My apologies to all of you for the interruption in emails. I’ve been working on some new things and needed to focus on my family and health.
The truth of the matter is over a year ago, I had a serious injury to my back, which left me with permanent nerve damage and mobility issues. And to be honest, I was a bit surprised that I was not as resilient as I thought I was when confronted with accepting this physical challenge. In fact, I threw myself a big old pity party.
During that time, I couldn’t get off the floor, let alone write a word of a Blog. I just needed time. We’ve all been there, something knocks you off your feet, and it takes you a while to get back up. But the main thing is you do get back up. I’ve been working my butt off to figure out a question I have pondered since 2009. How can sadness and happiness coexist together, and how can we create authentic grateful lives during such a sad and tumultuous time.
But the main thing is you do get back up.
It’s difficult to articulate the weight of the loss that the world has witnessed as a result of COVID-19. Having worked with bereaved families for years, the idea of not being able to say goodbye to your loved ones before they pass is heartbreaking. Covid-19 has reminded us how precious life truly is and how we must take care of ourselves and our neighbors.
I haven’t known what to do with that noise. I have learned to survive by becoming still in a world that is anything but. How can JOLT help in a moment like this? How can I possibly ask you to find one little thing to be grateful for when there’s so much uncertainty?
So I went back to basics. What have I learned about the power of JOLT?
- I know that living a life of gratitude will bring you more peace and joy than if you didn’t.
- I know that looking for one little thing over time will completely change your perspective on life.
- I know that living a JOLT life will help you see that you still have blessings all around you, even in the darkest times. Do you want science to back it up? Your brain is starving for a positive conversation. Think and speak differently about your life, and your neural pathways will change.
- I started JOLT after the death of my beautiful boy, Stephen Patrick. It saved me. It did not change the pain of my loss, but I do believe it minimized my suffering.
- JOLT is not just about death and loss. It’s also about choosing to rise above one’s circumstances. I have connected with Rehab clinics, schools, hospitals, and support groups worldwide in the past ten years. We’re all looking for a little hope.
- JOLT is also a verb: Do you know that you can and should JOLT someone? It takes little effort to do something nice, be kind to a stranger, or stand up for the voiceless. Initially, you used JOLT to build gratitude, even in difficult times. Now, it’s time to take what you’ve learned and spread the word because this world will never get any better until we do our part.
Together, we can actively send positivity and hope out into a hurting world. Many of you have been with me from the beginning. I now and call on you to be ambassadors for JOLT. Give me your suggestions on how we can continue to spread the word, tell me your thoughts about what you would like to see more of in email or our social media pages. Let every person who sees your kind eyes above your masked face leave you hopeful for the future. We have to stick together.
Let every person who sees your kind eyes above your masked face leave you hopeful for the future.
Over the next few weeks, I am working with my team to finish some big projects. Your Daily JOLTS will restart on October 1st, as will all other posts.
Here’s what I would like you to do:
- What would you like to see in your inbox going forward? Quotes? Longer emails? Clips of recent blog posts? Product sales?
- If you were boss of the world (which, by the way, I heard you were…), what would you do to heal a broken world? What unique beauty do you bring to the table? I can sometimes feel like this work is just a drop in a bucket. But what if your unique voice is the very one needed at this moment?
- Examine your life. How can you promote Unity? Do you see people in your community who need help?
- Do you have a story to share with JOLT? Pitch an idea for a guest blog post or interview. The strength in JOLT has always been the people. Our JOLT Family.
- Finally, I would like to ask you for your help. how can we spread the message of JOLT far and wide? How can we comfort the brokenhearted and inspire hope in the hearts of everyone we meet?
The world is loud. But your voice, our collective voices, need to be part of this critical discussion about our world.
I look forward to hearing from you!
With Gratitude,
Kelly
Hi,
I’ve missed your posts and am happy that you’re doing better!
Living in Canada i feel a step removed from some of the chaos in the world. It is easy to be comfortable in your own little bubble. I sometimes wonder what I can do to make a change outside the circle of my friends and family. I have long volunteered in my community but with Covid I can feel myself taking a step back for my safety and the safety of my family, I’m nervous about reaching out physically but would like to do more. Any suggestions or ideas on this topic would be gratefully appreciated!
Thanks so much Judy, I appreciate it. It is so hard to know what to do these days. I hope we can find new ways together!
I am so happy you will again be sharing your positive comments. I pray for and with you that continue to get stronger and stronger.
I’m so glad you are feeling better! I miss my daily JOLTs so much. I think the short, inspirational quotes kick off my day. Occasionally, it’s good to read something longer but we are so overloaded with information and emails that the simplicity of the JOLTs are so nice. Can’t wait to hear from you again.
Thanks Lori, it feels great to be back. More quotes October 1st. 🙂
I bring a unique ability to empathize with pain in people who suffer from injustices. I try to use my own experiences to help them find a way through with more inner strength or personal oprtunity
I, too have missed your daily JOLT’s. A lot. I love quotes so I’d relish seeing them again. I’m glad you’re better; I’d wondered what had happened to you. Yeah, these are trying times, but we will overcome!
Thanks so much. And yes, we will overcome!
I have missed you very much, I got to look forward to your Jolts. Do hope you are mending well,with good times ahead.
I love Quotes, and have shared your message often.
I am a Rotarian, and Rotary has saved me from severe depression , and sometimes I get very low, and your Jolt arrives on time. Looking forward to what you have planned for all of us. I always felt you were my visitor for the week. Looking forward to your return. Stay well.❤️ Stay Safe ❤️ Stay Happy ❤️
❤️. . ❤️
Margaret, thank you for your kind words. It means so much. I’m very happy to be back, I’ve missed you too!
Thanks so much for your encouraging words, Kelly. I’ve really missed you. I hope your back is better. I so appreciate your Daily Jolt.
Sandy❤️
Thank you so much Sandy. I’ve missed you too! It’s so great to be back at it. Thanks for walking with me.
First let me say I am so happy to know you are doing better. I have just recently found you by looking for a book on, “Grieving a Son”. My beautiful son Marc, who was 29 years, old passed away on September 17, 2020, never waking up from his sleep. Need I say any more Kelly, as though my grief wasn’t bad enough from losing my Amazing husband of 33 years from Glioblastoma (Brain cancer) exactly two years ago September 15, 2018 wasn’t earth shattering to me and my family. So in doing my part as a mother of three devastated adult children who watched their father die from cancer, I searched for books and answers as to why, and how, do you continue to live a good life after your loved one passes. I am grateful for finding you Kelly, and finding your book, “Gratitude in Grieving” and for learning about J. O. L. T. In reading your book about finding out about your son Stephen, my shattered heart and tears are the same as yours.I promised myself that I would bring this knowledge to all that I know and this afternoon as I continue to go to my bereavement group I will bring what I have learned to them as well. Blessings to you, and to all who moved forward in life with broken hearts, Maria
Kelly, hoping you and your family are well, and that your back continues to heal. Please know I have missed receiving your JOLT inspiring emails, as it always puts sunshine in my day. Thank you for all that you do to make a brighter world. Blessings!