One of the greatest lessons I've learned as a caregiver is to know my strengths and to be honest about my weaknesses. I think we sometimes believe we have to be good at everything in order to care well for others, but I've found just the opposite to be true. The more honest we are about our gifts and our limitations, the more authentic our care becomes. When I worked as the Activity and Volunteer Coordinator for a large retirement community in Pennsylvania, every Thursday was craft day. I was blessed to have three incredible volunteers who faithfully came each week to lead the craft projects. They were creative, patient, and talented, and the residents absolutely loved them. I relied on those volunteers because I knew crafting wasn't one of my strengths. Whenever I interviewed for Activity Director positions, I was always honest about that. I could certainly lead a simple craft, but creating elaborate, artistic projects just wasn't my gift. Then one Thursday morning, everything changed. One by one, I received phone calls from all three volunteers. None of them were going to be able to come that day. My heart sank. I immediately started thinking, "What am I going to do?" I knew the residents would be expecting another wonderful craft project, and I also knew I wasn't going to be able to replace the creativity those volunteers brought each week. After a few moments of feeling stressed, I decided to keep things simple. Since Halloween was just around the corner, I gathered some construction paper, markers, glue, and a little glitter. Together, we made simple paper ghosts to hang on the residents' apartment doors. They certainly weren't the beautiful craft projects everyone had become accustomed to. I could tell there was a little disappointment because the expectations had been set so high by our talented volunteers. So I decided to be honest. I smiled and told everyone, "You all know crafts really aren't my strength." The residents laughed. There was no judgment. There was no complaining. They accepted me for who I was, and together we finished making our ghosts.

RECLAIM™ Your Sovereignty! Together we elevate our awareness, release outdated programming, connect, and reclaim your inner authority & sovereignty. This is not a highlight reel community... While we do encourage a high-vibe, you are encouraged and welcome to 'come as you are.' Please take a moment to introduce yourself Name? Location? Favorite Past-Times? What Bring You Here? I grateful you found us and look forward to supporting you on your journey! Onward & Upward! YES YOU CAN, Dana✨🤍🌹🖤✨

Good morning beautiful souls! I am requesting that our talented community artists post and share your gifts! Art (of any sort) an expression of our souls. How many times have you read something or heard a song or looked at a beautiful painting that called to your soul and allowed you to feel understood and seen? Your words, your music, your art... is a way in which we an experience the connection and understanding amongst each other. Much love, Dana ✨🤍🌹🖤✨