On 12/21/10 I celebrated my 50th birthday,
I wonder. Do you consider reaching 50 years old a mile marker?
As a former case-manager for people living with AIDS, I know of at least 47 people who died well before their 50th year. My father died at 52. His death on Christmas day in 1965 came a few days after I blew out my five birthday-cake candles. (Yes, I turned five just a few days before Dad died at age 52.) Mother died in ’97 at the age of 76. How she ever made it to 76 after raising nine children, (most of them as a widowed single parent) is truly a testament to the power love bestows upon us!
All things considered, based on better health at 51 than when I was 25 (when I was close to 300 pounds) I’ve a notion I’ll be around for some time to come.
On 12/21 I celebrate my 51st birthday. On this day, I start my 52nd trip around the sun. To honor this journey, If you feel inspired to share a gift, I invite you to share that gift with any of the organizations noted below. These organizations have played or play a role in supporting causes near and dear to my calling. (You’re welcome to share directly with that organization by clicking on their link any time you wish.)
What’s my calling?
As a monk and shaman, to be of service.
Service often means being there for others at no cost (financially).
Being realistic, I give as much as I receive. More gifts I receive the more I give when others need more.
For those interested in something more than a sound-bite about Soul’s journey (the short little audio links beneath each of the organizations below), we offer you our BlogTalk Radio series (starting with 12/2; ending with 12/21) to learn more about:
- who Soul Dancer is
- how the organizations below made this list
- how you can help these organizations directly.
HEADS-UP! In some of the first shows, you’ll hear me talking about a massive fund raiser. As you come to know me, you’ll discover I rarely do anything small-scale! (Smile!)
The following links point to 21 unique Blog Talk radio shows. Each show integrates an organization (featured below) into how this organization played a role in creating the person I am today.
12/2 • 12/3 • 12/4 • 12/5 • 12/6 • 12/7 • 12/8 • 12/9 • 12/10 • 12/11 • 12/12 • 12/13 • 12/14 • 12/15 • 12/16 • 12/17 • 12/18 • 12/19 • 12/20 • 12/21
Finally, what a delightful surprise to receive gifts to help me do what I do (to be of service without always asking for money).
Click this link to share a gift – any time. I LOVE surprises!
THANK YOU to the following generous souls who support my mission to be of service.
Allison E, Arlene C, Beverly F, Cheryl G, Cindy S, Dave L, Dennis B, Eddie D, Elizabeth K.E., Gaillen W, Hazel B, Hope J, IVA Media Group, Jean O, Jodel M, Joshua K, Karen S, Laurie K, Linda L, Lisa C, Maria S, Mark G, Mark M, Mary L, Paris L, Passive Millionaire Industries, Richard K, Savage Marketing, Stewart B, The PEOPLE Academy, Inc.
Click the audio player to set the stage for a trip down Soul’s memory lane! Click to listen more.
We start our trip in Cedar Rapids, Iowa (Soul Dancer’s birth-state.) Soul honors his Mother’s birth state as well as two dear Aunties by remembering the Jane Boyd Community House.
Click the audio player to learn more.
Our journey moves from Iowa (Soul’s home state for 18 years) to Minnesota (Minneapolis – actually). Soul called Minnesota home for 22 years!
From 1990 – 1996 he completed his Bachelors in Human Relationships and his Masters In Social Work at the University of Minnesota.
Click the audio player to learn more.
While completing his MSW degree, Soul interned at UMN’s GLBT Programs Office.
This internship created a legacy that continues today. With the help of many, the FIRST EVER official University of Minnesota GLBT Alumni Network was born. Soul is President Emeritus of this alumni group.
Click the audio player to learn more.
Before, during and after his University days, Soul enjoyed volunteer work on many fronts.
More then 75% of his volunteer efforts happened with OutFront Minnesota.
Click the audio player to learn more.
Next? Illinois! Chicago to be exact.
For two years, Soul experienced Chicago by continuing his volunteer work at The Center On Halstead.
At COH, he met Rickey Sain, Sr. Rickey introduced Soul to his life-time partner, Jim Boushay. Sain & Boushay founded Resources Unlimited. Resources Unlimited provides progressive, thought-provoking research, direction and vision.
Click the audio player to learn more.
Yes, Soul is a nomadic monk!
Soul moved from Illinois to California to call San Diego home for a few years.
While enjoying sea-side life, he met Rod R. Villemaire, founder of the All Bird Rescue Foster Network while writing and publishing Pay Me What I’m Worth. Rod purchased Soul’s book. Rod credits Soul’s work as part of the many ingredients that helped him envision and implement birdplanettv.com/.
Click the audio player to learn more.
From Encinitas California, Soul moved to Hawai’i's Big Island (known as ‘Hawai’i’ on most maps).
Where on the Big Island? A luscious, tropical space known as SPACE!
Click the audio player to learn more.
Having settled into Island life, Soul decided to cross-off a long-over-due (over 20 years worth of overdue) to-do!
In high school, he enjoyed singing in an award-winning choir!
Fast forward to today, his vocal chords are put to good use as a baritone in the Puna Mens Chorus.
Click the audio player to learn more.
Since 1980, Soul has traveled to over 20 countries to study and teach a wide variety of spiritual traditions.
During this time, Soul started and continues to maintain a network of professionals, shamans, monks and related leaders all dedicated to being of service. This network is known as the Souldancer Network.
This network provides access to unique, powerful personal, professional, organizational, social and spiritual development materials.
Click the audio player to learn more.
Okay! That concludes our trip down memory lane!
Click the audio player to listen to our grand finalé!
