Well, here we are at the beginning of Amplifying Life Mano a Mano. Wow! I cannot believe that we’ve made it!
You see, I have been a high school and community college Spanish teacher for not quite 30 years. Within that time I have had dreams – you know the kind – the “I wish someday that I could…” dream. Well, here it is! For years I have been encouraged by students, their families, community members, friends and my family to write, to become a motivational speaker,and to help people on a more broader scale. I was nervous. I didn’t know how to do it. And, frankly, I am still just taking a stab at this whole thing as I put each piece of the puzzle together.

The first daunting order of business was to actually hand over my writing. I wanted to see if they thought it was “good enough” to be published. I chose someone I highly respected with credentials a mile long (I wondered if she walked on water – – that’s how much I admired her). She read it. For me it was like stepping out of the shower and forgetting my towel. All my most inner thoughts were penned and now in the hands of another.

She left a voicemail and I was shaking like a leaf. I didn’t listen to it. She messaged me. I didn’t open it. And then finally I opened the message (which I still have to this day) and it was more than I could have ever dreamt! And thus began the journey of amplifying lives mano a mano.

It took a bit, but I published my first book, “Scattered; Life Happenings and Things That Make You Go Hmm…”. It is not a long book, but it isn’t meant to be read all in one sitting. Instead, the crux of the book is to sit together with others, do some reflecting, build community and help each other by reaching our hand out to others who might need a hand  – – hence – – mano a mano, which means hand to hand. We need each other to get through this life. More importantly, God, through his son , Jesus, showed us the way. He has reached his hand out to help us. We just need to follow his example.

Now I know some of you are wondering why I put the words in Spanish. I’ve even been asked. And so, the plain and simple reason(s) is to create interest and curiosity. I also want everyone, from every corner of every region and lifestyle to feel included and welcomed in all that I do, or represent. Finally, I want to promote diversity and multiculturalism. It doesn’t matter what color our hand is when we reach out to help another. It does not matter what color of hand we are reaching for when we are the ones in need. The origin for all of this is love. And to spread acceptance and help to amplify each others’ lives together!

That was how this all started. Of  course I wanted everything done at once, but realistically, that did not happen. Each step of the way there has been a learning process. I have been humbled. It is still a work in progress, but at the start of everything is the beginning, right. Step by step we are growing.

My dream continues to be to help others. I want to continue to write (BTW – I am pleased to announce that Book #2 is already at the publishing consultant). I want to use my writing and these books as a catalyst to inspire and motivate others. I want all people to know that they  are not alone. There are many who have been in dark places and made it out to see the light and their lives are now brighter than ever! This has prompted me, along with the sincere encouragement from students that have been touched by words I have shared within the four walls of my classroom, to offer Motivational Speaking opportunities and Life Coaching sessions as well as my books.

I would love nothing more than to retire early from teaching and go on the road, traveling and Amplifying Lives Mano a Mano across the country and maybe even the world.

I had a dream when all of this was beginning. The dream was in color and I was sitting on a plush yet professional chair with a glass table in front of me. My book was laying on that table and there were all sorts of people scurrying around getting ready for the next scene, the next episode of the news broadcast. So clearly I see the setting. I am on the “Today Show” and being interviewed for Amplifying Life Mano a Mano. My cousin has been on the show when he was singing professionally and my grandma was so smitten. Well, I have to say that he is not the only one. My dreams, with much hard work, tireless days and nights, great humility and dedication, are being realized. My life has truly been amplified! But I have not gotten there alone. I have many to thank for they have reached their hand out to pull me through those tough times. And now, I want to return the favor ten-fold! 

I bid you adieu. Go out and Amplify Life Mano a Mano!