Lesson 4: Contribution

• Have you ever posted a positive image or quote on social media? What made it special to you?

I do it all the time. lol. If I think it's hilarious and/or meaningful or is just something more people should know about. Today I posted about a female engineer that was the first to cross the Brooklyn bridge. After her husband (the original engineer in charge) became disabled she took over the project and managed it until it was finished 10 years later. I'd never heard of her (which is insane) and that is freaking cool . She carried a rooster with her which was apparently a sign of victory. .

• How do you feel like you contribute to the world through your vocation?

Hmm - I contribute to this company certainly. I've made the company millions since I started working here. I suppose that contributes to the world churning. They pay me... I buy things. I would say the contribution I care about the most is my employees. I fight for and protect them to the best of my ability.

• Have you ever donated money or time to a cause? What feelings prompted you to do so?

Sure. I think the most repeatedly to a place in Colorado that goes into schools and teaches teenagers about consent and sexual assault. That's a cause I 100% support.

• Have you ever performed a random act of kindness?

Ya

• How do you contribute to your family or friend group on a regular basis?

LOL As a mom that's kind of impossible to list. But as a single mom with full custody who also provides full financial support? A lot... I contribute a lot.

As far as my friends go - I love them. I love them without wanting them to be anyone but who they are. I love them for existing. I love them for loving me - most especially the friends who just also love me for who I am.

• How would you like to live your life with the idea that you're setting an example for others as you do so? Would you do anything differently?

Growing up Mormon you're actually taught this from a VERY young age. You are always supposed to live your life as if people are watching you (according to that culture). I've left Mormonism but I don't think I'd change that I've lived assuming that. Although I don't assume it anymore - I sort of... don't think about it much. I'm making my choices - for me.

• Is there a meaningful giving experience you'd like to plan for in the future? Write about it

Not really. I think the last thing I did was do a child's Christmas. I don't know who she was. A 2 year old who needed things. I bought her as many presents as I bought my own children and then shipped them all to a place her mom/dad could come pick them up. I've done that spottily over the years but after the way 2020 was it seemed more important this year. I hope she had a wonderful Christmas. Shopping for a little girl so young was a delight I have missed!

I bought myself a book called "The Gaslighting Recovery Workbook". I'm going to start doing some of that along with this year of self-discovery writing. I know I have a lot of wounds from my 17 year marriage and generally I just need the men I'm in relationships with to be careful with those wounds. I guess I wish I needed less careful handling. I think I'm worth it but I still wish I didn't need it... if that makes sense.

But not this week. My writing time is up. Back to work!