September 30, 2009

I am so tired.

Ever since I returned from my vacation it’s been non-stop: meetings, emails, phone calls, writing, errands, etc. I haven’t even fully unpacked yet. There is a pile of clothes sitting in our guest bedroom waiting to be folded. Not only have I been inundated with work obligations, but I’ve also been suffering from a terrible head cold. I definitely think the long plane ride coupled with the drastic changes
in weather temperatures have influenced my body’s condition today.

Right now I’m focused on getting a list of things done – one of which is to update this website.

Our trip was wonderful. We first stayed in Virginia, where my aunt (my mother’s sister) lives with her husband and four children. We also spent quality time with my close girlfriend and bridesmaid, Phan, who celebrated her 30^th birthday last Saturday while we were there. We took a short flight out to New York so we can walk around,
see the sites, play in Central Park and eat at Serendipity. Then on Sunday we flew out to Puerto Rico to begin our travels around the Caribbean.

It was wonderful swimming every day, visiting different islands and getting to know new people, but it did seem I was absent for too long. In the back of my head, I knew there was a stampede ready to run me over when I returned home, and know I’m fighting to keep grounded.

I was reviewing one of my old journal entries titled, my sacrifice, which detailed my last day working at 24 hour fitness corporate. Whenever I reflect on old writings, I’m most always astounded by the depthness I portrayed. When reading my sacrifice, I’m humbly reminded how two-and-a-half years ago I didn’t know what I was going to do with my life.

I was single, unemployed and just moved home to Sacramento after a three-year residency in San Francisco. I didn’t know what I was going to do BUT I knew what I wanted.

I wanted to escape corporate politics and create real programs combating
the obesity epidemic plaguing our nation today. I wanted the freedom to
create, lead and manage youth clubs that produced successful results.

I wanted to make a sincere difference.

When you know what you want- the doing part becomes easy. For once you’ve placed your intention into the universe; you naturally begin to focus on things that will manifest your dreams.

Before beginning my nonprofit, I worked with a close friend whom I had met years ago when he developed the first fitness board game. While in his office I saw a pamphlet about volunteering for a group who serves and mentors younger women. I contacted and befriended the director who told me she was in the process of applying for her 501(c) (3) tax exempt status.  Almost a year later, when I decided I wanted to start an organization of my own, I contacted her and she referred me to a man who provided consultation for her. I contacted him and he led me through the painstaking process of filling out paperwork, writing articles and submitting necessary documentation. Six months after filing, I was approved.

When you know what you want…you will unknowingly begin a life’s direction that will eventually lead you to where you want to be. Since then I was able to attain grants, participate in local events, build our volunteer base and institute programs in middle and high schools. It’s been a great journey but a journey that I know for sure has only begun.

I feel the momentum kicking up every time I work tirelessly through every day on my computer or when I receive requests for programs, donations or volunteer information I know it when I get busier because the program and organization IS working.

Years ago I didn’t know what I was going to do. I just knew I was talented,
passionate and competent to do whatever I wanted and whatever it took
to get me to a place where I felt in flow with my life’s mission. While
it’s a busy ride..it’s a ride I know I’ve chosen every single day.

Have a wonderful week everyone and state your intention today.