Finding that ‘It’s Time’ Moment
For a while now, I’ve been looking for a niche need in my local community in which I can integrate my talents. Maybe it’s the fact I’m on the doorstep of 50 (mid-life crisis if I’m lucky enough to reach 100!), but there’s something stirring inside me to make an impact and do more. I’m using my experience as a post-trauma survivor to present and share my learnings, and that’s been great. I’ll continue to grow this. But I also feel there are avenues in the realm of mental health and wellness that I can contribute to in my local community.
When I review my list of ingredients, I find three that rise to the top:
trauma/traumatic brain injury survivor
Spanish speaker
writer/communicator
To that end, I started looking at how I might be able to leverage these in some way.
Luckily for me, I think I’ve found an opportunity! The part of Minnesota I live in has a small but growing Latino population. Being married to a Latina immigrant also has shone a light on the challenges, stresses, and worries this group can carry. As I started poking around, I found that there are minimal resources translated into Spanish. While there’s a need for more, I believe there are circumstances unique to this group that should be uncovered and explored rather than a simple translation of resources perhaps intended for other audiences. How can we better connect Latinos to services while diminishing or eliminating barriers?
I’m still in the discovery phase of this, but I’m hopeful that this can turn into something. I’ve started volunteering with the Heart of New Ulm and Brown County Mental Health and Wellness Action Team, a team with a heart (no pun intended) bent on making our community healthier. They’re receptive to all ideas, and I’m glad to know them.
I live in a small but thriving community; it’s a great place to live for most. I’m hopeful that through future efforts of me and others, we can make it a great place to live for all.
Are you on a purpose journey? If not, what talents do you have that others could benefit from? Take five minutes today and think about it.
