Paying It Forward

I've discovered my love of writing in the last two years. Before blogging, I mainly kept my wandering thoughts in my head not feeling comfortable to share. Since then I've become more comfortable in accepting who I am and what I am capable of accomplishing. In my first blog post, I quoted, "Do what makes you happy". Blogging contributes the the peacefulness of the mind in my pursuit of happiness. I could not have done this alone. There have been those that have encouraged and inspired me to write from the heart without fear of responses that may be received.

I have been blessed again by Revvy Rev @ The Certain Sound with another blog award. At times, we may not give thanks to those that motivate us to follow the call of our heart, but I am humbled to do so in this post.

Receiving the Emblem in recognition for your mentoring, support, and encouragement to a fellow blogger is no small fete! It is evidence that you have gone well beyond the call of duty by your continued efforts to "leave the pile higher than you found it"! It is further evidence that your blog(s)has been identified as the epitome of excellence and is certainly admired.

Thank you for your inspiration.
1. Raw Dawg Buffalo
2. LoveBabz: A Life In Transition
3. The Prisoner's Wife
4. Miz's Write For Life
5. The Rich House

Receiving the Emblem from a seasoned blogger is a testimony to your that you're on the right track! That your voice is being heard. And there are those out here in the blogsphere that recognize your potential even if you don't. Keep up the good work, and remember to "Pay it Forward".

Even though you may already be "seasoned", continue to inspire:
1. Any way I have to
2. What About Our Daughters
3. The View from Here
4. The Sowing Circle
5. kiamsha.com: that which awakens me


The Rules:

1. Select 10 bloggers: 5 you consider your blogging Helping Hand then "Pay it Forward" by extending your "Helping Hand" to 5 additional bloggers in support and encouragement for their efforts.

2, In passing on the Emblem, each recipient must provide the name of blog or blog author with a link for others to visit.Each recipient must show the Emblem and put the name and link to the blog that has given it to her or him.

3. Link the Emblem to this post: Helping Hand: Much Obliged and Paying it Forward so that others will know it origin and impetus.

4. If you have not already done so, show your recipients some love by adding them to your blog roll, Technorati Favorite list, or in any other way to further let them know that their blog voice is important to you and being heard.

5. Add your name to The Helping Hand meme and don't forget to leave a comment as a permanent record of all Helping Hand recipients.

6. Display the rules.

5-3 ain't too bad

Sometimes good things must come to an end. T-Ball season is over. At least we ended the season on the top-side of the rankings.

No more trips to the baseball park three times a week.
No more soil-streaked clothing.
No more trying to keep 11 kids cool in the sweltering heat.

Sadly, no more pep talks.
No more, 'Can you tie my shoes?'
No more, 'Can you fix my hair (girls)?
No more proud smiles as they round the bases.
No more team chants

What was meant to be just an activity for my son to be with other kids, learn to follow rules, and just to have some fun away from the house turned out to be a special time for me.

What started out to just helping out at practice, with snacks and game day drinks, taking lead during practice one day when none of regular coaches were there led to Third Base (alternate) coach, Primary Scorekeeper (when not 3rd base coach).
All I planned to do was to just assist whenever needed since I was there already. I did not feel comfortable dropping my son off at practice with people I barely knew.

For one hour, three days a week, I was a mommy of 11. It was nice being around the kids, especially when they are not coming home with you. A little socializing with the others parents was healthy. Haven't done much since I paused playing Women's Soccer last year. They are still going strong, I may start back soon.

At the end of season banquet, I was surprisingly honored as a team coach. The comments the regular 3rd base coach made was so heartfelt, it made me teary. The kids and other parents cheered on as I retrieved the trophy (pictured).

I had not realized how much I missed those kids until I watched a video a parent made from the photos he took through the season. It is amazing the impact children can have on you in just three months.

Well, next year is C-Ball. Different ball park, though...

my first time

Since this is my first post, I am starting with the first essay I have formally written.





Happiness
February 16, 2008


In regards to my writing, I was once told to ‘Do what makes you happy?’
What is happiness? Pleasure? Feeling of satisfaction? Contentment?

If we ever reach a point in our lives where we feel that we have achieved happiness, what else is there for us to attain?

As Americans, we believe that we are endowed with the rights of Life, Liberty, and the Pursuit of Happiness. The pursuit, not achievement, should be our goal.

Whether it pertains to our relationships, employment, family, religious affiliation, or just in our hobbies, we can attempt to achieve the state of Happiness, even though it can never be achieved upon this Earth. True Happiness occurs after our physical death and the transition of our souls to a heavenly state.

So why should the pursuit exist, if it can never be achieved? The pursuit is what makes us human. We strive for love, wealth, possessions, and family. The pursuit gives us energy, makes us strong. It gives us the strength to endure failures and setbacks, but also the resolve to try again.

To give up on the pursuit is to give up on life. Being endowed with this life is a true blessing. None of us should waste it.


© 2008 Bernice Burks


What is Happiness to you?