The Blessing Project

After 34 years in a satisfying career I found myself yearning for a life that had more meaning and purpose. While this career felt finished, I was still several years away from retirement. I wrestled between my desire for the “security” of a career with the lure of a nice retirement to come and the empty place in my soul. I realized that if I learned I was going to die soon I would bitterly regret that I had spent my last few years wasting precious time. So I embarked on a path that began outside of myself—my bookshelves are heavy with books and tapes on how to find one’s true calling. While my time filled with attending training, conferences and indvidual coaching
was interesting I still had no answers. Feeling discouraged, tired and empty, I began to surrender and listen to what I heard within my own heart. Through the practice of deep listening and observation I realized that there were clues all around me and these began to come together into a beautiful mosaic. What emerged was beyond my wildest imagination—not to mention that of my friends, family and colleagues!
	One of the pieces was my reading a news article about Rebecca Lolosoli, a brave woman who stands strong against the mistreatment of women and young girls in Umoja, a tiny African village in northern Kenya. I continued living my comfortable life but this haunting story stuck in the back of my head, like a tune that kept playing over and over.
I was plagued by a feeling of hopelessness with the tremendous conflicts and the attacks on basic human freedoms throughout the world, and, sadly, in many neighborhoods and workplaces where I live. I could not see a way that I, as just one individual, could help. I continued to observe and listen to what was next for me. One day, during my meditation practice, the idea of The Blessing Project™ came as a thunderbolt in my mind with minute clarity.
Like a small child with a new secret I held this divine idea in my heart. Was it really possible? Could I, like Rebecca Lolosoli, do something courageous and create a better world for others? I began to look at the feasibility of this idea, sharing it with close friends and family who were not only supportive, but also wanted to play some part in this effort. Over the next year I was profoundly inspired by Rebecca’s courage. She became the catalyst that moved me from thinking I was powerless to make change to compelling me to find my true calling in the world at a time when it needs so much. I traveled throughout Kenya visiting with women’s cooperatives and villages. My purpose was to further explore the feasibility of the tri-fold mission of this project: to work with women to find a way to open hearts individually while also connecting souls globally and inspiring hope throughout the world. I spent two days in Rebecca’s village, Umoja. It was with great joy that I met this woman whose courage had been such an inspiration to me. Still, not sure if the idea could manifest, I began to put the pieces together back home. While working with the first “Light Worker” in the United States, a beautiful, 79-year old woman who lost her home and all of her possessions in Hurricane Katrina, I was hounded by another continuing message in my head. Before leaving for Africa she called me and her one phrase became another defining moment in my decision. She said, “Have fun but be careful over there and hurry home; because you’re my angel.” I left my job after returning from Kenya. I realized that this idea had come to me because I am the one to carry it forward. The project has already had a tremendous impact on the lives of many women, providing a profound sense of connection with their sisters across the globe and providing hope for blessing across our planet as they experience more meaning and purpose in their own lives.
As I hold the vision for this project—to open hearts—I am reminded that the word "courage" is derived from the French word for heart, “coeur”, which means "the ability to stand by one's heart". I invite you to stand by your heart and experience your own divine purpose. Together may we provide a bridge for open hearts so that the walls that separate us can dissolve and we may all truly live as one, in harmony. I look forward to hearing about your story. Debra A. Aaron, Founder, CEO & Visionary The Blessing Project™