Something happened here on Kind Over Matter a couple weeks ago. Something beautiful, something that snapped a part of my heart into place.
You know that feeling?
When something clicks & it wakes you up?
I don't mean by rubbing your hair & gently whispering in your ear, wake up doll, wake up. I mean a phone call at 3 in the morning & your heart falls to the pit of your stomach...
but it's a wrong number -- instant relief washes over you --
but the adrenaline already flooded your system & you're left staring at the ceiling waiting for your breath to bring your heart rate down.
That kind of awakening.
I held a giveaway. After the giveaway was over the lovely & oh-so-talented Lettie replied to some of the comments. I thought that was really wonderful. I read through them, they lit me up.
When I stumbled across this... instant heart-in-my-throat tears:
And then the following exchange came to me in an email:
There are no accidents. Only divine appointments.
—
Janet Conner
Two people, something small but so powerful. A true & wonderful act of kindness both in the giving & receiving, that I feel was meant to happen. It was already written. Both of these amazing women were seen & heard & had an exchange that they will forever hold in their hearts as light.
That is what life is about, it's the message that runs deep here:
Connection
This epiphany that I had over this exchange had been brewing for awhile. I've been very aware of these connections going on in this space, big ones, tiny ones & the ones in between, but I think I needed to witness this one in order to really step into the realization that I am a connector. I mean, really owning that on all levels & working through what that means.
As my journey continues, I will walk with this belief:
Part of my calling on this earth is to be a connector - a vessel for connection.
Nothing changes because of that, I just keep doing what I love & letting things unfold as they will.
Working with others is one of life's great joys. You take an idea & together you expand it until it becomes something much bigger than any of you could have done alone.
—
Jim Lewis
KOM is a hub of goodness, people that have their hearts in the right place... people that need something they aren't finding out there. People that are making a difference. People that are living joyfully, peacefully. People that are helping others go after their dreams. People that are living their dreams. People that love big & are loved big. It sort of has taken on a life of it's own. It's an energy that I helped spark, that I keep going every single day but it is so much bigger than I am because it's a collaboration of beautiful spirits. It connects people with other people & with opportunities. It connects people to ideas to explore. It connects people to their true & beautiful selves with Kindness.
Helping to connect people is what makes me come alive.
I thrive on it.
Disconnection
I want to touch on the fact that sometimes there is disconnect, sometimes things go unfinished, emails go unanswered, my reader goes neglected until Thursday & I can't engage the way I would like to on social media, my dear bestie & I haven't connected in a couple of weeks, but a large part of this journey for me is forgiving myself & letting go of the guilt, trusting that the universe has my back. Remembering that we are all busy & I am enough.
The Heart of the Matter
I hold on to something that a dear & wise friend reawakened in me (paraphrased):
I live this when I work, love up on my kids & mister, do housework, meditate... It keeps me whole & wholehearted.
It keeps me true.
It connects me to myself.
Have you had a deep & soulful awakening recently? A shift? When was the last time something spoke directly to you on a very profound level?
Love,
You know that feeling?
When something clicks & it wakes you up?
I don't mean by rubbing your hair & gently whispering in your ear, wake up doll, wake up. I mean a phone call at 3 in the morning & your heart falls to the pit of your stomach...
but it's a wrong number -- instant relief washes over you --
but the adrenaline already flooded your system & you're left staring at the ceiling waiting for your breath to bring your heart rate down.
That kind of awakening.
I held a giveaway. After the giveaway was over the lovely & oh-so-talented Lettie replied to some of the comments. I thought that was really wonderful. I read through them, they lit me up.
When I stumbled across this... instant heart-in-my-throat tears:
And then the following exchange came to me in an email:
It is my wish to give you the necklace that you chose as your favorite and noted in your beautiful comment...
It has had a difficult time finding a home though many have admired it.
I now know that it was meant to be yours! It will make me happy to send it to you.
I need your address...pretty please....
