Tag: dreams

Faithful Feedback

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Right after high school I worked a couple of summers at the License Bureau (boy did I have to gain some thick skin). My supervisor, Libby Ward, was an exceptional leader. She told me I could continue a great career there. She wanted me to stay and work for her (although I did not like the experience of being lunged at after telling someone he was in the wrong line after he had waited so long–but that did prepare me for being a principal). It was good money for an 18-19 year old and it definitely helped my typing AND communication skills. My typing was fast I and knew shorthand too. It gave me a “leg up” according to my friend who helped me attain the position. On the side, I would clean a few motel rooms for my aunt and uncle who owned a family restaurant and tiny motel. Of course they always gave great feedback; especially when I needed to fold sheets. ;-).

It was 1991 and I was relieved to make it to my senior year of college. As a student aide for that winter semester I was preparing for student teaching for the final semester (the best job I was preparing for was motherhood; I was carrying my first born). At 4:30 a.m. I would rise and shine and drive 30 miles from my rural town to my preschool job in the “big city” by 6:00 a.m. For six hours I would read with, chase, giggle, play, and attempt to “herd” and teach 18 3-4 years old with Ms. Edna. I’d get off work at noon and have time to grab lunch on campus before my afternoon and evening classes began. Typically it would be 9:30 before I got home. Ms. Edna inspired me to keep on keeping on. Ms. Edna Stockstill was in her 60’s at the time. She grew up a farm girl and could run circles around me it seemed. I decided I’d be like Edna. She wore her faith on her sleeve and kids and parents adored her. She could be rough and gruff at times and then soothe them with supple soul words. She was authentic and always provided great feedback and wisdom. My supervisor at the child development center, Marthann Hoover, was such a quality leader too. She’d drop by the classrooms and give immediate feedback. I felt blessed. After three years together we all shared some sadness when I could no longer work there due to student teaching. I was always so nervous when the university supervisors would evaluate me during student teaching (I said “you’un’s” over 20 times in my first evaluation–I give all credit to my rural roots ;-)).

All of my jobs in my teens and through college (McDonalds, the license bureau, babysitting, cleaning, and teaching pre-school) set me up for a career with expectations. And at every experience feedback was given. I paid it forward by always trying to give feedback to staff. There’s a difference between needing a pat on the back and truly wanting to know if you’re making a difference and meeting marks of mastery. We all need encouragement though, even if a “needs to improve” is identified (and still with me, daily lol). Each year as a leader I would attend trainings to further my feedback familiarity.

I wanted to take a few to feed feedback to you. To my fellow writers: I love your creativity, authenticity, talents and gifts, humility, humor, truthfulness, effort, timing, interests, thought-provoking statements, commitment, courage, and approach. I appreciate how many of you keep me informed, raise awareness, and further my own success through your encouragement. Being a writer isn’t going to bring a million bucks (yeppers, I can name several it did); but this journey has been essential for my own health and healing. My goal isn’t to be famous. Being a do-er dreamer is in me still. A couple of weeks ago I visited the Laura Ingalls Wilder Museum with great friends. Soaking in the history, and of course goosebumps, while walking through she and Almanzo’s farm again reminded that no matter the age, there are dreams to be achieved if you can and so choose (Laura was 65 when she was published).

My time is more crunched lately with a myriad of goals I try to meet each week; and I like it. One day a week I have the privilege of being coached. We have developed such a partnership that our hour can turn into two. And once we depart one another, I’m jumping on my goals for the next week. Like most of you, I’m on my own as far as editing, marketing, and building my audience. I’m going to work on a page on the website solely for my publishing-an “author page” if you will. There will be a description of the children’s book series in which I’m writing. And I think I may have found an illustrator. That’s a wonderful story to share later. 🤍

Three months ago today I became a house dweller. The foundation is below me and I’m doing my best to build on it; and strengthen it (I was giggly over gravel on Monday). Many days, aside from house chores, I’m zeroing in on social media for short spurts (ugh, it’s HARD because I’m not a huge fan of it–but in this day and age, it’s a must to connect with others; and I’m finding such amazing artists). Other weekly activities include placing book in print house form, editing and re-editing over and over, and trying to READ. As a writer I need to be READING. Which leads me to my title Faithful Feedback. I’m averaging about 1,000 e-mails a week (how about you?) and I SEE YOU. Your names pop up in my inbox each day. And I smile. The names of your posts make my mornings. This family of friends and fellow writers has been my portion of professionalism to propel my projects (adequate alliteration?). It would be my wish to read each and every post daily. I’m amazed by the talent of this community. I’m in awe of your commitments. And I just marvel at the marvelous magic you make on your keyboards (from “punny” poems, quick quotes, to anecdotal adventures and achievements) Congratulations on making it this far in life and doing what you’re doing. I’m proud of you all. And it’s my pleasure for knowing you. Truly. Stay safe, healthy, and blessed. You are loved. Stay encouraged please.

Have faith 💚

Photo by Jeffrey D. Payne

Happy St. Patrick’s Day!

