Tuesday, January 1, 2013

New Brand with Wordle and Facebook Page Launch


I am catching up with "modern times" today. On the strong advice from others (ya, ya, ya...) I have made this new Wordle, which includes various "synonyms" with my mission statement and my professional foci (I learned that is the plural form for the word "focus".) 
I also started my professional Facebook Page:
(https://www.facebook.com/CounselorsConsultantsInc.) 
That was absolutely frightening... There was no time to do a "draft" or think it over! I tend to value and fully embrace the beauty and wonder in reflection, running ideas and drafts by my "FOCI GROUP" (gotta work in that new word) and generally operate by the principle "When in doubt, DON'T." 
However, I discovered today that this is not how social media works. I have been inspired by Stephanie Kimbro, my MILO listserve mates, Brandify, MyCase, Virtual Mediation Labs and numerous clients to forge ahead. These folks have no idea of their inspirational impact and are not responsible for any of these decisions. Thank you for your kind tolerance. 
"There is no such thing as bad feedback. Good news or bad news; it is all valuable! Thank you."

"Broken Trust Depicts the Impact of Harsh Anti-Immigrant Sentiment: Harming Children

Saturday, September 15, 2012

Project Night Night- Helping the 1.5 Million Homeless Children

Project Night Night
Project Night Night in SF, CA
So, in the relentless search of things to do to continually develop a broader sense of "an attitude of gratitude," I came across this charity (Thank you, ResumeBear Online, where I was ACTUALLY searching for resources for college students!) After watching the YouTube and Vimeo videos, I decided to write about this amazing charity. Most of the homeless children I have met (many of them being teenagers) have taken great pains to make sure that their "status" is unknown to anyone. They often refer to themselves as "couch surfers" or "stayin' with friends." We might imagine that no one in "our part of town" might live this reality. Let's go ahead and tell ourselves that... But the next time you are walking down the sidewalk and encounter a child walking your way, will you wonder if they might be one of this 1.5 million? Just in case, I always look directly in their eyes, smile warmly and say "Good morning." There's a momentary flash of connection. Some kids look at the ground and mumble, a few look shocked and shy, most smile back and many of them say "good morning" in return. What are we saying to each other? I can only know what I am saying to them. The meta-message I am sending is "I see you. You matter. I wish you well. Peace be with you."