Lettie, For Giving Works Jewelry
I am crying. Thank you so very much. I will cherish it always. That necklace just really called to me. The super interesting thing was I have been thinking about a tattoo in memory of my Rose, Grace and Simon and when I was brainstorming with a friend about it, she brought up how cool a little nest with three eggs would be. :) and when I saw that necklace I thought "ooohh, it has my babies on it" :)
Thank you so very much! Life has been a little gray around here for me this week with lots of possible big changes and this just made me feel so warm and fuzzy!
Stephanie
I am teary also - it will be mailed tomorrow via priority mail insured. I can't wait for you to get it. Please send me a photo of yourself wearing it if you would like to. I would so love to have it....I am so happy when my jewelry turns out to be more than just jewelry.
Love, Lettie
—
Janet Conner
Two people, something small but so powerful. A true & wonderful act of kindness both in the giving & receiving, that I feel was meant to happen. It was already written. Both of these amazing women were seen & heard & had an exchange that they will forever hold in their hearts as light.
That is what life is about, it's the message that runs deep here:
This epiphany that I had over this exchange had been brewing for awhile. I've been very aware of these connections going on in this space, big ones, tiny ones & the ones in between, but I think I needed to witness this one in order to really step into the realization that I am a connector. I mean, really owning that on all levels & working through what that means.
As my journey continues, I will walk with this belief:
Part of my calling on this earth is to be a connector - a vessel for connection.
Nothing changes because of that, I just keep doing what I love & letting things unfold as they will.
Working with others is one of life's great joys. You take an idea & together you expand it until it becomes something much bigger than any of you could have done alone.
Jim Lewis
KOM is a hub of goodness, people that have their hearts in the right place... people that need something they aren't finding out there. People that are making a difference. People that are living joyfully, peacefully. People that are helping others go after their dreams. People that are living their dreams. People that love big & are loved big. It sort of has taken on a life of it's own. It's an energy that I helped spark, that I keep going every single day but it is so much bigger than I am because it's a collaboration of beautiful spirits. It connects people with other people & with opportunities. It connects people to ideas to explore. It connects people to their true & beautiful selves with Kindness.
Helping to connect people is what makes me come alive.
I thrive on it.
I want to touch on the fact that sometimes there is disconnect, sometimes things go unfinished, emails go unanswered, my reader goes neglected until Thursday & I can't engage the way I would like to on social media, my dear bestie & I haven't connected in a couple of weeks, but a large part of this journey for me is forgiving myself & letting go of the guilt, trusting that the universe has my back. Remembering that we are all busy & I am enough.
I hold on to something that a dear & wise friend reawakened in me (paraphrased):
Sometimes we look at life, our families & friends, self-care, our business, the things on our to-do list... as being a thousand different pieces, a thousand different seeded pots to water & tend to, when in fact, our life is one big garden.
That everything we do, no matter what area we happen to be focusing on at the time is feeding all of it. Any time you spend in the garden, regardless of what area you are in, it feeds everything else. It is nourishing & blessing all other parts of the garden.
I live this when I work, love up on my kids & mister, do housework, meditate... It keeps me whole & wholehearted.
It keeps me true.
It connects me to myself.
Have you had a deep & soulful awakening recently? A shift? When was the last time something spoke directly to you on a very profound level?
Love,
32 comments:
Oh my, this made me cry! What a beautiful story. Thank you.
Amanda... I have no words for how much this touched me... but I'll try. Sometimes people say "Oh, I got chills," but don't really mean it--I actually just did, twice, full-on shiver. This connection was a holy moment. You each had a part to play, a piece of the puzzle--and when it all snapped into place...oh, that is such a beautiful thing. What an amazing reminder to follow through, to listen to those little nudges, the urge to "do this" or "go there" even when we're not quite sure why. You never know the incredible impact you can have on someone's life.
And Connector... oh yes. How powerful to have that lens with which to view what you do. It makes total sense. I'm so blessed to have witnessed some of these connections... one of which being my heart to yours. I am so, so grateful to know you, to be one tiny part of KOM's outreach, to be able to come here and see tender and searching souls finding each other.
So much love to you.
