Susan from ToddlerPlanet is an amazing woman. I'm so lucky to know her, even if only via cyberspace.

Claudia.... I hear you... I think!!

Years ago (way back in the day before modern technology) when the only way you could get your message out via the tv, I would get a glimpse of the world through The Jerry Lewis MDA telethon, the Children's Miracle Network, Or a PSA about St. Jude, or there would be a piece on 60 minutes of children with cleft palettes, or through the mail I would get a request for donation for the children in Africa.... a newspaper article about a local child with lukemia....I remember turning to Jeff and asking him what I should do.

With all the hurt in the world, how could I as one person make a difference. Often what I saw was a suffering parent on camera who said something along the lines of the people of the 'world' need to be more aware and thankful for your healthy children. Then I felt guilty.

I think most people champion for a cause when it affects their family. They hear what they need and shout out their message. And I still struggle through 'all' the noise, which message I'm supposed to hear?

I have so many thoughts going on in my head so forgive my rambling- there is so MUCH to be passionate about, SO MANY causes. And it's not just illnesses anymore- it's our planet, it's for equality, so many of us want to be a change in the world and encourage a change in the world, it's our vision of wanting to SHINE. How can we get 7 billion people to all be at peace at the same time? How can we get 7 billion people to all be passionate about excelling and being our best? How can we get 7 billion people to SHINE? Kind of daunting when you think of it like that.

Be the change, right? And technology has opened up the world to us. I grew up in a small town. A place where I thought I would grow up in and eventually grow old in. I had no desire to be any kind of change in the world other than just raising a family and trying to do my best to be happy. The world was not opened to me though I knew it was out there.

But technology has opened up the world to me. And, I can see things that others are passionate about. I can open the world to my boys and show them that they can do great things. I can believe that at 41 there are still any number of great things I can still do to make my world and the larger world a better place. (Kentucky Terminal Conversation.)

Will I ever get 7 billion people to SHINE and experience peace? 7 Billion? Our mission here at House of Shine and our mission in our lives with the people that we do touch- and the people that touch our lives with their message, like Toms- it makes a difference. Our messages make a difference. Our ability to put our messages in the world through technology makes a difference. All we can do is experience it, embrace it, and keep on keeping on. Right? We have the ability to support and care for many causes. We're freaking Super Humans! :)

I have no idea what point I'm trying to make. I the crazy person talking on in the town square that people are staring and walking around as far as they can! hA!

I'm pretty sure it's safe to say that that the Kentucky Terminal conversation has slowly changed my views and my life. Even if it's just a little. I'm more open to the possibility of leaving a larger mark. When our days are done here on this earth, you Claudia, will definitely have left your mark! And you will have encouraged many more to leave their own. Including me.

As always, thank you for your kind words, friend.

Oh my word - what an amazing post and responses today! I totally get you Cheryl - totally! We have such a great opportunity to find out what is going on 'out there' in the world and I continue to learn everyday. It is amazing! And yes - you CAN reach 7 billion people - ONE at a time or 50 at a time on your blog. Without Claudia's encouragement and insight to logical growth / risk factors I am constantly challenging that THINK BIG concept and so much more! The 'talking heads' are out there and we can experience them with a click of our mouse, in our own time and to the degree we want to involve ourselves. Love you guys!! and thank you Heather, Claudia, Cheryl and Misty!