Roots and Wings

Do you ever think you are ready? You stand at the edge of the pool, in full dive position, but you just know how cold it is. You are ready...right? Or maybe no?

Well this time, I am ready. The water is cold, and I'm jumping in.

I have now launched my web page for Roots and Wings. http://jdraper.webs.com exposes my dreams to the world. It's out there and I'm not turning back. I'm thinking that Red was jipped when not given credit for her amazing bravery upon seeing The Big Bad Wolf on her way to Grandmother's house. I mean really, it was totally overlooked. There she is, a young girl, on the path to her grandmother's house, and a wolf confronts her. She didn't turn back; she didn't even kick him in the knees. She boldly told him where she was going. I, like Red, know where I am going, and am ready to tell every wolf in my way. {You follow? because this is really what goes on in my head...crazy I know.}

So Mr. Wolf, here it is. Come and get me! I'm working on a three year plan for Roots and Wings. I am chunking it into yearly segments and taking the first year into three month goals to be further broken down monthly and weekly. I am dreaming big. I'm not talking big like "How nice", I mean BIG like, "NUT UH". These girls will change the world. Not only will we meet weekly for our Connection Group, but we will have monthly events to impact our community. We will travel inside of the United States to experience the wonder our country has to offer, but also leave the country to better understand our significancein the world.

My girls will understand that their value comes from a place within. It has always been there waiting to be recognized, and celebrated, and shared. This is not a skill; it's not a talent, a stupid human trick, or a one time deal. It is endless and with more power than magic or fear, or even misunderstanding. My girls will understand how complete they are in their ever evolving state and even more, recognize it in others. My girls will celebrate who they are and pass it on. My girls will change this world.

I am very tempted to place an Oprah proclamation here; however it is so much bigger than that. Whoa! Yep! My girls will know their value not by external recognition, but by the ability to sleep soundly with an intimate understanding of who they are and the internal pride that comes from being OK with that person.

How am I getting there? I am developing curriculum to begin in schools with girls grades 3-5 this year. My goal is to be in at least 2 schools in January.I am planning community events for girls of all ages in conjunction with the Breast Cancer 3Day and, Trick or Treat for Cans on Halloween. I am talking with volunteers and making note of their unique abilities in order to plug them in accordingly. I am researching other girls' programs in order to establish my unique gift to my girls. I am facing my own fears; I am walking boldly in the direction of my dreams.

There will be more to come, updates, setbacks, celebrations. But I'm coming. I'm standing in the light that illuminates my path and although not always clear, it is mine to discover. I'm ready... for real this time!