Carol's Blog

Hello My Braveheart Sisters!

I must express my heartfilled gratitude and love for you. I was amazed by so much willingness to step in and assist in anyway possible.
I learned so much from all of you. It was an amazing experience to have so many women stop and share their own stories, their own journey as well as their hugs. So many of you came to experience the event of a lifetime, but still took time from your own experience to assist where ever you could. Thank you!

I was given insight into the lives of several women and I am honored that they chose to share. Thank you.

We have truly inspired women within our community. Although this was the event of a lifetime.....It gives us great anticipation of next year!

Thank you to each and every one of you!

Carol

As we begin the month of July, This Nations Birthday, I have reason to give thanks. I am grateful for each son and daughter, father and mother, husband and wife who are willing to sacrifice or who have sacrificed for us, in the name of freedom.

Last month I had the honor of attending a deployment ceremony for the 130th in the Great State of HI. It gave me time to reflect on the soldiers leaving, those preparing to leave and those already "down range". Their families, and those of us whom they have sworn to protect.

This country was founded on much diversity and much adversity. It was founded on the strength of a few. It turned into the strength of many. It started with an the idea of one, then the idea of a few, then the idea of many. What a great creation!

Our country is still in the folds of creation. As BraveHeart Women, we have much of our own diversity. We each have our own unique talents, passions and purposes. We each have our own vision of what we wish to create. We have our own gifts. As BraveHeart Women, we can assist our honored soldiers. We can continue the fight our forefathers began. Not by war, but by acceptance, and placing one foot in front of the other every single day.

Take this day, and everyday this month to honor our great soldiers, and those who gave the ultimate sacrifice, by saying Thank You, by honoring this country, and by doing something to help someone else in need. Every small step will grow into a leap. One person at a time....Imagine what our leaps together can do......

With Much Humility and Gratitude!

Carol
The Grandma/Mom

As I have another opportunity to say "Thank You", I am compelled to do so.
Little had I known that my "Prank" 20 years ago, would bless me so many years ahead. This is a story that has warmed my heart many times over the years.

Before I move to what this has taught me, I wish to extend a heartfilled Thank You to Ellie, Charlie, Linda, Kent, and to everyone that is part of this gracious community. I will certainly enjoy my "trip to the spa". Thank you from the bottom & the top of my heart!

The lesson this has taught me is this. You never know where or what tomorrow brings. We never know how, or who's life we may touch by our actions. Or, how it will affect our own life.

This principle applies to every thing we do. When we are down, we can bring someone else down. When we are filled with fun or love or joy. We also bring the same to others. Our attitude is everything!

Now, I know that every April 1st, this physician and friend will always have a smile on his face remembering this. So no matter what life brings him, I know that this single day every year he will smile for a few minutes.

I am grateful for the years I worked for him. I am grateful for the years I worked for others. I am grateful for all of the challenges, as they have brought new opportunities. I am grateful for the ability to choose. I am especially grateful to know that happiness is a choice and I can share that attitude with others!

Have an Inspired Day!

With Love and Many Thanks,
Carol

Several years ago I worked for a very quiet/gentle Orthopedist. On the day I started work, he gave me the name of a patient whom I had to swear I would never, ever book an appointment for....Well after working for him for 4 years, I had seen that this poor lady had passed away. (I saw her obit)

I waited for 6 whole months to pull off my PRANK....I rustled up a resesa-annie (a dummy for CPR training), dressed her up, positioned her on the exam table, and pulled the "Patient Chart".

Now mind you, I had let most of the hospital in on this prank, as well as his wife. This April Fools day happened to fall on his surgery day, so it was easy to prepare for this.

When all was ready, I called into the Operating Room and left a message that there was a "patient" that needed to be seen between surgery cases. He came....He picked up the chart....He turned Beet Red...He was not happy! He asked me about her. He was not happy. I told him, she would not leave unless she saw him. I was laughing so hard, I had to act like I was crying. Meanwhile hospital staff came & went...observing. He shuffled up and down the hall for 30 minuted. He complained to his wife. He said I took an oath....

He Finally went in. He was in there a very long time. He came out....grabbed me by the throat and pounded (gently) on my head....He was Smiling.

When I asked him why he was in the room so long. He said he spoke to her, multiple times and she never answered. He thought she had died. He ran over to check her, and then found the "APRIL FOOL's" sign.

