The Power of Purpose!! I spoke this past weekend at a Knights of Columbus retreat in front of hundreds of people who make it their mission to serve others. My mom was my hero and she taught me about serving others not only with her words but with her actions. She ran the SPRED group at our church for 40 years and she could not have done that without the donations from the Knights. I have pictures of every one of my kids standing outside of Walgreens with their yellow vests and tootsie rolls. She taught them all how to serve at a young age. What we do to help others is great but the impact it is has on the little eyes watching us is far greater. Not just our own kids but nieces, nephews, neighbors, and even strangers. They are all watching. It is up to all of us to show them the way. I am so grateful my mom showed me the way and that GiGi showed me my purpose. 

It is up to all of us to show them the way.

I wanted to share some of what I shared with the Knights because I believe we all need to be reminded often that we have POWER and PURPOSE whether we know it or not yet!  

 I am just going to jump right in! Purpose- that is what we are talking about today. Some of us know our purpose, some of us are struggling to find our purpose and some have regret they never pursued their purpose – but it is never too late. The Dalai Lama said I believe that the very purpose of life is to be happy. From the very core of our being, we desire contentment. In my own limited experience, I have found that the more we care for the happiness of others, the greater is our own sense of well-being.  See, finding your purpose is easier than you think.  

 I can promise you that individuals with Down syndrome are here for a purpose. I believe that God sent our kids to teach, and to love and to make this world a better place. They are warriors that wear their diagnosis on their faces every day. They give their #bestofall every day and ask for nothing in return. We can all learn from them.  

 All of us are this incredible gift, full of potential, just waiting to be unwrapped! You may find it naturally or you may have to search for it, but don’t think you do not have it, you are born with it! Keep your eyes open it is all around you.  Think of the potential and purpose you may not even know you have! Think of the potential you have yet to discover? Potential is never-ending and it is life-changing.  

 You may have already conquered the world but what is next, what more can you do? What is your impossible dream? Who else can you help? When people help and support each other incredible things happen. I am living proof of that. Every GiGi’s Playhouse location is founded by amazing people, who want to change the world! And guess what? With the GiGi’s replicable model they are doing it! Every GiGi’s Playhouse is built by communities and people like YOU! Not government or state funding BUT private believers like all of you! We started the model right here in Hoffman Estates 16 years ago and now it is being replicated worldwide! Be proud! This is our community and we are a model for the world, and you helped us build this!  

This is the message I would love to look at each one of you in the eyes and deliver. YOU have power, YOU have a purpose. Protect yourself from negativity, surround yourself with those who will celebrate and support your wins, look at every bump in the road as an opportunity to grow and go change the world! How will you live this out every day?