Wendy Massey, LMFT, is the facilitator for “Let’s Talk on Purpose,” a class provided to EngAGE community residents that encourages them to have conversations about topics such as mental health and personal growth. She shared the story below with Henry Sotelo, EngAGE Program Director/Social Services Coordinator at El Verano, a community for low income and formerly homeless seniors, located in Anaheim, CA :
I had an opportunity after class to chat with one of our residents who made a comment that really hit me in the solar plexus. She mentioned that the workshops seemed interesting but wondered why she should bother with personal development when she has no purpose anymore! She said her kids are grown, she had shamed them by her “homelessness,” they don’t need her anymore, etc.
I told her to knock it off; that she must be kidding me; that from the moment she sat down, her energy and commentary was so on point that one “purpose” that she has is to be my sidekick in getting more residents/neighbors involved and helping them/me with creating a “mind-shift” of gratitude and contribution.
While we were chatting and I was telling her that her light and energy are contagious, she totally teared up and accepted the challenge. She then kind of lit up, telling me all the people she was going to talk to and share what these workshops are about.
My point is that I was so incredibly touched that she shared feeling disconnected and without purpose, and then accepted the challenge to be my “partner” in reaching others, all within one conversation!
Let’s keep it going and continue to knock down doors and open hearts!
Thank you so much for this opportunity!
You can learn more about Wendy at allaboardsuccess.com.
