laughter at camp

I have been on a whirlwind of adventures these past few weeks
I am finding it hard to put them all into words
My heart is overflowing with joy and love
After being surrounded by so many inspiring and kind individuals

One adventure was traveling down to Tampa Florida
For the NY Yankees Women's Fantasy Camp
I traveled down there again, as a spectator
To cheer on my three aunts and the rest of the Bombers team

If you ever meet these women they will blow you away
They are kind, caring, loving, and have so much fun
They are lead by their incredible coach Homer Bush
Whose smile could brighten up anybodies day

My heart gets blown open seeing them out there on the field
Dressed from head to toe in the NY Yankees uniform
Cheering each other on
Giving it a try
And above all else, having so much fun

This is the second year in a row I have gone to camp
And almost the entire team returned, which is amazing
Laughter filled the air
Smiles were seen every where
Bonds of friendship strengthened
What a beautiful thing to witness

I feel so incredibly blessed

seek

Seek out the beauty that surrounds you
It is their, I promise

a year filled with love

A Year Filled with Love

from

Jennifer Belthoff

on

Vimeo

.

It is amazing what unfolds

When you choose one word to focus on for the entire year

The adventures that word takes you on

The doors it opens for you

And the beautiful memories that word creates with you

LOVE was my word for 2011

And it is was a year filled with love beyond anything I could have imagined

Dreams came true

Laughter filled the air

Trips were taken

My heart is overflowing with love

LOVE dug deep into me

Pulling things out I never expected

It tested me

Took me to the edge

And forced me to fly

I have so many beautiful memories from the year

It was hard to get them down to ten little minutes

I hope you enjoy taking a journey with me

As I look back on my year filled with LOVE

Thank you

My heart is filled with so much gratitude and love for this community

And all the support, encouragement, and light that it shines

I was hesitant to say my word for 2012 out loud

Even more hesitant to put it in ink

When fear arises I know there is only one thing left to do

Stand boldly in it

So I showed up here

With my heart on my sleeve

Sharing my word, SOAR

And each of you held me gently

Encouraged me and held up the mirror

Tear filled my eyes this morning

As I reflected on the love that is swirling around here

I am grateful, so grateful

For this space

For this opportunity to show and be seen

And for each of you loving souls who show up as well

Thank you for your support

Thank you for your love

Thank you for your kindness

Thank you for Y.O.U.

Words cannot do justice what I am feeling in my heart

My word for 2012

Sometimes my word for the year picks me

Wings arriving in my mailbox

Telling me it is my year to be brave

Other times my word speaks strongly with love

And I am almost to afraid to say it out loud

I don't want to jinx it

This year I had to dig my word out of the ground

It was cultivating there for the past five years

As I gently tended to it with love and encouragement

My word needed time to grow and it did just that

Now it is strong and ready to soak in the sunshine

Five years ago at Squam Arts Workshops I grew my wings

Bravely I stood with them as I learned how to fly

I was engulfed with love and embraced deeply who I am

Now, I am ready to spread those wings and Soar

Reaching for my dreams and making them happen

I no longer want to stand on the ground

My wings have grown strong

They are ready to fly

In fact, they are ready to soar

It sounds kinda strange to see it in print

Almost to bold to put down on paper

But I know to make it happen, I have to say it

So bravely I am putting it out here

This year I am going to SOAR

each of us, adding something

I was never one to be the class clown.  I never yearned for the attention of all eyes on me.  I am quiet and reserved, soaking in everything that is going on around me.  I am an introvert.  An extreme amount of socalizing can tire me out.  I sometimes find small talk difficult to engage in.

In a room full of people this can be difficult to navigate through.  A roller coaster ride of emotions washing over me.  The deamons quietly creep in shouting there dark words, making me feel like I do not fit in, have nothing to offer, am all alone.  These deamons make me fight to see the truth.      

Each of us plays an intregal part in this world.  Our presence in a room alone enhances the feeling of a place.  We all are a part of what is happening.  Each of us feeding off of the other.  The class clowns make the group laugh.  The quite reserved individuals provide strength and stability.  Each of it is necessary for the balance of the situatuion. 

Together we need to ward off those deamons when they try to sneak it.  Because exactly who we are is exaclty who we need to be.  We are never standing alone.  When you are standing with a group of people, even when nothing is said, you are stading together.  There is strength in coming together.  In showing up and bringing yourself to the table.  Each of us adds our own little flavor to the group.  Combined together we create a  beautiful recepie. 

My quiet calmness brings peace to a room.  No words need to be said, the calmness pours out of my spirit.  I am learning how to embrace this.  To understand that this is exaclty what I am meant for.  Being the center of attention makes me uncomfortable.  I do not need to force myself into the spotlight.  I can simple breath deeply, feel the energy, and quietly connect with those around me.  What ingredients do you add to this world recepie?