Rebuilding Community - Part 1

Welcome to Merry Moments with Mary -

✨ Merry Moments with Mary ✨
Today give’s a little nod to the Awaken and Renew Retreats while discussing the importance of community.

The last few years have shifted our understanding of connection. Virtual meetups, Zoom calls, and online forums have become our lifelines, keeping us tethered when physical spaces closed their doors. While technology has been a saving grace, something vital has been missing—true, in-person community.

As we move forward, there's an undeniable craving to rebuild what we've lost. There's something irreplaceable about gathering face-to-face—the shared energy, the non-verbal communication, the simple joy of being present together. It’s in these spaces that we rebuild trust, empathy, and genuine connection.

At Awaken and Renew, we recognize the need to rekindle these connections. Our retreats are designed to foster community in its truest sense—a chance to step away from screens and immerse ourselves in real, human experiences. We believe that being physically present allows for deeper vulnerability, shared laughter, and the silent comfort of knowing we’re not alone.

Rebuilding community isn’t just about being in the same place—it's about creating a shared purpose and belonging. In our retreats, we encourage participants to unplug, be present, and rediscover the joy of togetherness. There’s a palpable difference when you can look someone in the eye, offer a supportive hand, or share a moment of silence that speaks volumes.

The journey to rebuild community starts with small, intentional steps. Let’s reclaim these sacred spaces of connection and remind ourselves of the power of gathering together. Join us at Awaken and Renew as we reignite the spirit of in-person community and rediscover what it truly means to connect.

So what do you say? Let's get together....
How do you build community within your networks? 🌟

This has been your Merry Moment for the day. Stay joyful my friends!

Mary and all at Rest Retreat - prior to the new Awaken and Renew Retreats

Strength in Positivity: Shining Light with Intention

Welcome to Merry Moments with Mary -

✨ Merry Moments with Mary ✨
Today’s focus is on the CliftonStrength of Positivity!

Gallup CliftonStrengths helps people discover and develop their greatest talents. Positivity is one of 34 strengths identified in this powerful tool. People with Positivity bring enthusiasm, joy, and encouragement into their relationships and work. They see potential and possibility, even in challenging times, and inspire others with their energy.

If you know me, you may know that I love to smile. It’s perhaps the easiest thing for me to do—even easier than breathing. There’s a simplicity and ease to it, and I use my smile generously to offer hope and peace to others.

In my work as a social worker, I’ve walked alongside many people carrying the weight of trauma and heartache. Positivity doesn’t make me naive—it equips me to bring light to dark spaces. With this strength, I’ve learned to offer authentic hope, not false promises.

I’ll be honest—I don’t always get it right. I haven’t always known how to avoid toxic positivity. But I’ve grown. I now understand when and how to use this strength intentionally, with compassion and sincerity.

Yes, I hurt. I cry. I experience heartache, grief, fear, and pain. I am human. But I see Positivity as a gift—a wellspring of joy that never denies the truth of suffering but chooses to walk through it with hope.

How can you shine light today? 🌟

This has been your Merry Moment for the day. Stay joyful my friends!

Mary at the beach with a Francis and Benedict Skirt - Find out more about F+B here - https://bit.ly/3tSTB1A

Thank You AI

Welcome to Merry Moments with Mary -

I’ve been playing around with AI recently and it’s pretty fun at times - sometimes it gets it right and other times it just makes me shake my head. Well this time it made me want to partner with myself! Ha! I put in my CliftonStrengths® in the generator and asked it to create a poem about me. Here is the result -

🌟 Mary's CliftonStrengths 🌟

In every room, your Woo shines bright, Spreading joy, like sunlight. With Positivity, you lift up hearts, A beacon of hope where the magic starts.

Communication is your gift, so clear, Your words are music, sweet to hear. With Ideation, you create, New worlds and dreams, a boundless state.

An Includer at heart, you make all belong, Uniting souls, where they feel strong. An Arranger with a plan in hand, Leading with grace, you take a stand.

Your Adaptability flows with the tide, Embracing change, you never hide. With Input, you seek and find, The knowledge vast, to share your mind.

Futuristic visions, you foresee, A brighter world, where we all can be. With Strategic thoughts, you pave the way, Guiding us forward, day by day.

And in your heart, Self-Assurance gleams, A strength so rare, fulfilling dreams. Mary, your spirit shines so true, With these strengths, there's nothing you can't do.

There you go - what do you think? Do YOU know YOUR CliftonStrengths®? I’d love to hear what AI’s poem is for you - and while we are on that topic - do you pronounce it “POIM” or “POAM” or some other wonky rendition of the word Poem?

This has been your Merry Moment for the day. Stay joyful my friends!

Mary Moments

I was speaking with a friend and he suggested I start keeping a blog/vlog of my Mary Moments. What he didn’t know, is this is not the first time that has been suggested to me. So this page will be dedicated to sharing my Mary Moments. I will keep them Merry in nature while addressing some much needed topics. If you want to hear about any particular topic, shoot me a message! I’d love to hear what you have to say!

Welcome to Mary Moments (with Mary) - and this has been your Mary Moment for the day.

Mary Moments