I recently picked up a serving job at a little restaurant here. A couple nights ago, I waited on an older couple, both probably nearing their 60’s, possibly a bit older. As I’ve never met a person who was a stranger, we were able to get into some pretty interesting conversations in between ordering, their eating, etc. At one point, the woman of the couple had asked if we had any peach pie, as she was in need of ‘comfort foods.’ I casually asked why in the world she would need comfort food when there was a smile across her apparent tired-stricken face. She began telling me about her business she started six months ago, in the basement of their house. Just recently, she was diagnosed with what could be, a very debilitating disease. The prognosis left her questioning what would happen with the successful business she had created. It was at that time she prayed for God to provide her with an answer; whatever that might be.

Before she knew it, her students increased and with the increase came a couple apprentices she could train to do all that she has done for each and every student that has crossed her path – whatever the reason. It has been the major influx that prompted her to search out business grants, and after securing one, lead to our encounter that evening… Her reason for comfort food was the incredibly empowering day of training, teaching and searching. Searching for property to expand her business from the basement of her home, into a true and professional studio.

How does all of this pertain to me? Simple. After her tell all experience that was filled with much light and love, very apparently emanating from a higher power, she asked me why I was working in a restaurant when it was obvious I had the knowledge base and skills to be working elsewhere. I began to tell her my own story…

I was working in a restaurant, as it paid the bills. It was nothing fantastic, nothing exciting and what many people would look at as a mere existence. To me, however, it was the base of something much more extravagant. I have written a couple of children’s books and although I would love for them to be on the shelves, the illustrators I’ve found that are completely interested, life seemed to get in the way and illustrations fell through on them. Those books being published are the beginning of my much more grand dreams for myself and the community in which I live.

She asked what I wanted to do after they were published and what type of stories I had written. The first is a more inspirational book, an age & stage book with the mantra; “Live for the moment, laugh through the hard times, love the experience and hope for a brighter tomorrow” throughout. The second is much more light hearted; being a typical day for any parent, but seen through the eyes of a child and all set to poetry. It will be the first of at least two books, when I can find an illustrator who can pull the images out of my mind and put them on paper to reflect all that I envision.

The proceeds from those books, is what I want to use to fund my ultimate goal and dream of a non-profit organization to assist victims of abuse. I want for this to be an all-encompassing organization that will provide a means to escape, a fresh start and the much needed counseling for so many; young and old.

As she could hear the passion emanating through my voice, and the tears well up in my eyes, she reminded me that having a passion so strong only leads to one outcome; success. She couldn’t believe my age when she asked. The look of shock amazed her; knowing that someone who could be out spending her life partying with her friends would rather be working hard to achieve something so grand and truly beneficial to the rest of the world. Why wouldn’t I be passionate about experiences I’ve had myself and moved from the place of a victim into the place of a survivor – and one who will STRIVE!

So as I’ve had a few days to reflect upon all that “table” brought with it, I’ve reaffirmed my ability to dream and see my dreams become a success! I know that every word that has been inspired to meld together in the stories I’ve written and the ones I have yet to write will all find their success through my own higher power and His promise to carry me when the road seems more grim than bright.

Mysti