Retreating to retreat

There is a common misperception that you have to be a certain age to make a difference. So often we underestimate the power and potential in young people. Every year I am left astonished at the energy, compassion and depth of the students attending the Drug Squad Retreat. Kids debunking the norm and striving for nothing more than breaking it all down to re-charge and find ways to make the world a better place. It really doesn't get much better than that.  

This year marked the ninth Retreat and I am filled with amazing gratitude that there has been close to 300 students who have participated in this weekend. It's pretty cool. Over the years the challenges have been pretty consistent. The hope is that these kids will take the time to reflect about HOW they are living their lives WHAT they are doing with their days and the IMPACT that is being made upon the hearts of others by their decisions. These guys have the ability to do some pretty amazing things that will inevitably have a domino effect on the hearts of others. A linear impact that goes beyond what we can imagine if this mentality is carried on through college and life. Bam! 

I'm still regrouping and re-cooping from another truly life altering weekend that continued to reinforce that when we align our words with our actions amazing things can happen. You may be in the minority when it comes to living your words, but it is so very worth it. The outcome will be absolutely life altering. 

Thank someone in uniform. Freedom is not without cost.

The little things in life that are really pretty big and super special

I am not a runner

As educators we always encourage others to dream big and to do extraordinary things. It's a lot easier to be a cheerleader and spectator than to be in the mix and the dreamer. Today I joined 19,000 other dreamers digging deep and running hard along the historic district of Savannah.


God did not make my body to run long distances. There is nothing graceful about me. Nothing. A few years ago a 5k was daunting. Today I stood among thousands of others aiming for a goal that I never thought possible. The truth is we often limit ourselves doubting our abilities and and what we are capable of. Dream big.

Rounding mile twelve there was a hill a very big hill. My legs hurt and my stamina was waning. I closed my eyes and thanked God for providing the ability to do something I never thought possible. I shifted from my aching body to the faces of those I know who could not run. My friend Tricia, one of the most AMAZING people I have ever met, battling CF. In that moment, I tore it up for Tricia.

Do we dream and push our limits not only for ourselves, but for those who cannot do what we so often take for granted? 

Running has provided so many lessons. Runners come in all shapes and sizes. There is no excuse to not run, jog or power walk. Runners are pretty much a group of awesome, compassionate and inspiring people. Pretty cool company. 

Get your fall on

You live once. I think it's important to get sand on your feet every now and again, take a moment to enjoy the explosion of colors painting our trees or simply sit in the backyard next to a roaring fire under a canopy of stars. Live. Don't wait for tomorrow. Do it now.
Half the day had escaped me on Saturday before I realized it was time to enjoy the fact that it was sunny, 70 degrees and the surf was good. We hopped in the car, soaked in the amazing foliage courtesy of Chatsworth and totally chilled.

Sand between the toes, sun on our faces and the smell of salt in the air made for a totally awesome day. Paddling out the spray of the surf on my face and caked sand on my feet I closed my eyes and just gave thanks for that very moment. As I think of friends serving abroad living in areas mired in poverty, heart ache and unknown tomorrows there are moments that I feel guilty for the abundance and goodness around me. It's a hard thing to shake. We have so much and I feel unworthy, but I do believe we can do whatever possible to do something to go beyond ourselves and do much more than less. So even with salt and sand still on my toes tomorrow is a new day with new opportunities to do something.