ROXYS LAST WORKSHOP
9/08
Life’s PurposeI’m unable to attend this year’s conference but wanted to let you know I’m there with you in mind and spirit. My original plan was to attend, and I’m hopeful this letter can convey my feelings.
I’d like to take this opportunity to say a very humble and sincere “Thank You!”, to you, the child care community. For doing what you do, and in caring for the precious children in our lives, “thank you!”!
As I’ve transitioned out of Roxy’s, and in dealing with current issues with my health, I’ve been able to take time to reflect on the purposes of my life. I have you to thank for much of it.
My involvement in Roxy’s as a company was all about touching people’s lives, especially children’s lives. You helped me fulfill that purpose. You made MY life have value. You helped me help others. Your openness, honesty and friendships enriched my life.
I found my work with Roxy’s rewarding, and defined “doing” as my purpose in life. I worked hard at accomplishing “things”—in my professional business life as well as my personal life.
In accepting the reality of my illness, and knowing I am not alone with it, I’ve been able to look at values and what I value. I’ve always believed I was on this Earth to learn, and I’ve been able to develop a fresh joy for life. I’ve grown to revel in the new “slowness” in my life, and the blessings and appreciation of what I have around me. I’ve been tested with one of Life’s many lessons—that of patience. I hope I pass!
I spent many years of my life worrying about the future and agonizing over the past, analyzing it all the while. It’s probably something all of us have in common. I’ve decided to dump worry and anxiety because most things we can’t really control. I’ve opted to look at, “woulds” over “shoulds”. Like, I “should” pay this bill or wash the windows, versus “I “would” like to sit down and read this book, or send this card to a friend.”.
The most valuable lesson I’m learning at this point in my life is that of living in the present. The past is over…I learned from it and let it go. The future is not here yet and while I can plan for some of it, I can’t worry about it or the final outcome. I believe that I am not to bring myself heartache or grief or feelings of guilt. My goal is have inner peacefulness, and learn to fully receive love instead of just giving it. Each day I look with gratitude for my life and the people in it, including each of you, my child care provider friends.
I have so many things to be thankful for in my life:
I have my children. I love them completely but differently; and embrace them for who they are. The memories of them growing from babies to adults fill my heart.
I have my husband Ron, who has been utterly selfless in caring for me and loving me…not only now but throughout my life. 45 years next month!!
I have grandchildren. My dream for them, and all of our children and grandchildren, is that they fearlessly follow their dreams. I wish they find their own joyous paths to fulfillment. I wish they become what they want to become.
I wish they develop joy for life. I wish they not worry about doing everything perfectly. I wish they enjoy their lives with passion and enthusiasm. I wish they would truly feel as though I’m with them on whatever path they choose. I wish they dance every dance like it was their last.
I’ve had so many wonderful connections and relationships with many of you. Like Lisa Templin, who when her daughter Kathryn was born, asked me to be a godparent. What an honor for me. It’s just one example of how we became bonded in our work together.
I really loved the trainings we had together. We all had lots of laughs and shared lots of stories. I think it was good to laugh at ourselves and some of the events of our lives!! I used to get call from some of you after trainings when they got home they used the material to “shape their husbands up”! Some men even told me they thought the women in their lives brought them to the conference for the same reason and to get them engaged in their child care businesses! While that may have been part of the outcome, one of the real goals I had was to empower women. In some way I hope I accomplished that.
My wishes for you, as child care providers, as women (or men) in this endeavor, are simple:
Don’t lose the courage to take risks, or fear failure in doing so. Learn from it.
Say what you’re grateful for in your life to someone else every day.
Money and security aren’t the same thing. Security can only come from
within. Money is a necessary tool, but you can’t take it with you.
Slow down and learn….and know it’s not your purpose to suffer.
Attempt hard things…you learn even if you don’t succeed at first.
The world is given to us as a beautiful garden, and you diminish its importance if you don’t enjoy its fruit.
Apologize or make amends fully when you need to.
If you’re not good at something, hire it done!
Tell the truth and be good to your word.
Embrace challenges in your business or life.
Expect miracles.
Send energy out into the Universe and ask that it come back to you when you need it.
Love who you are. I do.
If you want something bad enough, learn about it and just DO IT!
Say what you believe and think.
Help others.
Get what you want. “Experience” is what you get when you didn’t make it happen.
Solve problems…..don’t complain—it takes too much energy!
Think it, wish it will happen, give it energy—let it will fall into place in time.
Show gratitude for each other…it’s simple and powerful.
Be optimistic and realistic.
Live and love freely, and share it with others.
If you live life down a right path, the karma will take care of itself, and dreams will come to you.
I feel like I’m a lucky woman. Thank you for letting me into your lives and for your support of Roxy’s over the years. I hope I was able to meet your needs and help you in your businesses, too. Marcy and Randy are wonderful and caring people, and will carry on the tradition of Roxy’s. They will always have your best interests at heart. Let them know what you need.
I love you and admire you, and want you to know that I believe the profession you’ve chosen, of caring for children, is the most admirable and selfless profession you can enter.
Thank you for being part of my life, and being part of my Journey.
Ron and I spend lots of time together now, enjoying each other, family and friends. We’re open to experiencing life as it is, no matter what comes next. We awaken each day with optimism and anticipation.
We’d love to hear from you. We can be reached at:
roxy@roxysdaycaresupplies.com, or,
www.caringbridge.org/visit/roxannechuchna
Love,
Roxy