He said it was the best joke ever played on him. He had a great sense of humor. I later moved away, and 2 years later, I received flowers from the "deceased" on April 1st. He is a wonderful caring physician, whom I am proud to still have as a close friend today!

Homework...

I thought I was done with overseeing homework, to be sure it had been completed. I now know it is never done. When you raise your children and they move on, we assume our role is done...or that is what we think when we are more youthful.

Our Homework Role is never over. At any rate it shouldn't be. The truth is that if we wish to continue to grow and learn, it should never be over.

As parents, grandparents, aunts, caregivers or friends we have a responsibility to continue to teach and oversee the homework of the young. Be it our own children or those of others. Children are much the same as a "sponge", they soak up all that is around them, be positive or negative. When we stay engaged in a young person's life, we have great opportunity for both. Them to learn from our experience and us to learn from their inexperience.

The educational system today is far beyond what I was used to when I was growing up. The teaching tools are far greater and the subject matter is far different.

While in "computer lab" at my grandaughters class, I was surprised when the 7 year old, said "NO" you click here., or that you could do simple math problems with a calendar. What an easy tool.

We try far to often to complicate teaching. We try far to often to complicate our daily routines; all in the interest of simplifying things. The biggest lesson I have learned from homework, is Back to Basics. Nothing can grow, nothing can stand firm, nothing will stand the test of time without a proper foundation and basic structure.

So it is with life, ie; business, personal relationships as well as family. Build solid foundations. Develop good business practice by having a solid business plan, healthy relationships based on that of friendship, family relationships based on respect.

So it goes with the homework...it is never done for them or for us, especially when our desire is to always, always continue to grow and be better than we think we can be.

Here's to 101 Anything!

Submitted by Carol Carroll
The Grandma/mom

I thought I had a pretty clear understanding of my vision, my purpose and my passion. I found, quite by accident I really didn't have clarity of my vision.
I wasn't quite sure how raising two little girls was assisting others, other than providing a home and security for them. I thought I had to have some sort of "HUGE" external purpose. Then hit me...this is "HUGE". And Necessary.

I have seen through the role of my former "career", as well as going through the process of adopting my two precious girls, the challenge that many go through in assuming a new responsibility, as well as the impact our "system" has on it's children.

There are many children who have depleted self esteems and in many cases a broken emotional system or body. One comment that was made to myself & my husband from the Attorney for the State, was that every attempt was to be made to reconcile children with their parents, and that they had to have proof that the child or children "would not survive"!!!! How preposterous! A person can "survive" under a great many abusive situations. This is not acceptable.

I wish to find a way to assist both the families taking on this new role, as well the children in finding love and acceptance from themselves as well as the new families.
Now, I'm not quite sure how to go about this, but accept my new challenge and action course.
I believe that as Women and in most cases Mothers, nurturing is an essential part of our makeup. If each of us start at home, by the examples we teach as well as giving the gift of "personal development", starting with our own children.
Imagine if we had started this personal journey of self discovery at a more impressionable age....What would the world look like?

I believe we have the ability to stop the cycle of abuse.
What do you think?

Submitted by:
Carol Carroll
The Grandma/Mom

It is really true that what you put out there, comes back to you.
I was having a moment the other day of questioning my purpose. I received a call "out of the blue", from a wonderful BHW. She called with some questions about her site. We finally got around to that part at the end of the call.

It seems she was "prompted" to call me. She too, is a grandmother raising her grandchildren. When we talked about the importance of this purpose, and the numbers of grandparents taking on this most important role, she reminded me that "this is my purpose".

As a mother I set out every day to provide love and security to my little grandaughters. I also believe it goes further than that. I believe we each have a role in the security of each & every child who touches our lives. We never know when someone is watching us. Example is the best teacher. We should carry ourselves with dignity and self respect. Extend Kindness to Every Child. Do Not Pass Judgement on others (we do not know their circumstances). Be willing to lend a hand in schools and churches. Watch out for children in your neighborhood or any area you happen to be in. Smile at them. A smile makes you feel that you have value...no matter how old or young you are.
I think about the fear of getting involved in today's society. I think about the years of yesterday, when everyone watched out for all of the children. What do we want? We are connected, so lets all do our part to insure the connection is full of love, kindness & respect.
The children of today, are absolutely the world of tomorrow. We all should take care to do our part in creating a better tomorrow.

