A couple weeks ago, S.M.I.L.E.S approached me and asked me to write an article for the March newsletter about my experience volunteering there. I gotta say, this excited me. I was so honored. I love that place more than any words could ever describe, so to be able to attempt to describe it and have that attempt shared with lots of people? Wow. This is what I wrote:
The word volunteer is officially defined as “a person who performs a service willingly, or without pay.” In my time working at S.M.I.L.E.S, I have learned that this definition is only half correct. You see, while it is true that we perform a service willingly, to say that we are not being paid is definitely not accurate.
Before coming to S.M.I.L.E.S as a volunteer, I was a busy mom, working full time, and trying to juggle all the duties of home as well. I was spending a lot of money on daycare for my children, I was unfulfilled, and I felt like I was just going through the motions. I wasn’t being true to who I really am. I needed more. I knew that my life could have more meaning.
I decided that I MUST make a change. It wasn’t optional. I made the choice to quit my full time job and focus my energy on my family, my kids’ school, and volunteering. I had known of S.M.I.L.E.S because I knew people that had volunteered here. It was always a place that I wanted to learn more about. The concept of helping people with horses was so beautiful to me. Even before my two week notice was up at my work, I had filled out my volunteer application. I had a spark in my heart again, I already felt more fulfilled than I had in a long time.
I really didn’t have much experience with horses, aside from those English riding lessons back in third grade! I was always the little girl who wanted a pony for Christmas, but no such luck. Hence, when I started at S.M.I.L.E.S I had a lot to learn. There was an orientation wherein we spend several days getting familiar with the basics and getting to know the horses. I remember just feeling so peaceful from the moment I walked into the barn. Horses have the most tranquil energy. It’s truly magic.
Once the fall session began I started working with students. I have no words to describe that experience other than the students have imprinted my heart so deeply. It is really humbling to see folks whose daily lives can be such a struggle, be so open to joy. The students simply live. They live beautifully. They savor the good moments. They smile from ear to ear when they get on the horse. Some students whose bodies are hard for them to control, get onto the horse and find calm. They actually find stillness in the motion of the horse. There are students who can’t see, yet they ride without fear, totally trusting in the horse and in the volunteer.
To say that this is a beautiful thing to witness is an understatement. It is life changing. It makes you appreciate all the beauty of the world just a little bit more. It gives you so much respect for the incredible connection between horses and humans and how much that can do for people. It inspires you to live your life courageously, as the students do. It makes you take a look at humanity and be so grateful that we are ALL on the same team.
The only thing I regret about volunteering at S.M.I.L.E.S is that I didn’t do it sooner. The rewards of the work I get to do here extend into each and every day of my life. My heart is full. It is overflowing with compassion, overflowing with the desire to do as much as I can do to help, and bursting with gratitude for an experience that is truly the most rewarding of my life.
-----this really summed up how I feel about S.M.I.L.E.S. I am now working on fundraising committees and really trying to do as much as I possibly can to help this incredible organization. It is a honor to be part of it, for real.
In other news....recently I hosted a "Pure Romance" party at my house. YES, those are the parties where "relationship enhancement" products are sold. You know- bedroom accesories, love potions, lotions, body sprays, you name it, it's there. YOU NAME IT, really! The thing I love about these parties is that there are a bunch of girls sitting around, having cocktails, passing around the products, giggling, and having open discussion. Even people who are more closed off, typically come out of their shell and enjoy the experience.
To me, nothing is more important than the relationship we have with our spouse. Having a forever love means being open to new ideas and new adventures. Being spontaneous and having fun together in the bedroom is a must. If you ain't doing it, odds are your relationship is probably suffering. It's the truth. Sex is that important.
I had SO much fun at my party. I laughed so much, and I learned a lot, too. I also decided to become a consultant. I go to my first meeting on Monday. For me to be able to go to parties at people's homes and educate them about these products and help them add more fun into their love lives?? HOW awesome will that be? Cannot wait to get started. Watch out world....here I come with my bag of goodies!! :)
In other news....recently I hosted a "Pure Romance" party at my house. YES, those are the parties where "relationship enhancement" products are sold. You know- bedroom accesories, love potions, lotions, body sprays, you name it, it's there. YOU NAME IT, really! The thing I love about these parties is that there are a bunch of girls sitting around, having cocktails, passing around the products, giggling, and having open discussion. Even people who are more closed off, typically come out of their shell and enjoy the experience.
To me, nothing is more important than the relationship we have with our spouse. Having a forever love means being open to new ideas and new adventures. Being spontaneous and having fun together in the bedroom is a must. If you ain't doing it, odds are your relationship is probably suffering. It's the truth. Sex is that important.
I had SO much fun at my party. I laughed so much, and I learned a lot, too. I also decided to become a consultant. I go to my first meeting on Monday. For me to be able to go to parties at people's homes and educate them about these products and help them add more fun into their love lives?? HOW awesome will that be? Cannot wait to get started. Watch out world....here I come with my bag of goodies!! :)
