My favorite entries –the inspirational women who surround me…The second inspirational woman that I’d like to introduce is Patricia Adkins. I’ve had the pleasure of knowing Patricia for many years…she’s that “one of a kind” childhood friend. She lives in Lindenwold, New Jersey with her loving husband, Mike and daughters, Lily and Chloe. She is a wife, mother, philanthropist and writer to name just a few. Patricia has a heart of gold and is a true kindred spirit. She is a wonderful friend and you’ll see why I she is an inspiration.
What is a typical weekday like for you?
My weekdays are filled with getting my oldest (Lily) to school, entertaining my youngest (Chloe) and trying to squeeze in work. I try to plan my yoga lesson plans with my girls--they have a lot of fun on the mat--so it is a nice way to work and play. I try to fit writing and researching in when they are asleep (although I've done an occasional interview while hiding in the bathroom).
How does your day start?
It should be yoga, but with two little ones, my yoga practice has to wait. First, I check my calendar and then mentally make my 3 goals for the day while I get dressed. Then it is the mad dash to school and whatever activities my youngest has.
What are your first thoughts upon waking up?
Can I go back to sleep?
When you are not running around…What do you do to unwind?
...read, take a yoga class, drink wine, play Barbie’s with my kids, get a massage...
What are your favorite hobbies or activities?
I love spending time outside--time in country at farms or a park or at the beach or on a mountain. I also love being outside in the city--a whole other environment with so many amazing things to discover. We love to travel and discover-even if our travel just takes us a few miles away.
With whom do you love sharing these experiences with?
With my girls and my Mike. I love sharing the world my three loves.
Who or What drives your Spirit for Living?
A long time ago, I was most passionate about my career. Then I had Lily and a few years later, Chloe. I am most passionate about my children--and the world we are building for them. I want to leave this world better--I want my children to make the world better for my grandchildren, for everyone's grandchildren.
I think we all have a purpose--some deep, divine path that is ours alone. Finding my path and walking it--that drives me.
In our house, God is first, always. Some days we have to remind ourselves of this--knowing that we have God's unconditional love drives my spirit and I hope to build the same legacy for my children.
I’ve always admired your affiliations to and work for nonprofits. Which ones are you favorites and why? Or which ones do you contribute to and why?
There are so many amazing charitable organizations. Many large organizations work to make major political, social and educational changes on a macro-scale; while the smaller grassroots organizations drive local change in communities (both geographic communities and those communities formed by a common goal). My favorite is Alex's Lemonade Stand Foundation. It is close to our family's heart because of Lily's brain tumor--but Alex's is bigger than cancer. The organization was founded by a little girl--Alex Scott--who was really sick. She wanted to help other children who were also sick. And when she died at the age of 9, she had raised over $1 million. Her spirit has inspired other children and adults to make a difference everywhere. This message of hope and action reverberates beyond cancer. It is a beautiful thing.
And personally, Alex's Lemonade Stand gave me hope when Lily was in-patient at Children's Hospital of Philadelphia. I heard Alex's mother, Liz Scott, speak and thought, wow, this woman lost her daughter and here she is--helping all of us cancer-moms, save ours. In so many ways, Liz Scott saved me that day. She gave me hope.
We host a Lemonade stand on our front lawn each June-last year we raised nearly $10,000. Other charities we love: Friends of Jaclyn Foundation--an organization that matches children with brain tumors with collegiate sports teams. Lily was adopted by the Temple University Woman's Lacrosse team. She is their sister and it really gives her exposure to inspirational, positive women.
I also love St. Jude's--which provides free and cutting edge medical care to sick children. So many of our cancer-friends were treated at St. Judes. We are forever grateful for their continued health.
And I love the work of The International Ecotourism Society (my first post-college employer) and for their work to make travelers into sensitive, "green" and respectful individuals. They also work with the travel industry to create best practice models for sustainable, sensitive and diverse travel opportunities. Becoming an eco-tourist is a fun and wonderful way to make a positive impact on the environment.
In Philadelphia, I've recently discovered Cradles to Crayons, a nonprofit that provides needy children (from birth to teenager) with the things they need -clothes, toys, gear, shoes, underwear. They accept gently used items--so it is a great way to recycle your old stuff without throwing it out.
How can others look to get involved? What do you suggest as first steps?
As a professional, I use my skills and expertise to make an impact. I try to host 2x monthly karma yoga classes to raise money or collect items (like for Cradles to Crayons) for organizations that need it. I've also volunteered as a writer, a PR girl and just as a helper. I think every individual has a cause that is dear to their hearts. Sometimes something just speaks to you--and that is what drives your donation. While, I am not an advocate for bragging about donations--I think we all have a duty to share what causes speak to us and what causes need our help. If it speaks to you--chances are it will speak to your friends too.
