“Who dares to teach must never cease to learn.”   — John Cotton Dana

Do you have things you feel are true, know are true? I do.

I believe that I’m using my best life skill when I truly listen to others, when I open my mind to other perspectives.

Children have that ability to view the world through the eyes of imagination. In a child’s view, everything is real.

We feel the call to mentor. Let’s graciously encourage others to teach us too. It takes a village to create family, friendship, community, connection.

“The best teacher is the one who suggests rather than dogmatizes, and inspires his listener with the wish to teach himself.” Edward G. Bulwer-Lytton

From Osiris’ inception in 1997, up to the present, here is our mentoring philosophy. We strive to ask our youth this question, “What do YOU believe you need to create a healthy, successful future for yourself? Tell us, because we know you know.”

And then we listen. This has proven inspirational for youth who have had few questions asked regarding what they know about self.  As adults, including family, teachers, and coaches, we may make assumptions that youth don’t know about self, so we often proceed immediately with demands, structure, and restrictions. It’s true; sometimes those are crucial components.

I like to first ask young people to give me life advice on a subject fictional or factual. They hear their own voice: they hear the teacher/mentor in himself or herself.

Amazing how that works. I’ve seen it begin to build a foundation for self-trust in a youth whose self-trust boils in a cauldron of anger and despair.

It’s fun to make New Year’s resolutions! But at Osiris Organization, we are not just making resolutions…

In any discussions regarding Osiris Organization’s present and future, we try to keep our mission front and center.

We’ve added staff to enhance our existing programming. Our vision of new programming, the seeds we’ve planted in the hearts and minds of our staff, supporters, board members, are coming to fruition.

We have networked and connected with people who are stepping up to support our vision.

Our wish is that our youth, staff, founders never forget…”Who dares to teach must never cease to learn.”   John Cotton Dana

I’m giving the keynote speech at a Mother’s Day event on May 1st. I’m asked to tell my story about being a mature woman assisting Mom navigate her elder years. Around 75 women, multi generational, are expected to attend the event. Many will relate to the general topic. That of course is the whole idea.

I’ve chosen one particular story to tell them. A funny, poignant story.

Whenever I agree to give a keynote I have a serious commitment to candidly tell my story. I’m excited…and filled with dread.

Candid? Maybe I should filter it. I could even make up a story. Something other than what actually happened. Something more palatable. Something less weird. I’m clever. I could create a fabulous tale omitting the inherent weirdness that is my life and times. The made-up tale would be safe. Most of the women would nod their heads in recognition of safe. Safe is good. Acceptable.

Who would know the difference?

Gail