To Provoke Displacement

Hello Friends, Family, & Curious Ones,

Today it really begins.

I will spare you the quintessential introductory post questioning whether anyone will read this and declaring not to make any promises because I don't know when I'll have the time, or that friends and family twisted my arm to start a blog because they wanted to stay in touch. I say that just because all of the typical reservations aren't true or I'm simply not concerned over it. I have an incredible vision for this page; I have no idea where things will end up, but I am so excited to commence this journey.

Most of you probably know who I am, but to you newbies, I promise you're not all that far behind: my name is Alyshia, I live in Dallas, and this blog is truly more about heart than words. For the most part, I'm pretty average and I currently live what most would consider the young business professional dream- well-paying job with plenty of responsibility, fun and interesting friends, great place to live, blah, blah, blah. The truth is that it's exhausting. It also feels, largely in part, meaningless. Yet, so many of us live that way! There's no connectedness or purpose to most of the things we do throughout the day; our routines and daily activities drain us and practically void many of the great things we do have in life. Isn't that right? Don't we talk ourselves through the boredom and dissatisfaction for a possible future reward or for mere want to not seem rebellious or foolish? We hope that Saturday and Sunday can somehow account for and better the other five days of the week. Or we pretend that at 65 something magical happens and worries cease, and being unhappy now will make that unnamed future day worth every sacrifice.

Doesn't that seem foolish?

For me, the choice of acting on my convictions or just waiting until circumstances improve no longer exists. Change must happen in my life. Again, I am unaware as to where or how this journey, this change, will end. Whether or not you are in the same need yourself, I welcome you to join me.

My desire is to help facilitate meaning and purpose and to connect people with one another. These things exist in so many ways, but we're often far too preoccupied to even notice; my will is that this distractedness from one another, and from the world around us, greatly reduces itself. The pivotal component to making this happen is that I won't just be writing about ways to create meaning in life, and I won't just be asking you all to discuss who or what gives you purpose. I'll be doing it. I have committed to partner with a non-profit organization every week to perform an "act of service." Some of these acts will consist of physical time and others will involve gathering items needed to continue their mission. Please don't hesitate to contact me if you'd like to participate in an event; this page serves as your invitation. Of the two projects completed since October 1st, I have already been joined by three people seeking change for others and for themselves. One colleague. One friend. One person I met just days before serving together at a resource center for homeless and "at-risk" individuals. Anyone can get involved. Anyone can make a difference. Anyone.

I know this is a bit overdue, but everything is coming along marvelously and I'm thrilled to now be able to include you in the excitement. Thank you so much for taking the time to stop by and look over my little project. I hope you enjoy the read, I hope you enjoy the pictures, I hope that you learn new things, and I truly, truly hope to hear from you in one way or another.

-AMF