I was reading a book given to me by a dear friend. One topic in the book was the "What If Game". This brought a number of questions and possibilities up for me.
What If I didn't have girls, because I had them waiting for me to be a bit older & wiser (I hope).
What If, I have a child with many difficulties, to teach me how to let go. How to have patience and how to have acceptance.

What if, I am exactly where I am supposed to be? Guess what. I am. Defining one's purpose is as easy or as difficult as we make it. We can choose to dwell on on the difficulties of our life, trying to figure out their purpose, or we can go with the flow and accept what was, as just that...what was.

I would have never envisioned my life as it is today. Today, I have a purpose that I better understand. It has taken all of the ups & downs of life to get to this place. I know there will be many more. I don't wish to waste a single second of my life's picture looking back on the old pages with regret. Only gratitude for what is.
I have some friends who find themselves in the same shoes I found myself in 5 years ago. Having two additional children to raise. They are experiencing the "adjustment" period, and the only thing I can tell them is to keep putting one foot in front of the other. It gets easier, it gets harder. It teaches us. It shows us what is important. It gives great reward....love and safety for two young lives, who found themselves in extreme circumstances.
Recipe for Extreme Circumstances
1Cup Willingness
2 Cups Understanding or may Substitute for
Compassion
1 large Pkg of Hugs
Several Shoulders
1-2 Cases of Tissue
mix altogether, wrap in blanket with child and extra
tenderness.
Don't Cook
Done...Never
Result....The best gift of Love you can give or receive.
So again....WHAT IF

I received a couple of cards in the mail last week inquiring about my family and our new location.
I let them sit on my desk for another few days contemplating my response. You see, I didn't want to say the usual, "we're doing well, and how's your family".
My life has taken such a dramatic, wonderful turn, that putting it into context, so that the others in my life can understand, was something I wanted to think about.
Well....Thinking, will not take us where we want to be. Action will. I prepared notes back to these friends, with direction to go to www.braveheartwomen.com
I told them to go in and check out for themselves if they wanted to know what I was doing. Also encouraging them to join.
I know that as each of us take daily action, we will attract those women who are like minded, action takers and will begin to make a difference. It starts with one. It starts with each of us!

Have a wonderful day in Action!

Carol..The Grandma/Mom

As I prepare today for my grandaughter's eighth birthday party, I delight in her excitement of being another year older.
She is excited about her friends coming, and celebrating with her. In truth, she is probably more excited about presents and the attention given. It is her special day.
I tried to recall my eighth birthday, but the recall button wasn't working so well. I will have to try the refresh key. What I do recall however, wasn't specific presents, but the fuss my parents made. Always having a cake and doing something special just for me.
In reflection of time spent as a family, I am so grateful for the lessons taught. For the TIME spent and for the family experiences that were shared.
As I look at the two little girls and what is important in their lives, I can see that the most important thing I can do for them, or any of us can do for children, is to share of our TIME. It rushes by so quickly. To quickly.
Balance in our lives is essential. Balancing family time, business time as well as personal time. It is easy to get caught up in any area and then feel overwhelmed because we may feel we have dropped the ball in one of the other areas in our lives. How do we manage balance? We don't. We don't try to manage anything. We let go, take a step back and focus. When you are working...work only. When you are with your family...be with your family. And when you have personal time, use it wisely for without that personal time you may miss some great insight. Personal time is the fuel for continued energy, continued growth.
In contemplating a new 8 year old, my goal today and every day, is to be sure she knows she is loved and is special.

It is a new year with new beginnings. Time to put away the Christmas tinsel & decor. It's time to store the old and open the new.
We do this actually as well as metaphorically. It is time to look ahead, not wasting time with what was. Now, don't think you shouldn't reflect on "what was". It is "what was", that put you where you are today. It is "what was" that will move you into tomorrow.
We place one foot in front of the other with purpose and destiny. We are exactly where we are supposed to be. One should not waste precious time looking back. You cannot change your past, but can choose your future.
You can guide those precious minutes, by not wasting a single one of them on trivial nonsense. Instead, use some of those moments to be grateful for the place you are in and the blessing you have been given. For the challenges you have faced and for the courage it took to take the next step.
Look at each day, each blessing & each challenge with gratitude for what lies ahead. It is all for you, what & however you wish to use it. Open the gift of the New Year, with gratitude & love.

Warmest Wishes To You!

Carol Carroll