Backpack of Love

Just Own Yourself ™ 

 Here's another "oldie but goodie" article which I penned in March of 2009 - will always remember this awesome experience!

"It is not the things we get, but the hearts we touch that will measure our success in life."  ~Anonymous

Wow … I experienced something incredible last week! A group of caring people I know assembled backpacks full of necessities (blankets, food, and personal care items) to pass out to the homeless. It was an anonymous outreach program called the "Street Ministry." I was offered one of the bags in the hopes of passing it on to someone less fortunate. 

I thought the bag would sit in my trunk for a while, so I hesitated taking one at first. However, since I'm a firm believer in all things happening for a reason, I chose my backpack — a red duffle-looking bag. I had a hunch it might be put to good use. I had no idea it would be so soon! 

Only TWO days after placing the backpack in the trunk of my car, I spotted a homeless person at an intersection I passed frequently, without ever seeing someone there the previous 20 years. 

I was running errands with an elderly gentleman I work for as a caregiver. We were at an extremely busy shopping center...it was lunchtime, and cars were buzzing by at an unbelievably fast pace. And then, suddenly ... there HE was. Tattered and torn, wearied and worn, holding a sign: "Homeless and Hungry, Please Help." 

I knew this was my opportunity. I excitedly told Frank, my elderly passenger, why I so abruptly turned the car around, jerking him a little from his seat. Frank just smiled at me, as if to give his approval.

After maneuvering my way through heavy traffic, I finally neared the unsuspecting man. I beeped the horn and jumped out of my car to capture his attention. He spotted me and picked up his stride toward my waving arm, folding his cardboard sign as he approached the car. I extended my hand and introduced myself with a smile. 

"Hello, I am Victoria." He shook my hand and told me his name was Michael. "Do you live around here?" I asked him. (Later it hit me: What kind of question was THAT? But, hey, I was nervous!)

"No, I found myself on hard times," he replied.

"Where do you sleep?" was my next question.

"In a shelter when there's room," Michael said, "or mostly on the street, and sometimes I get invited into someone's home for the night."  

I smiled as he spoke — a warm, genuine smile that came from deep inside me. I told him I had a backpack filled with goodies in the trunk of my car, and asked if he would accept it. "Yes, thank you," he said graciously.  I handed him the backpack ... and before I had the chance to utter my next words, he said the EXACT thing I was about to say: "God Bless You." He said it in such a sincere, appreciative voice that I could literally feel my heart double in size; it felt like it was going to burst out of me!

"God Bless You," I said back to him with an ever-widening smile on my face. I then asked if I could have a hug. He looked at me with what seemed a bit of hesitancy ... but I wasn’t certain if he was the tentative one, or if it was my own awe at what was taking place. That's when spirit led me to open up my arms, and we hugged. I couldn't help but to smell his overpowering stench ... but I didn't mind at all; the warmth of the moment, two souls connecting, is what shall always linger in my memory.

I truly don't know who benefited more, the man with the cardboard sign, or myself. As a result of our exchange, I realized my mission in life: I am a Steward of Good. That is my purpose for being here. It's that simple. And the homeless man, perhaps he's really a teacher of compassion in disguise.

It was such a high, such an amazing experience, that I invite each person reading this to reach out to someone in need. Perhaps it's someone in need of a hug ... a warm smile ... a heartfelt compliment ... or a backpack full of love. For, it truly is in giving that we receive the most.

Peace & blessings to all,
Victoria

Follow Your Bliss

Just Own Yourself ™

 

I just found the below article I wrote in April of 2009, and thought it was worthwhile to share.  Following my bliss has been good, it's what led to my becoming a nutritionist and I truly feel that I can say I *finally* know what I want to be when I grow up! =) 

When I made a conscious decision I wanted out of the corporate world because I did not want to live one more day that I wasn't feeling fulfilled, I had no idea what I was going to do … however, I was willing to do whatever I had to do, to find out what it was I was meant to be doing. And what a roller coaster of a ride it’s been since I made that decision three years ago. Although, at the same time, it’s been the most rewarding, fulfilling and eye-opening ride of my life in terms of soul enrichment.

Somehow, someway, through much synchronicity and many “coincidences”, I wound up in a care-giving role. It totally makes sense, as I’ve always had a passion for being of service and making a difference in the lives of others. I’ve fallen in love, in every sense of the word, with the wonderful individuals I’ve had the fortunate opportunity of caring for. People whom I would’ve never had the chance to meet, if I hadn't followed my heart, rid my life of undue pressure, and pursued things which had personal meaning and fulfillment for me.

First, there was Viktoria. Someone who shared my very own name, with a slightly different spelling, who was born exactly 40 years and one day before my own birthday. What a unique, independent, strong-willed woman. She captivated me from day one, probably because of how alike we were in many ways. Underneath all her strength, she possessed a softness and sensitivity that bonded us like long lost sisters.

Born in Lithuania, Viktoria lived through World War II with incredible stories of survival. Being an only child separated from her parents during the war, she survived living in a refugee camp, and for the hope of safety even dared to sneak onto a military train headed for France. Now that’s brazen! One of the soldiers spotted her after a few days, hiding underneath one of the seats, and commanded her to tell him what she was doing there. In all her boldness and indifference caused by war, Viktoria firmly told the soldier she was going to visit a friend and to leave her alone. And he did. Her determination and resiliency took her far.

Married and divorced twice, Viktoria went on to raise five beautiful children on her own. Doing the best she knew how at the time, with what she was given, it is my only hope that all of her children realize and accept the gift their mother gave to them. Her self, her commitment, her blind faith of making it despite the seeming odds stacked against her. That’s devotion. That is love.

Yesterday was Viktoria’s funeral. She died at age 85. I was overtaken with emotion when her daughter asked me to give the eulogy at her mother’s graveside. In my eyes, there’s nothing that compares to the relationships we grow during our time here on earth. It is those human connections that provide us with the true lessons, experiences, and love that help our souls to mature, grow, and know the very essence of living.

I’m now a caregiver for a lovely older couple who recently celebrated their 63^rd wedding anniversary. Yes, SIXTY THREE years of marriage. Another amazing lesson in devotion. Frank and Mary Lou have also been tremendous teachers to me. I’ve learned a lot about patience, loyalty, respect, and the importance of lightheartedness in marriage. It’s cute to see them laugh and kid with each other. She hardly seems to notice any of his quirks or idiosyncrasies, yet only sees the unique man she fell in love with when she was a teenager. That’s devotion. That is love.

Life school has been so very good to me. I’ve been seeing and feeling the love everywhere, thanks to all the beautiful souls I would’ve never met had I not dared to venture down a path of completely unfamiliar territory. I used to repeat a mantra to myself over and over again, to calm and reassure my uneasy spirit:  “I am safe, it’s only change … I am safe, it’s only change.” Now, I am open and accepting and even embracing of change. Not afraid any longer, but welcoming of the gifts that come with an open mind and open heart.

I still don’t know exactly where my path is headed; all I know for sure is that I am most definitely traveling in the right direction. Faith has replaced fear, inspiration has replaced loneliness, and I no longer feel adrift at sea but anchored in the belief that I am exactly where I need to be at this time in my life.

Be yourself.

Follow your bliss.

And above all else, have fun along the way … and all will lead to exactly where it’s supposed to. Life just works that way when we’re true to ourselves.

Peace and blessings to all,

Victoria