Pearls of Peace was a “champion” blog multiple times in its every-Monday 5-year run of 500 words. Recognized by Illinois Press Women’s Association (IWPA) and National Federation of Press Women (NFPW), here are some reviewer comments:
“One of the more compelling and emotional statements I have read with an associated entry…the blog is…inquisitive…and with a firm perspective.” It is an honor to have positive acceptance of my musings on disparate topics. My goal is to offer curious connections that might lead readers to pause for mindful moments.
What does firm perspective mean to me? It encompasses my belief in cultivating a growth-and-grit mindset to live one’s life with meaning. It takes both continual learning and considerable grit – passion plus perseverance – to keep working on some goal for any extended amount of time.
Writing a blog is not the same as being a soccer player, but a firm perspective about one’s craft is also necessary for the passionate and persistent soccer players making their way to World Cup championship rounds. I cheered for many different teams, but mostly I cheered for players’ relentless resolve, their stick-to-itiveness in their performances. Being a champion is not just about winning accolades.
Another champion is a boy named Mattie J.T. Stepanek who died at age 13 from a rare genetic neuromuscular disease that also claimed the lives of all 3 of his older siblings. His mother, Dr. Jeni Stepanek, did not know that she possessed an adult-onset form of this genetic condition. Mattie lived with a firm perspective when it might have been otherwise. He embodied a growth-and-grit mindset in his short lifetime. Beginning to read and write at age 3, Mattie wrote poetry to grieve the death of his brother. He named his poetry Heartsongs and eventually published 7 books of poetry and peace essays. Here is his 9-year-old poem, On Being a Champion:
A champion is a winner, / A hero… / Someone who never gives up / Even when the going gets rough…Someone who overcomes challenges / Even when it requires creative solutions / A champion is an optimist. /A hopeful spirit… / Someone who plays the game, / Even when the game is called life… / Especially when the game is called life. / There can be a champion in each of us, / If we live as a winner, / If we live as a member of the team, / If we live with a hopeful spirit, / For life.
Mattie advocated for improved hospice laws for children. He referred to “global neighbors…in the mosaic of humanity.” His call for “pathways and choices” for personal and global peace were messages for world leaders. Mattie’s birthday on July 17th is honored in his hometown (Rockville, Maryland) as Peace Day.
My blog’s 5th birthday is July 21st. Let’s share Mattie’s hopeful passion for peace among global neighbors.
Pearls of Peace (PoP) Quiz
516. What are you passionate about?
517. Where does your resolve and perseverance take you these days?
Pearls of Peace: A Family Psychologist’s Circle-of-Life Blog 