The last time? Uh, right about now, in this moment. I've been a bit on the edge of burn out and that last piece about the garden just pulled me back. I love you Amanda Oaks. Please do shine in the awareness of being a connector. Your light is not being taken for granted.
thank you Amanda. i have started this comment now 4 times...i am so full that i can't organize enough loving words that express what i am feeling - but knowing that i made a difference in your definition of yourself - after all you have done to help me define my own - is simply amazing
Lettie
Unexpected tears. My heart expands reading this. You are a connector and more. You see the light in folks and encourage them to let it shine full strength. You give us a place to step into the fullness of our purpose.
You've created an oasis, here. A place where we can all step away from the noise, take a slow deep breath and drink from refreshing waters. It is a place I come to often and am so thankful for.
There is no one like you, Amanda. And I'm so glad the world has you. You are a true friend and a gift.PS. Thanks for the shout out ;-)
Thank you Felicia <3!
It really was something holy, to witness, to be part of. I was dazed about it for days, hungover from the impact it had on me. Beautiful.
Loving you, so blessed for our connection. <3
Love you so Hannah, thank you. <3
Fabeku, we had a session (it blew my mind!) on my birthday in August, it was one of the most beautiful things ever, these words, among so many others, have stuck with me - I've been holding them close since, so happy to have shared them today & they helped you.
<3
Lettie, you are treasure to the world, bask in that beauty -- loving you big. <3
PS Thank you for being so gracious about me sharing this personal connection, both you & beautiful Stephanie. <3
Okay, now I am crying, thank you, having you be part of KOM's love is just beyond awesome.
I encourage others as I am encouraging myself - I learn from it all. It is an oasis for me. Grateful for the folks that believe in the message.
I love you & you are so welcome. <3
Sometimes people are critical of the internet, social networking, blogging, the web in general, but YOU, Connector, the living plus sign between love and kindness, love + kindness = this safe place so full of wisdom, free and open to anyone who wants to step inside, hang out for a while, rest and regroup...you are proof that because this space, these tools, the internet and computers, were made by humans, they are invested with an innate kindness and wisdom, the same as us. We can use them as weapons, certainly, but we can also choose to use them in this way, the way you do, you and your big heart.
This made me cry, its such a beautiful story of the hearts that people really do have <3 I feel like there is goodness in everyone and some just show it better than others, what a beautiful act. Its just so heartwarming <3 Thank you so much for this site it gives me so much strength on a daily basis <3 xx
I'm having the type of week where I am having to consciously (with some effort) count my blessings and see the beauty in my life (because I am feeling overwhelmed and down) and this? This post really helped. I know, I know there is kindness and love in this world, but this is a beautiful example that really gets deep in the matter for me.
Thank you, Amanda. Thank you Lettie. Thank you Stephanie. Your connection and your kindness and honesty are inspiring and beautiful. Thank you.
(And yes, I have to say, reading this makes up for a thousand horrible internet trolls and comments I shouldn't read on newsites. This is connectivity and kindness at its best.)
I know I keep saying it, but I LOVE when you write.
This post is amazing...and so spot on. You are an amazing connector...and more. You have created a magical space in the world. It is inspiring. Inviting. Invigorating.
And I wonder if what seems like disconnection, is just the time you get to connect to your wonderful self.
You are amazing and I am beyond grateful to call you my friend.
Thank you for making my day.
Can I tuck my comment in here, in the middle of two Amandas? Amanda F--thank you for being the conduit by which I found Amanda O. Amanda O--thank you for sharing so fully of your heart. In particular, this story of the necklace is profound on so many levels. An artist often creates in solitude (although surrounded by boundless creative energy and ideas)--and we don't know who might be the recipient of whatever we are being called to create. The story of the necklace gives a window into the heart-grabbing possibilities. A lovely idea, like a nest with three eggs, comes to roost in the artist's heart. And eventually, it comes to rest around the neck, and near the heart, of a woman who longs to hold three precious children in her arms, and can not. And along the way, so many dear dear people are touched by the journey--the soul flight--of this single creative idea. Now, imagine that sort of healing activity taking place numberless times, in numberless locations. And imagine you, Amanda O, being a Connector on many of those journeys. Oh my. It truly goes beyond anything words could capture. It is truly the Creator and Her boundless love in action.
