Thanks to Jim Bunch for this wonderful equation:
Inspiration + Action = Transformation I must admit that yesterday, I got some news that disconnected and distracted me for a bit and I found myself on the edge of fear and lack. Yesterday I was informed that the teen clinic and teen outreach programs I coordinate will sustain, at minimum, a 34% cut in our budget effectivve July 1, 2011. During the meeting between me, administration and the clinical staff, we were asked to evaluate the new budget and submit our recommendations for program cuts. For the past several years, I have been an avid student of the Law of Attraction. I truly believe that our thoughts create our reality. I have witnessed how thoughts of lack and not having enough create just that ... lack and not enough. Contrary to that, I have witnessed the Law of Attraction in action in my daily life and in the lives of those around me. To be honest, living in the flow of the Law of Attraction is much more fulfilling than surviving in lack and living in the "not enough" state of mind. I must admit, the news of budget cuts was sobering, scarey and extremely frustrating and the implications will be significant if the numbers stand as they are. I could go on a rant about political agendas and the shortsightedness of the people who are making budget decisions. I could speak to the value of our services with respect to the outcomes we've attained. And I can certainly make a strong case that our program could easily serve as a model for the entire country for teen pregnancy prevention. Or I could begin a campaign to education the country about how $1 spent on prevention saves $5 on treatment and support services that our tax base will have to pay for one way or another once these cuts take effect. Perhaps another time ... instead I stayed focused on the next best steps. First, I found myself grateful that the administration was asking for our input on the impending cuts. I arranged some time with my clinical staff to take a realistic look at what we're facing. It's won't be fun, but it simply has to be done. Second, I asked the adminstration if they were open to exploring creative ideas to generate new sources of support. I felt more gratitude for their support and encouragement to seek creative solutions as well as their offer to support our efforts. Then, I went downstairs to talk to my teen staff. I'm always amazed at how my energy rises when I enter their energy field! They inspire me to be the best I can be! They remind me of my purpose and validate that our work must continue ... without question. And they make me smile and expand my heart to it's fullest capacity! We gathered together on the couches in our reception area, in front of a centerpiece of shamrocks, nibbling on homemade sugar cookies decorated with green icing, wearing green plastic lei's and Erin Go Bragh lapel pins. Mikayla was in the mood for a party and surprised us all with the spread! In between bites of sugar cookies, I announced the anticipated cut. Immediately, one of the teen peer educators said that she would like to change her status from a paid employee to a volunteer. She followed up by saying that our services are too important to our community to stop providing it. The other teens followed, offering to volunteer their time. What followed was not a discussion about cutting services, closing services or finding alternative employment. What followed was a creative brainstorming session and the beginning of an action plan for getting the word out, raising money and making our program more expansive so we can reach more teens! Lack as a state of mind is simply not an option. No matter what! Abundant thoughts and inspired action will allow us to continue doing what we do ... and most likely expand to something better! I love Jim Bunch's equation: "Inspiration + Action = Transformation" If you would like to help us create abundance and sustainability, feel free to share your ideas, insights, suggestions, connections and contacts! And of course, we're always happy to accept donations! To learn more about what we're up to, visit us at: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Teen-Clinic-at-White-Mountain-Community-Health-Center/143662842351818?sk=info http://www.crowdrise.com/successpriniciplesfo/fundraiser/trishajacobson www.whitemountainhealth.org Also, I had the wonderful opportunity to do some work with Jim at Breakthrough to Success and continue that work through his "Ultimate Game of Life" program. You can get more information about Jim's work athttps://ultimategame.infusionsoft.com/go/home/a1705/ |
Transition on Purpose
|