Reflections & Inspirations

In this space SOAR will provide commentary on issues relating to sexual violence, as well as inspirational and motivational quotes to keep us all moving forward!

November, 2006

 

"Scars are souvenirs you never lose" ~Goo Goo Dolls, "Name"   "Dare to begin! He who postpones living rightly is like the rustic who waits for the river to run out before he crosses." ~Horace

October, 2006

 

Hi Everyone, Last night I was flipping through my mom's books. I found an interesting book of poems by Max Ehrmann, author of "Desiderata". First I read the ones my mom had marked with stars. Two stars were placed by "Desiderata". For those of you who don't know who Max Ehrmann was (as I didn't prior to reading the booklet), he was a poet in the early 1900's. I found it fascinating how his writings, reflections of his time, are so relevant today. There is a cycle, a pattern, to life. Sometimes when the pattern is destructive we are able to break it and move forward. However, often times the cycle repeats itself over and over and over and over. After reading the following poem it became apparent to me that we've been "here" before. And then I asked myself, "How do we stop it?" ALIEN FIRES When will the nations live by reason's light, And not by deeds that terrify? New groups of nations win with every fight; An endless feud, and always men must die. When will the nations cure the itching palm? Change curse of national pride to love of peace? When shall we know again the gift of calm? Dear God, when will this killing cease? We crossed the seas to curb a nation's lust, We sought by force to quench an alien fire. From now we strive to understand, and trust Fair play to bring the world's desire. How can we look these veterans in the face? We snatched them from their dear familiar round. Is our dream mad to school a wayward race? And what of them beneath the ground? ~Max Ehrmann Look to this day for it is life the very life of life In its brief course lie all the realities and truths of existence the joy of growth the splendor of action the glory of power For yesterday is but a memory And tomorrow is only a vision But today well lived makes every yesterday a memory of happiness and every tomorrow a vision of hope Look well, therefore, to this day! ~Ancient Sanskirt Poem

September, 2006

Last weekend while sorting through a box of photos I came across several cards and notes my mother had given me over the years. While reading them I remembered her wild sense of humor and her wisdom. I sat there for hours alternating between laughter, tears, and smiles as I read each one. It was a beautiful day! Here's one that reminded me it's okay to not always "be on the same page" as those we love. "I believe there's a place inside of everybody that nobody else can touch. It's the place where you put your thoughts for safekeeping. And it's the place that wakes you up at night and makes you stare at the ceiling, shivering. I can't always understand people I love, and can't expect them always to understand me. But it seems to me that's what love is all about. You sail on past the parts that leave you cold, just to find that place you never want to leave." ~Unknown

February, 2006

"If you will call your troubles experiences, and remember that every experience develops some latent force within you, you will grow vigorous and happy, however adverse your circumstances may seem to be." ~John R. Miller

