Doreen Klassen
Doreen was nominated by her deeply connected friend/family member, Jeannie. Doreen found her creativity and strength with a message to share with others after the loss of her own mother. She experienced deep grief after the sudden loss, and it wasn’t long after that she felt the need to put her feelings and responses to picture & word…creating this beautiful meaningful little book called Grief Shared is Grief Divided. Jeannie had actually given me a copy of Doreen’s book when my dad passed away tragically in March 2019, and it truly provided a lovely message of acceptance, strength, and hope for me during such a difficult time.
Check out her facebook page https://www.facebook.com/meaningfullittlebooks/posts/3804909926209583
Doreen is an inspiration to follow your dreams! She is a loving wife, a power mom of 4 grown children, had a great career prior to the pandemic, and also volunteers in her community. When the pandemic hit and she was home, Doreen took that time to find her calm, and focused on how she can connect with those closest to her in a meaningful way. She sat and wrote personalized letter and cards to family and friends and sent them in the mail, along with a little gift. Everyone was so touched by her simple thoughtfulness and effort during such a difficult time. This just goes to show us that it is not only a big grandiose gesture that can cause such a profound impact in uplifting others. Doreen has found the power in simplicity…that single drop in the water that can cause a significant ripple effect.
Words of wisdom and empowerment from Doreen:
I asked Doreen what she feels has been the most valuable lesson she has learned in 2020, and this is what she had to share.
“My most valuable lesson in 2020 was to not be so afraid. For 35 years I kept a quilt top in a box, totally afraid to finish because I didn’t have the knowledge or to even go looking for the knowledge strictly out of fear. In 2020 I pulled out the quilt top, asked for advice and know-how and finished the quilt at the beginning of the pandemic. The time it took and the results landed fear on its ass! My question to myself – what the heck was I so fearful of, the time or the project? Something so beautiful was created beyond that fear.
Another lesson in 2020 to break through fear was in September. I took a leap of faith to place a large order of my little book. Clicking the ‘send’ button was terrifying but once the order was sent my other senses kicked in…thoughts racing, feeling ‘I can do this!’ became my new fearlessness! I know there will be “no’s” but I look forward to all the “YES’S” and will celebrate those. No’s are just no’s, not the end of the world. Every YES will make my heart sing! Sharing my book with the world is a dream come true to be empowering, uplifting, and embracing hearts! Fear is a dream killer.”
I asked Doreen to share her message of strength and empowerment for other women to start 2021 with a positive mindset, and this is her inspiring response.
“From the moment you open your eyes every day, there is an amazing and fabulous day waiting to greet you.
LAUGHTER. Laugh at yourself often. Laugh at your mistakes always. Smile at yourself in the mirror before you get on with your day, there is no smile more beautiful than your own!
BREATHE. We’ve all heard these words ‘Just breathe’. Breathing is essential for our well-being, for our brains to refresh in the moment.
BE FEARLESS. The quilt is my own example to not be so afraid, even if when we make mistakes, those mistakes are incredible learning opportunities.
LEARN. Always be learning. Knowledge is power and not to be feared.
SELF ENCOURAGEMENT. Say these words to yourself “I AM amazing.” “I AM beautiful.”
“I AM incredible.” Use your power words often.
BE GRATEFUL. When someone asks, “How are you?” you always say, “Really good! “ Or “Really great!”
BE KIND TO YOURSELF. LOVE YOURSELF. Inspire and empower yourself with taking time for just you.”
WOW! What an incredible honour to connect with Doreen and learn more about what makes her phenomenal. Do you have a “quilt” that you’ve been holding on to for years? Is it your time to conquer that “quilt” and find the beauty beyond the fear? YOU CAN DO IT! I’m so excited to see what Doreen will do next and let’s all hope for her to share more of her beautiful writing with the world! Be sure to check out her book and perhaps you have someone in your life who could use some comfort through grief right now and her book could help. Thank you for reading Doreen’s story, and let’s keep supporting and empowering each other as we continue our journey to live our best life!
DOREEN YOU ARE PHENOMENAL!!!