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What About Bob?

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It was around 1995. We had a lot of Bobs in our life. My youngest son, around 3 at the time, and I were at the grocery store. Every man we met, from the cereal isle to the check-out line, received a hearty “Hi Bob!” delivered in the cutest toddler voice. All I could do was giggle and explain that he knew A LOT of Bobs. It made perfect sense to me.

Have you heard of Bob Goff? Bob is the author of Love Does, Everybody, Always, Live in Grace, and Walk in Love. Straight from the book jacket of his latest, Dream Big, “He is the Honorary Consul to the Republic of Uganda, an attorney, and the founder of Love Does (a nonprofit human rights organization in Uganda, India, Nepal, Iraq, Somalia, Afghanistan, and the Democratic Republic of the Congo). He’s a lover of balloons, cake pops, and helping people pursue their big dreams.

He’d rather you not call it a self-help book, but a self-discovery. He feels if ambition had two handles it would be love and hope. It’s not about just easy day-dreaming. Bob wants the reader to “become fully awake to yourself and your God-given purposes” (XIII).

Bob didn’t grow up in church…”one thing I’ve found to be true is that people don’t grow where they are merely informed; they grow where they are fully accepted” (45). What are your beliefs? And why? Do you understand them? He encourages us to “stop hiding behind our appearances and titles and successes. Keep this in mind: if you take away whatever your known for, whatever is left is who you are. Let’s be the kind of people who are more interested in who someone is instead of what they do” (Goff 69).

“Make no mistake-it’s easy to confuse a lot of activity with a bunch of progress. Rest is wise; preparation is wisdom. Don’t think that taking care of yourself means you’re slacking” (Goff 56).

Comparison is a punk (chapter 13). “These days it feels like all we see are people who are doing life better than us. You’ll never find your purpose by comparing your life to someone else’s.” (Goff 83).

“If you want a way to jump-start your ideas, do the things that Jesus said really mattered to Him. Start with hungry, move on to thirsty, sick people, strange people,….add widows and orphans if you have the opportunity” (Goff 94). And then add every ambition you can think of-here are a few things on Bob’s list: visit all seven continents, learn to fly, raise a duck, put down cell phone for a month, remove his own tonsils, learn to play the cello, lose twenty-five pounds, and the list goes on (and some quite hilarious).

We can’t fix anything we think is broken if we don’t understand it. What’s holding you hostage? “Many of us are clinging with affection to the very things that are holding us hostage. It could be anything. A routine, a relationship, a job, a deeply held belief caused by a childhood wound” (Goff 132).

“Fear boxes us in and will always try to talk us into settling for lesser things. If we let fear push us around, it won’t be long before we’re all fences and no horses…are you willing to slay the dragon to move toward your ambition? Figure out your fears, kick them in the teeth, and get back to work. You’re not a hostage anymore” (Goff, 136).

Bob talks about the importance of being a quitter of some things (he is) and not overextending yourself. When you clear the path and offload routines that are getting you nowhere, “you will probably sense some unease and unfamiliarity. Don’t back off. It’s a good thing. Lean into it” (Goff, 148).

You’re going to meet some resistance when you make moves: procrastination, lethargy, self-sabotage, and nay-sayers and haters. “Sometimes people get really antsy when they see others hurtling toward their dreams. Parents, friends, coworkers, and even spouses…anyone who feels threatened by your new adventure may do things that feel like they’re shutting you down. That’s not their intent, and they probably don’t even know they’re doing it. They’re processing what they are trying to understand out loud, using your ambition as an inflection point” (Goff, 161-162).

“Do something. Descend the cliff. Paddle through the waves. Don’t sit on the sidelines; get in the game. There’s no way your ambition can take flight without you taking action. Don’t think about the mistakes; think about the beauty you’ll see” (Goff 166).

“Hear me clearly: my worldview is that God orders all our steps, but we have agency over the moves we decide to make too. Sure, I get the concept about open and closed doors. I’m just not sure I accept the premise that God is playing red light, green light with us in every situation…What I’m saying is that it’s easy to conjure up divine intervention for poor performance. Don’t fall for it. Get busy getting better” (Goff, 180-181).

Reading his book made me feel normal for having held lifetime ambitions (and continue to add them!). And even more normal for setbacks. He doesn’t offer a prescription. But offers life experiences and analogies that might help you dream big. Even if you don’t have a list and enjoy right where you are and what you are doing (and wish for nothing more), I’d still recommend this book to best understand the big dreamers around you.

Friends, whether you’re reading or writing, driving, working, or on vacation, I hope you’re safe and sound. If you’re in the sun, soak it up in safety. If you’ve experienced loss, I’m so sorry. If the lack of sun is driving you crazy, I understand. If you don’t have food or shelter call me and I’ll help you find assistance (if you’re near me you can come here). Many of us have been hit with fierce winter storms. This winter storm and life, in general, is throwing some punches. If you need help please reach out. I have a huge favor. If anyone has extra flannel shirts that you might no longer wear, I’ll take them. I live in an area near almost 20% live at the poverty level-donations are appreciated. We’re at 4 degrees today with wind chills in the negative teens. My e-mail is karlaharris70@gmail.com if you are interested (I will provide address). I’m happy to pay the shipping if needed.

