We Are In Charge of Our Own Thoughts - BY: Rachael Paulson

Hello, my name is Rachael and Living Is So Big for me.

When I was 14 years old, the first of a family of 7 children, my little brother died suddenly of a  medical mistake.  In a matter of a few days, the lives of my entire family and the energy surrounding us changed.  It is hard enough coming into teen years  but  to have to  deal with  this death when i  had not even lost a grandparent yet was a trauma in my life. My mother was 9 month pregnant at this time so I do not even have to tell you the turmoil that was a part of my life at that time. The new baby brother brought joy to our lives but we never again spoke about my brother who died.

I found that not talking about this and holding it all inside led me to very dark places. I also remember that my love for working with and being around children was my saving grace.

I was aware of the things that made me feel good again and that was one of them. At an early age I started to become a voice for children. I found that in giving and extending kindness towards children I was able to take myself to a safe place in my mind. In losing myself in my work with children over the years I discovered  that the death of my brother Johnny led me to be a more loving person. I seemed to become an expert at helping children who were difficult or having serious problems. They felt safe in talking to me.

I went to college with the goal of working with children and that become my life's work. I do not think I came to terms with my brothers death until I wrote a children's book and created the character around him.  With writing, i was able to somehow let go of all those years of grief. I now had another outlet or tool for my times of darkness.

Once the book was published and I traveled the world to speak to children and adults about the book's topic of the environment, I found that by surrounding myself with good topics like helping the earth and inspiring others to do the same, I became a new person. The kindness in me was always there but once I started to motivate others to follow my plights to care for the world and each other, my entire being was finally at peace.

I eventually went on to start a non-profit organization called Hands On The World Global. I am the voice of the most needy children in  Africa and Haiti. Each time I give to others, i am rewarded over and over again with that peace of mind.  As i shine, others come into  my light.  I find living  is so big, but as humans we must do for others in order to take focus away from ourselves. This concept can change your brain chemistry if practiced enough.  Do something nice for someone without asking anything in return. Sit down and write a letter to someone special in your life and mail it to them. Doing simple things that are a matter of taking action rather than over thinking issues that hammer your brain will bring you peace. Life is not easy but we are in charge of our own thoughts and actions and can practice kindness as an everyday part of our lives so that we can Live SO BIG ! 

With Much Love, Rachael Paulson

If you would like to know more about Rachael Paulson's programs, projects , book and author signings email her at rp@howglobal.org .

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