Life Lessons

I just learned this morning that the Gold Medal Schools program that I have been involved in, a state-run program intended to help schools establish healthy habits, is being shut down this year and that they don't have enough money to pay the school coordinators (that would be me) the stipend we were supposed to received: $500 now and $500 at the end of the year provided we have helped the school meet all of the requirements. I of course feel disappointed, especially since it's Christmas and I kind of went overboard buying presents in anticipation of getting that money. But I don't feel crushed or panicked or anything of the sort. Part of that is because I'm trying to approach it with the attitude of "What am I to learn from this?" Another part is because we are doing okay financially. My husband makes a good income, good enough to allow me to be a stay-at-home mom, good enough to allow me to pursue my passions such as running, triathlon, coaching, and playing with my kids, good enough that even when I overspend on Christmas presents, we will still be okay. So perhaps one of the things I am meant to realize from this is how very blessed I am. I'm so grateful for the abundance of blessings in my life. I'm grateful for my wonderful husband and my wonderful children. I'm grateful that we are all healthy. I'm grateful for my body. And I'm grateful to have been a part of helping the students at my kids' school make better choices.

Perhaps another thing I am to learn is that serving others is a joy. I have enjoyed being a part of this program at the school, getting to know the students better, putting together assemblies and other things to help the kids learn good habits, and being an active part of the school. And with or without the money, I am still excited to be a part of that. Maybe now that money isn't even involved for me, I can move forward with fewer inhibitions and allow myself to be led by my heart and by the internal motivation that is already there to help children and families. That's what I need to do with all of my coaching--just let go of the money stress. While it's nice to earn money and I do believe people will gain more when they pay for my services, the reason I am doing this is not just to get money. It is because I truly love what I do, and I want to help families be healthier and happier. So maybe the main lesson for me is that it's not about the money. It's about gratitude and blessings and service and love. And I'm going to be okay.