Amanda,
Of course! You ARE a connector! How divinely the epiphany came to you...Beautiful post
Thank you, this touched me so deeply. A connector!!! Of course you are!!! And the necklace story moved me to tears.
Debra Masters
This is truly gorgeous. I'm teary too. XO
Oh Amanda... how you make me smile and think and be grateful to breathe.
You are a gift. What you are doing here is beautiful. Thank you.
thks for sharing.. beautiful post... so beautiful. This right here is what we all are meant to do... bless one another.. in the coming and the going... a real powerful moment for me happened when i recently watched the movie, the help. SUCH A POWERFUL MOVIE. I never read the book, but i've seen the movie 4x in the theater and every time, I cry my big ugly cry at the exact same moment. It's at the end.. when one of the characters is walking outside and she says.. -no one 's every wanted to know what it's like being me.' Ohhh I could so relate to those words.. So many ppl in my life, including my own parents, have chosen to not listen.. like i don't matter. that my words don't matter, that my life doesn't matter. I was told at a young age I was a mistake, and messed up my parents' lives.. gee, thanks.. I really wanted to hear that.. so much has happened... and well.. I continue to live my life happy i make the choices every day..but when I heard that one phrase in the movie, it brings to ugly cry tears each and every time...
when u are misunderstood and not really listened to, or not really loved by the people in your life that should listen, that should love you.. well it's just powerful.
thank you for shining your light into all our lives.
You are making a difference. xo
bonitarose
Wow Amanda - this was SO beautiful! I am a connector too and created a website called "The Creativity Garden" - and just like you, I'm connecting people to resources that will help them to live in the fullness of themselves and it IS joyful work! http://thecreativitygarden.com/
Yes. Connector. Put it on your biz cards, because it is so true. You are an amazing woman & you draw other amazing people into your circle and connect them together. I know that I feel plugged into a whole new community because of finding you & your beautiful site. I have been connected to so much wonder and beauty and fabulousness through you & I am so so grateful!
And the necklace story is just amazing. Thank you for sharing it and reminding us of the beautiful connections that are available in this beautiful web you've spun. And keep on reminding yourself it's ok to slow down and accept the love instead of constantly working to keep the plates spinning. It will be ok. It is more than enough and so are you. Much, much love to you- oceans deep and skies full and beyond!
Wow. I have goosebumps. I . . . don't even have the words.
What a truly beautiful story! It makes my heart sing to see the connection between you all and the joy brought to Stephanie. Love your site Amanda. It is one I check everyday. It fills me with happy!!! Thanks girl!!!
God bless you, and God bless this precious blog. You are doing so much good.
I am 23 years old. My mother passed away less than a month ago, joining my father, who passed away 20 years ago. I am now responsible for my older brother, who has Down's Syndrome. Life can be really scary, but I am lucky enough to have a wellspring of support from family, friends, and from blogs like this. Just now I was having a lonely moment, and I asked myself what would help. I knew KOM was where I needed to land :)
Thank you for what you do. <3
Amanda...YES! You are enough..and then some! And it spills over onto all of us here...Kind Over Matter is a shot in my arm every single day...and I look forward to every dose I can receive! On so many levels, you inspire, ignite, invigorate, initiate and completely share your most intimate thoughts and feelings....Keep it real. We love you.
This. Yes. Beautiful. You. All.
Amanda - you are a connector and KOM is the conduit where kindred souls come to play, build community and support each other directly or indirectly. I found this site through a friend and have found inspiration, gems-hidden and otherwise, a-ha moments and some really cool stuff!
Thank you for all you do <3
Happy Valentines!
I printed out the Free Compliments worksheet and put it in the break room we have gone through 6 sheets! Lots of smiles and goodwill - GREAT idea! Thanks for sharing! <3 >3
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