Vegan Momma

[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ls7ila3srzI[/youtube]

This is one of my daughters favorite songs. I’m always telling her I love her and why she’s so important to me. Guess what? She does the same for me. Everyone wants someone that believes in them & truly cares about them

I love this song and it’s something I try to instill in not only my daughter but those I care about and that includes me mentees. In some cases I preach that to them more than anyone else mainly because of the disappointments and challenges that numerous of them have faced already in their young lives.

A good portion of my time is spent listening to what they have to say. They just want someone that will actually listen to them. Just because I’m an adult it doesn’t mean I know everything. Children can teach us a lot. If we shut up long enough to listen to what they have to say. If we truly listen it might help us relate and understand them a lot better.

Quite a few of mentees are frustrated. During my time volunteering I’ve had a chance to interact with the older mentees also. It’s the same thing really they want someone who will take time to get to know them and listen to what they have to say. Some of the things my mentees, and the ones I’ve interacted with, blow me away at times. I never faced these obstacles as a child then again my life was sheltered compared to what many of them face.

They need to hear that people care about them and don’t write them off. We all need that? Not only do I tell it to them I try to show it through my actions. I admit at times it’s very tough. Quite a few of them have faced major disappointments in their life.

At times I have to gently knock down those walls just to get them to listen but as I tell my family/friends it’s worth it. I truly think of them as “family”. In real life I talk about them daily. They make me proud & I tell them that every time I see them. I do the same with my daughter.

You Are Loved (Don’t Give Up)
Josh Groban

It’s just the weight of the world
When your heart’s heavy I
I will lift it for you

Don’t give up
Because you want to be heard
If silence keeps you I
I will break it for you

Everybody wants to be understood
Well I can hear you

Everybody wants to be loved
Don’t give up

Because you are loved

Don’t give up
It’s just the hurt that you hide
When you’re lost inside I
I’ll be there to find you

Don’t give up
Because you want to burn bright
If darkness blinds you I
I will shine to guide you

Everybody wants to be understood
Well I can hear you

Everybody needs to be loved
Don’t give up

Because…you are loved

Don’t give up
It’s just the weight of the world

Don’t give up
Everyone needs to be loved

You are loved