One of my favorite shows to watch that inspires me is Oprah's Master Class. Oprah created this show and has featured well known people such as Alicia Keys, Cindy Crawford, Goldie Hawn, Morgan Freeman, Grant Hill and so many others. This show tells their stories which in turn inspired me in so many ways. Sometimes you think celebrities have it so easy, but in reality, they all share common pains, hopes and dreams just like the rest of us.
The episode featuring Cindy Crawford really got me emotional. I guess because she shared stories regarding her brother who went to heaven at such a young age. I could relate in losing a brother and she mentioned something that has stuck with me. "I see my brother as the booster that helped me in my life and journey." Although, my brother has only been gone for a couple of months, I feel his departure was and is the reason for why I have decided to take leaps instead of steps.
Because of my brother’s departure, I have received a bigger sense of helping other people, especially people with health issues. In February my sister, husband and I registered to be bone marrow donors. After signing up, I watched two shows, the episode of Masterclass with Cindy Crawford and a 20/20 special edition with Robin Roberts. Cindy discussed how her brother had to go through a bone marrow transplant and Robin Roberts also went through this procedure – which saved her life. I remember knowing in the inside, God you are letting me know the decision I made was for a reason and it was the right decision.
Before my brother passed, I signed up to do “The Big D Climb” for the second year. The first year I participated, I just thought, oh this is something new, let me try it. While I knew it benefited Leukemia & Lymphoma, I didn’t realize how important this event was. In 2012 my brother was constantly in and out of the hospital. He had issues with his heart and breathing and it was such a hard time for my family. During this time I realized how important our health is and it opened my eyes to better myself, how I eat, and the importance of exercising and taking care of my body. So in January 2013 when I signed up to complete The Big D Climb, I actually decided to fundraise. I had never done this before. With the help of friends, family and coworkers, I was able to raise over $350 to contribute to finding a cure for this organization. The outpour of contributions really shocked me. I went in thinking most people wouldn’t even bother, but to my surprise, people actually gave. I had to complete the Big D Climb a week after I lost my brother and only a couple days after we buried his body. As my little team got closer to the start line, my brother’s favorite song came on. My sister and I literally were in tears – happy tears. We knew my brother was with us and we knew he was proud of us. (Crap, I’m getting teary eyed again just thinking of that moment.)
“One person can make a difference and every person should try.” - JFK
This is almost so scary! (in awe really) We have many things in common. As if that was the only thing! I'd happen to watch during my break on youtube this morning,Stevie Nicks since I didn't watch it on dvr. I love the part where she explains why she writes. I love Oprah's Master Class.
ReplyDeleteI love that show as well and I looove me some Oprah!!!
ReplyDeleteI'll be honest, maybe I prejudged you Vickie, sorry for that. I noticed a positive difference or maybe you just opened up? But that is what has drawn me to your posts because you are always positive. There's a commonality here...are you the youngest child too??
ReplyDeleteYes, I'm the youngest. :)
ReplyDeleteI have been wanting to do this for the longest, but insecurities always held me back. I put this blog on hold for the longest just because I was scared of others opinions and criticism, but I'm so thankful for my husband cause he really told me to go for it. Monica has also been so supportive and of course God is always there pushing me. I feel brave now. If you haven't heard "Brand New Me" by Alicia Keys, you should listen - it feels like the song was written for me and for how I feel in this moment.
I believe having a support system is really good in achieving your goals. Especially having a spouse who supports you and believes in all you do. That is the only reason I was able to become an independent stylist because of the love and support...I had so much doubt and fear of being judged or not being good enough. I think it's great taking that risk, it shows how strong you are :-)
ReplyDeleteYou are so right. I would talk to Chris all the time about wanting to write. He was always saying, do it, I'll support you in whatever way I can. I was too chicken s#$t for the longest, but it's like I've been touched with this ability to be brave all of a sudden. I know it's God's will for me to follow my calling and I believe with God, we can do anything. -"Forget about self-confidence, it's useless. Cultivate God-confidence"
ReplyDeleteI agree, it's scary but once you take that leap you can only go up and set new goals. my confidence has come from building a solid connection with my spirituality. I had alot of negativity around me and I took a year almost from any social activity, isolated myself , connected with God/Jesus and found peace from within which then finally gave me confidence.
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