Things I Am Not
In a world of mindfulness, where we encourage positive affirmations, focus on ‘Good Vibes’ only and, reflect on our good thoughts; a recent conversation got me thinking, deep thinking and so, well, this morning I’m reflecting on the things that I DO NOT KNOW and still, I am where I am and that’s okay. Every now and again you meet truly encouraging people, people who make you stop to think about so many things. That’s what happened with me last week when I had a meeting with a new Board member and their Community Outreach person. Naturally they inquire about who you are, what you’re goals are and the journey you’ve been on. So, that’s me above, Joni, I’m the creator and founder of a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit organization named Characters of Character. Through that conversation it got me thinking and was a nice refresher for me on things I DO NOT KNOW, which turned into THINGS WE HAVE ACCOMPLISHED.
In 2007 when I formed the organization after earning a National Promising Practice award, I truly thought to myself that a nonprofit organization was so easy to form, to run, to inspire others, to secure funds to move forward and to impact our audience. I thought there were endless hours in a day and this would be so much fun and so easy to do! Well, can I just say one thing, “I always knew God has a sense of humor” and I know that there is a plan in place, AND, I can’t wait for us to be on the same page! You see, we just celebrated our 16th year as a nonprofit organization. Yes, we are small, but we are might with our passion to make a difference in the life of a child. We are growing, we are learning and we are impacting thousands of children and youth. But……..
Things I DO NOT KNOW play a part in my day to day life:
I am NOT a writer
I am NOT a graphic designer
I am NOT a grant writer
I am NOT an accountant
I am NOT marketer
I am NOT a social media guru
These are facts, and only a few of the things that I AM NOT, however I am learning and growing in each of these areas for our nonprofit organization because I have wonderful support of family, friends, Board Members and resources that are available to run a successful nonprofit organization. Running an organization takes A LOT of time, volunteering, research, blood sweat and tears if you will. So why does one do it? I can’t speak for everyone but I can speak for myself. So many times I’ve shared that I have a Ph.d. Oh boy, the expressions on so many faces! My Ph.d. is a bit different than most as mine represents my PASSION, my HEART and my DETERMINATION to make a difference in the life of a child. I have seen the impact that the Characters of Character play in our children and youth.
Therefore, I choose not to focus on what I AM NOT, but instead to focus on things I HAVE ACCOMPLISHED. There are many heartwarming stories we can share of our impact with our children and youth. One story stands out from when we shared our characters in costume at the Chicago Land Kids Expo years ago. We passed out coloring pages, let the kids color at our booth and had wonderful discussions with the children and families about these important messages. Well, actually two stories, one dad was walking by with his three sons ages preschool to elementary. I asked the boys if they would like to color and the dad immediately said, “No!” however, the boys said, “Yes!” The boys stood by our table and colored Self-Esteem Elephant, we chatted, dad stood and watched them. When they walked away and took their pages the dad turned around and said to me: “Thank you.” Sometimes we need to stop and just breathe.
My second fond memory was when we attended the Expo for a second time. A family had found our booth and the mom shared this: “We have been looking for you! Our family was here last year and you offered such wonderful resources for our children that I wanted to let you know!” You see, many times we have no idea the impact that the characters may have on a child, a family or the community and to hear these stories and to witness their impact is why we do what we do. I have so many stories and just would like to share a few with you.
I have witnessed a kindergartner who stuttered and was afraid to speak in class until he met our character Do’er Duck which teaches a child about perseverance and to never give up! I have witnessed a child who had no confidence in who they are step up into the classroom and speak in from of his 4th grade class because he learned about Self-Esteem Elephant. I have witnessed children bring the characters to life on canvas during a painting activity of the character message when they did not think that they could paint! I have witnessed poor behaviors from a student who came into my classroom with disruptions most mornings turn into a well behaved young boy because of Behavior Bear. I actually used to say to my students when they accomplished something, “Oh my, Ms. Joni’s heart is doing the Happy Dance” and this encouraged them!
Why? Why do I share these stories with you? Simply because I know how important it is to be aware of the I AM NOT in us, however, it’s just as important to be aware of the I AM in us. The ol’ cliche of “I Choose Joy” has a lot of power in it. Choose to focus on your joy, on what you have accomplished, the lives you have impacted and the difference that you make in day to day life. That’s what is important. That’s what we can build from. That’s how we learn and how we grow into a better version of our self.
So you see, after that meeting with our New Board member and their staff, it got me thinking of all the things that I AM. Not the things that I AM NOT. Plus, I can honestly say that I AM:
I am a writer
I am a graphic designer
I am a grant writer
I am an accountant
I am marketer
I am a social media guru
I AM these things because I am open minded, I am doing all of these things and I AM learning new things each and everyday. I AM open to learning and growing in who I AM so that I can continue to make a difference, one child at a time. I would love for you to stop and focus on all the things that you are. Take a deep dive into yourself and be honest. You will find so much good within and now you should share it with others. There are others who look up to you, who you are their role model, you are their shoulder to lean on, their mentor, their friend. While there are a lot of things that I AM NOT, I also know this about myself and about you, I AM ENOUGH.
One last thing, I AM NOT a fan of pictures and if you look closely, there is an onion on my glasses!! I AM HUMAN!!
I encourage you to be okay with who you are not. It’s how we grow, it’s how we learn and it’s all part of the journey as we take the path of life seeking our goals. My goal is to continue to make a difference in the life of a child. What is yours?