure in this path every day. I am eternally grateful for my family of friends that support me with compassion, empathy and unconditional love. My heart is so full of love that at times it feels as if I may explode. This is a glorious feeling; to feel so alive. It is my hope for all of you reading this, that you will take a moment to step outside, feel the warmth of the sun, feel the stability of the earth beneath your feet, feel the nurturing of your breath, and smell the sweet, sweet smells of springtime. Even in the suffering that we all experience, this is life. This is your life. What is your intention for today?