January 23, 2006

Hi Everyone! It's been a bit since I've added to this page. Many wonderful things have happened at SOAR and I really should take a few moments to share some of them with all of you. First, last year was the first year I had to begin without my mom by my side for support and encouragement. I was frightened as to how I would be able to continue to move forward without her, but I did. I miss her everyday, but I feel her with me in my heart and I know she is watching over my journey. Each accomplishment has greater meaning to me knowing she is a part of it from high above! SOAR moved into its very own office space during last summer. Before we were in donated space made available to us by the Orange County Victim Service Center. I'm extremely thankful for their generosity over the years while SOAR was in its infancy. I miss being in the same space with the dedicated advocates who work there, but it was time for SOAR to spread its wings. We now have 800 square feet of space near downtown Orlando. There are two offices which will eventually be used to provide cozy nooks for counselors to work with sexual assault survivors and their families. Each day I unlock the door and walk into the office I'm thankful for all of the support from everyone who makes it possible for me to do what I do each day. One of my dear friends, Linda, nominated me for the Remarkable Women Award sponsored by Johnson & Johnson. Linda went skydiving with me the first time I jumped on the 5th anniversary of my rape. Skydiving is quite the bonding experience! She wrote the most amazing letter about the work I do with SOAR and we were chosen as one of the 4 winners. We flew to NYC for a luncheon with the other winners. We were also treated to a personal shopping experience at SAKS. Talk about being pampered.... personal shoppers should be mandatory for everyone! The next day the 4 winners were featured on The View. It was great exposure for SOAR. Hugs and love to Linda for taking the time to nominate me; much appreciation to Johnson & Johnson and The View for the $5,000 donation; and thanks to SAKS for the beautiful outfit and the Prada (I love these) sunglasses! After years of wanting to do SOAR SPA (Something Positive Afterward) we did our first one in September. There were nearly 50 participants. It was the most amazing group of individuals I've ever worked with. Everyone was so open, honest, respectful, and trusting with one another. SELF Magazine is doing a story about the retreat in one of its upcoming issues. I'll keep you posted. And speaking of SELF Magazine, I just got back from another trip to NYC. My friend, Jaime, nominated me for Rockport Shoes The Differences Inside contest. We were chosen as one of the 4 winners. I have really amazing friends!:) SELF Magazine and Rockport flew the 4 winners to NYC for a photo shoot. Talk about a fun time. I felt like a super model! I think every woman should experience a real NYC photo shoot at least once in their lifetime. It's an incredible feeling having a room full of people focused on you. And I don't mean that in an egotisical way. It's nice to be pampered. There were 3 people there just to make certain you looked your best at all times in front of the camera! You couldn't help but feel beautiful. Rockport generously let us take home a few pair of shoes, which are now my favorite. They are so incredibly comfortable! SELF and Rockport are flying us back to NYC for an awards banquet sometime in March or April. Our nominators get to come with us, so I'll be able to show Jaime around my favorite city. The photos should be in the April issue, but I'll keep everyone posted so you can pick up a copy of yourself. So, I guess that is it for now. I'll keep everyone updated more frequently this year. Thank you all for the incredible support concerning my mom. Your love helped keep my heart warm when it could've been the coldest ever in my lifetime. Thank you for believing in SOAR and for helping to make all of my dreams come true! Blue Skies!

April 26, 2005

Hello Everyone! As many of you know, my mother, Odette, was my greatest supporter. It was through her wisdom, strength, & encouragement that I was able to heal from my personal experience with rape & go on to organize SOAR. Through the years many of you had the opportunity to meet her at the skydive events & experience her courage & kindness first hand. Because she chose to shatter the silence regarding her own experience of sexual abuse as a child she was an inspiration & a comfort to many of you. On December 30th my mother passed away. When she was first diagnosed with lung cancer in October I was upset because she was so young, 58. After speaking with many of her friends I realized it doesn't matter how old a person is, but rather, how much life they actually live. I know my mom lived an extremely full life by the stories people are sharing with me & also because of the overwhelming amount of beautiful memories I have of her. On the day she was diagnosed I told her, "If you were to die today there is not one thing I wish I would've said to you." I wish everyone could have that type of relationship with the people they love. My mom didn't want a memorial service or a funeral. Instead, she asked if we would throw her a beach party to celebrate her life. That is exactly what we are doing. If you would like to attend, please send me an email & I will send the information to you. In lieu of flowers she requested donations be made in her honor to SOAR. Blue Skies!

February 8, 2005

"The one ingredient you must possess to heal and recover is desire." ~Kellie Greene

January 14, 2005

"The present moment is significant, not as the bridge between past and future, but by reason of its contents, which can fill our emptiness and become ours, if we are capable of receiving them." ~Dag Hammarskjold

December 3, 2004

"Once you begin to believe there is help 'out there,' you will know it to be true." ~Saint Bartholomew

December 1, 2004

"Reach high, for stars lie hidden in your soul. Dream deep, for every dream precedes the goal." ~Pamela Vaull Starr

November 2, 2004

"You gain strength, courage, and confidence from every experience in which you really stop to look fear in the face. You are able to say to yourself, 'I lived through this horror. I can take the next thing that comes along.'" ~Eleanor Roosevelt

October 1, 2004

I can't think of a better way to start this page than with my all time favorite quote:

"The future belongs to those who believe in the beauty of their dreams." ~Eleanor Roosevelt