Continuing to continue

Like so many times before, I feel as if “continuing to continue” is the best I can do. It feels like there is progress occurring. Last week there were two very good programs, one at my alma mater, SIU-E, and at a church in Illinois for its women’s ministry. Next week I speak for the commencement at Starkloff Disability Services for the Career Academy, another alma mater, and have arranged a meeting with the local parole agency to attempt to begin the batterers program, independently. The gentleman sounded interested. I took several opportunities for training, one for the business on email campaigns and several others trying to complete the requirements for ICDVP. Not an easy task right now

It’s important to remember, myself included, that the tortoise won the race. Eventually. I’m keeping my hopes up.

A gave up for a little bit

A few weeks ago I gave up on my vision of the non-profit. I didn’t get any leeway from the IRS for the error on the application. I don’t have the $500 to re-file. I got frustrated.

I went around the house and took down everything Join Me. The bulletin board with my goals. The planning poster. The scattered post it notes. All of it gone. I actually felt good about it.

At the same time I was experiencing a lot of symptoms of my multiple sclerosis. I was having lots of problems walking at all. I could barely stand up from my chair. I messaged my neurologist. I cried. I changed my diet. I started trying to move in my chair a bit more. I made sure I used my pumps everyday. I tried to get centered.

I found my drive. While not strong as I can be, I’m getting up out of my wheelchair 9 times out of 10, by myself. (I have to think about it, but I’m doing it!) I can walk a little bit, most of the time, a couple of times a day I’m doing pretty good.

And, today I got back to Join Me. I started messaging journalists from around the area, because we’ve had several murders. Damn. I started what I needed to do to complete a book I’ve been working on for YEARS! I then opened up my PayPal and found out that a friend sent me $200 to help with the mistake. $300 more to get. So I looked around the house and found a few things to list and sell. I reworked next month’s budget and found another $150. If the things sell, I will only need another $100. That I will put on a card.

I got my MOJO back.

And I was asked to give the commencement speech for the next class at the Starkloff Career Academy. Last week I wanted to back out. Today I researched speeches. Excited.

September 30th, nonprofit update

I made promises. I’ve met some of them.

I have my Board of Directors picked and they have agreed.

I have my first Breakfast Serial recorded and will be uploaded today as an introduction for tomorrow.

I have the Breakfast Serials logo completed.

I have our Articles of incorporation ready to send. I have the By Laws completed.

I have the first 10 copies of the workbook ready for sale and I’m starting to advertise.

I was able to hold one completed Law and Grace Domestic Violence class and train one nail technician.

I’m going twice a week still to to Starkloff Capstone course. Week 4, currently.

The rest is on track. ExCiTiNg!

Available now

I’ve started advertising the workbook! It feels good that people are willing to let me put notices on their pages, sites.

Let’s see how it goes. Fingers crossed!

$12, $3 added for shipping.

Sharing my message on all platforms

Domestic Violence Awareness Month 2020 begins this week. The year’s 20/20 vision needs to be clear: create a sustainable social system which reduces further victimization. This year the pandemic trapped many in their home with their abuser and resources were out of reach. We need better resolutions before the next societal catastrophe. This needs to fuel our vision.

Join Me at the Table (Jmatt for short) will work through the theory of the 7 C’s of Social Change: Consciousness, Congruence, Committment, Collaboration, Common purpose, Controversy with Civility, and Citizenship. This week will explain each C, the remainder will show why each is needed to proceed.

Jmatt knows that an eighth C is needed, a therapeutic Community. These steps will take us to this necessity. There is work to do. Let’s go.

A few more changes

Always true, isn’t it? You think it’s done, only to touch it in your hands and find a few more changes.

Easy fixes. Cover photo needs to fill the entire space. Non-slick interior pages. Title bigger, my name lower.

Onto the corrections.

One step closer…

Hard copy ordered

I just ordered a hard copy to look over before placing the “order” for the workbook.

Excited isn’t a big enough word.

6 pm. Come quick!

Publication ready for the public

After many tries, more delays, speedbumps…it’s finally done!

October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month. I wanted a way to make a contribution, again. This is it.

Now to advertise. And get out of my own way. Now that it’s finished I am thinking that its just an entry level attempt even though the editor said it helped her reading it. I need to hear that and move forward.

What is inside me is stronger than what’s in my way.

I’ve got this.

The community needs it.

Ready.

Set.

Go.

My employment vision statement

As a part of the capstone course I am taking with Starkloff Disability Services, we had to do a personal employment vision statement. This is mine. It is empowerment to write it, see it. I’ve printed it out and it is above my desk. I am these qualities. My vision is my statement.