Tuesday, January 06, 2009


My wish for each of you this Year.
I hope you will have a wonderful year, that you'll dream dangerously and outrageously, that you'll make something that didn't exist before you made it, that you will be loved and that you will be liked, and that you will have people to love and to like in return. And, most importantly (because I think there should be more kindness and more wisdom in the world right now), that you will, when you need to be, be wise, and that you will always be kind.-Neil Gaiman
One of the things I have wanted to do for a while is volunteer in my community and to that end I have sent a query to a local agency about being a CASA volunteer.Please go to CASA's website for more information. I want to do this because I was abused as a child by someone close to me and remember feeling I had no one who understood or advocated for me. I know that this program requires extensive training and a long term commitment but I want to look into it.
Here is a sobering fact: In the US 850 children enter the foster care system every day.

15 comments:

Ruth Hull Chatlien said...

I love that idea of dreaming dangerously and outrageously. Thanks for sharing this.

The Urban Chic said...

Yolanda, how perfect---that is mostly my New Year's resolution. If we all practiced more kindness to our fellow man, how wonderful life would be. Ours ended badly just like last year, but there is hope that things will be better. Faith, Hope, and Love are my treasures that no one can take away from me. I wish the same for you. Hugs, Pat

Willow said...

I hadn't heard of CASA. I'll look it up. I hope you are able to fulfill this desire you have.

Janna Leadbetter said...

...that you'll make something that didn't exist before you made it...

I LOVE this thought, and will most certainly apply it to my writing dreams this year. Thank you!

LauraHinNJ said...

Yolanda,

I have the opportunity to work with CASA volunteers in my job and I can tell you that this would be a wonderful thing for you to do! It's difficult, to be sure, but the rewards to you and the families you work with will be great.

Elizabeth said...

Thank you for sharing these wonderful quotationhs...I hope you don't miind if I copy them into my own personal journal? The saying "Perform random acts of kindnesss" has always felt right to me.

Sending positive thoughts to you on your wish to volunteer with CASA. When younger I volunteered in nursing homes because I missed my dear grandmother so...it was a comfort to me, but also to the lonely souls that I could hug and laugh with. Vounteering is absolutely a two way street, helping the giver and the givee. It can help heal.

Peace.

Patti said...

Yolanda~ I have 2 frinds who just became CASAs in November and am thinking about doing it myself. It's a wonderful organization and people are so needed! Good for you! Have a good rest of the week~

Patti

Jan said...

Thank you for this. Thank you for sharing about yourself, too. I've thought of getting involved with CASA before but never have. I know it's in my future, but I'm not sure when. You help so many with your blogs.

Anonymous said...

Thanks for sharing that wonderful Gaiman quote.

And your community is lucky to have you.

Rev SS said...

Blessings on you as you research the feasibility of becoming a CASA advocate. There is no better way to spend one's time and use one's gifts!

SandyCarlson said...

That's a beautiful wish. I hope all goes well with the volunteering. You're awesome to give back in this way.

Amy said...

I almost became CASA advocate years ago. What a great thing! You're right, though. The training is extensive. Keep us posted.

Paula said...

I really like that quote you used. Perfect! And I love that you are looking into helping in just the place that you needed it as a kid. My parents were foster parents for quite a few years and saw some pretty awful stuff. My youngest brother is adopted and the same age as my oldest daughter. He came from a terrible environment and got lucky enough to be placed in my parents loving home. Not many are that lucky.
xoxo
~Paula

Connie said...

Love the quote and good luck with CASA! It takes individuals doing their part to make an impact in our world!

Anonymous said...

Thank you for that beautiful wish for us, and for sharing about your spiritual journey on this blog. I have no doubt you are in a perfect place on that journey and will be led to the next right place. Follow your heart!

Warmly,
Tara
http://sophiashouse.wordpress.com/