With love,

K.L. Hale

Have faith 💚

Make a Long Story Short…

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Or make a short story shorter. This week I may have bitten off more than I could chew. I’ve missed the boat on a few things, and yet, as we know, no pain, no gain. At times I felt I was on a wild goose chase. Yet, by the skin of my teeth, I made it.

For those of you that might be under the weather, I’m sorry. Tomorrow in SW MO it’s going to rain cats and dogs. Typically I like saving for a rainy day, but I know not to to put all my eggs in one basket.

It’s not rocket science, but I’ve gone back to the drawing board a few times. I try to hang in there and stay on the ball until it’s time to hit the sack. There really is a method to this madness. Sometimes you have to throw caution to the wind. Even if you can’t have your cake and eat it too.

I’m so glad I jumped on the bandwagon of writing again. I could let the sleeping dog lie, but this really is like riding a bicycle. My head might be in the clouds-but I see a beautiful horizon. And I’m able to weather the storm through thick and thin.

I’m going to keep making hay while the sun shines and leave no stone unturned. I know you can’t make an omelet without breaking some eggs, but remember you can catch more flies with honey than with vinegar. Let’s talk about the elephant in the room. Let’s just spill the beans. Don’t take a raincheck. And take it with a grain of salt. We all live and learn and it’s not a piece of cake. Many times ignorance is bliss. But we know every cloud has a silver lining and good things come to those who wait. For me, slow and steady will win the race.

Have faith 💚

My dream has been to author children’s books. And this week I accomplished a huge step with my first one (with hope to be a series of many). There’s still a lot to accomplish; but my vision is 20/20. I’m thankful for all I’m learning and it’s a wonderful journey. My grandkids are my inspiration (they just don’t know it yet ;-).❣

I have to thank my fantastic coach (Lisa Jochim) http://americangirlinholland.blogspot.com/)https://www.blueberrypancakepublishing.com/ for helping me propel my passion. I understand why authors seclude themselves😏 . Seclusion is NOT loneliness if it’s something you choose and desire. There’s magic made in the quiet. My soul is strengthening. I’m gaining on goals and the fog of fear has lifted. Friends, stay true to you. Never give up. Have faith. I cherish you all. ❣

Going the Distance

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How far will you go?

Two weeks ago today I climbed a distance. It wasn’t the 14’er I once tackled and bagged. Yet, these 315 stone steps at a nearby trail always leave me with a feeling of elation. A week later, on another trail, a friend (celebrating her 60th birthday with a 10 mile run) shortened her distance just to take time to chat with me.

We spoke of distances; ones that reflect our country’s varied philosophies and beliefs in addition to the physical distances we each experience with family. Distant memories were a topic as well as distance learning (she’s teaching in a whole new way).

“Social distancing”, “Keep your distance”, “Go the distance”, “At a distance”, “From a distance”, …our lives seem to revolve around distances. Had someone shared 10 years ago that my two sons would be in the Air Force, with so much distance between us, I wouldn’t have believed it. But happily, they made wonderful choices for their lives. And doesn’t “distance make the heart grow fonder?”

In two days I’m going to fly the distance. For the first time since her birth I’m excited to finally meet my granddaughter. To top it off, I’m going to see my other daughter-in-law and grandson on the same trip. Just thinking of the love in Washington and Idaho (and of course, mountains!) provides the distance my mind needed.

Thursday I’ll don my mask and smile behind it as I board the plane. I’ll keep my distance as not to inherit any sickness. While I’m distancing I’ll enjoy every moment with family. During the distancing I’ll distance my thoughts from negativity and give myself space to just be-to live in the moment.

The distance of my home, bumper to bumper (R.V. ;-), is 35 feet. Operating in small space is something to which I’ve adapted; and quite well. Give me too much space and I might get overwhelmed. That is when speaking of homes; not with the space between loved ones. Or the things I love like mountains, rivers, lakes, and trails. Traveling alone in 2018 I covered much distance (8,400 miles in two different months). The distance didn’t faze me.

In the not-so-far-off distance I’ll continue my plans to create more distances. I’ll call it my “distant learning”. As a lifelong learner I have to keep growing. Fear cannot shorten my distance. One does not have to drive miles to follow their dream. It might be as simple as changing your routine, trying something new, mapping a dream, or just blocking that which suffocates your space. But in this one life you have to live my friend what will you do to “go the distance“?

There’s a love that knows no distance. The love of my Heavenly Father is ever-reaching. It’s reaches each 6 ft. and beyond space and floods all voids between. All you have to do is accept it. I’ll never feel any distance from my ultimate authority; the all wise and knowing; the waymaker and miracle worker.

flannelwithfaith

Have faith 💚