
Growing up on a dairy farm (in the Midwest, U.S.) had its pros and cons… mostly cons as far as I was concerned. I can’t remember the amount of times I thought, “why did they have to drag four children, that they didn’t even seem to want, to the middle of nowhere?” And, then there were five… yes, I’m the youngest of five children… four girls and a boy (and, yes, I do think he got preferential treatment, at least according to my older sisters.) That apparently doesn’t mean that he is any wiser or happier than the rest of us kids, though. I know mom had a Catholic upbringing but I always wondered where the family planning, or lack thereof was. (I did eventually ask in my twenties, to which I got the reply, “back in those days family planning was you planned for a family.” And, that was that.)
I mean don’t get me wrong, we had water, a shelter, public schooling, but I was always the black sheep. We were always the “newcomers,” even though we had lived there awhile. That was one thing, but we thought differently than everyone else. For one thing, my dad had two degrees, which was certainly unusual for this part of the world, but they had also lived all over the U.S. by this time (highly unusual for this area as no one ever left the area), and he left his job in NASA because he didn’t agree with the bureaucracy of it all. Well, okay. This is interesting. Yes, I question everything, and this is good, but not the best influence for working in a team environment. Also, I’m an empath, so I’m finally learning the importance of being compassionate and sensitive, but it’s been a long journey, to say the least. Being in the business-world, these traits do not bode well. I can’t tell you how many times I was told I was too sensitive, that I worried too much, or that I needed to develop a thicker skin. So, then there was shame… I think I’ve always been a rebel, though. Not overtly so, but by the way I dress, the way I think, and how I speak my mind. I could’ve gotten the speaking my mind from my mother, though. My mom was always depressed, and angry. She never really had a career; she would flit from one idea to the next; never seeming fulfilled. She died about 16 years ago now, and I made my peace with her, but it wasn’t an easy journey. She was hard on us all, and my dad was never around. He was always tinkering with something or doing the majority of the farming… probably trying to avoid an argument with mom.
There are two things that really kept me going, though: music and art. I wasn’t ever encouraged to draw or sing, but I loved both all the same. I felt transported to somewhere else other than reality, and I felt like there was something that I could do well, unique to me. Unfortunately, I pretty much forgot about my love for drawing until I was in high school and took a drawing and a painting class, but I still got my undergraduate degree in something more “practical,” a liberal arts degree that I felt could take me in any direction I chose to go. My love for singing also lead me to join choir and also swing choir, even though it was difficult for me being an introvert. And, eventually, I did go back to school to get a Masters in graphic design, so my childhood passion for creativity did keep resurfacing in my subconscious until I finally listened.
I can still remember well, though, how lonely I felt on the dairy farm that I never thought I would leave, when I was at undergraduate school, and for about 15 years after that (when I felt numb, lost and unfulfilled) before I realized I had a purpose and passion on this planet. And, that I had signed up for these unique, valuable lessons; every single one of them. Yes, I still have moments where I’m angry and feel sorry for myself but luckily I learned that being a victim got me nowhere, and neither does anger. I also found that forgiveness for my family, others, and myself has been essential to healing. This also has been a journey. Traditional therapy has helped, but I really found that spirituality has helped me the most. It resonates with me, and it has been a process, but I finally feel like in the past few years that I’m coming home. I feel more alive, healthier, and more purposeful than I ever have before. I’m finally excited about the prospect of the future and its infinite possibilities. I know that I’ve always wanted to make a difference. I just didn’t know how to go about it and I’m still trying to figure out exactly what direction to go, but at least I know now in my heart and soul that I can make a difference. I know that my passion is to help mentor/support women and girls, but to also express my creative side in the process.
My soul’s mission is to inspire and assist sensitive, compassionate, authentic and driven women (and girls) to go after their true hearts desire(s) despite any obstacles, real or perceived, thus creating more equality, compassion, kindness, balance, and peace in not only their world but also impacting the collective good for all.
It is my legacy to be an outspoken, confident, honest and true role model/mentor for women and girls to look up to and to follow their own dreams.
Dear jlanghus,
It's so nice to hear your story. You are such a consistent and compassionate voice of encouragement here on World Pulse. I appreciate you telling us more about your upbringing and your vision for your mission and purpose. Thank you for choosing World Pulse as one of the places where you want to make a difference and for reminding us all to keep following our dreams.
Hi Julie, Thanks for your kind words and encouragement. I appreciate it so much:)
My dear Jill, lovely photo of you.
I have a feeling that you are opening up for more, your purpose shines through in your words, just like the beauty of a flower is seen when it opens up. I just heard a webinar today and the quote I got from it was "Dear girl, vulnerability is sexy"
We are your sisters on this platform and we all go through processes of healing, growth, you name it. So don't feel over-exposed.
I have a feeling this is the beginning of something for you, just let your heart lead you, if you feel like writing it, do so, after all, limits are meant to be tested to know ourselves better and become fearless.
You got the part right about your soul's mission, that is exactly how I would define what u are to me.
I encourage you!
Hi Iya. Thanks so much for taking the time to read my article, for the compliment, and for your support. I appreciate it:)
Yes, it is. Love that quote. And, yes, there is more. At least two other stories:-) You are very intuitive.
Dear Jill,
I loved reading more about your story and seeing these earlier photos of you! Thank you so much for sharing. The way you described your soul's mission particularly resonated with me. Shine on!
Warm regards,
Lisa
Hi Lisa, Thanks for your feedback and for reading my story. I appreciate it:) Jill
Hi Jill - very good to read your story and learn your passions. Allie and I have both 'liked' it. Nessa x
Hey Nessa. Thanks for taking the time to read my story and for appreciating it. Have a great day:)
Your photo is so pretty, thank you to share with us your story, I very much like your phrase that say; I really found that spirituality helped me the most. It did me a lot of good.Hi
Hi Kika. Thank you:-) That's sweet of you to say. Have a great day:)
Dear jlanghus,
Thank you for sharing your advocacy to all the women in the world including me. May you will be blessed for inspiring all of us.
Hi Susan. You're welcome. Thank your for your kind, inspiring words. It fuels my passion to help more women:)
Dear jlanghus,
Youre the first person to tell me " I have a gift of a pen". Wonderful! I feel elated more so because an author from USA positively made an amazing description of me which made me feel wonderful. Thank you so much of those inspiring words. You really live in your advocacy to inspire us- WOMEN.
Hey there. That's great to hear. I'm glad that I inspired you. Is writing your passion, or do you have other passions as well? Looking forward to hearing more from you and about you:)
Jill, darling, such beautiful photos! Look at you! I loved reading your story too. I love that you are learning how to harness the strengths in your temperament in advocating for women and girls. You are as you are for a reason. As you open up yourself to fell and share in the pain of others, I pray that you find the strength to carry them through the arduous journey of self-discovery and release. I love you very much, Jill.
Hey there:) Good to hear from you. Thanks for your glowing review of my post, and for the love... aw, so sweet:)
Jill, your kind and loving words through all the posts in World Pulse really resonate and go along with your mission. I can see in your story that you are a sensitive, compassionate, authentic and driven women... as the women you are mentoring. Your story and what you have been through, will help this women as well. All the blessings in the world for you!
Aw, thanks so much Mercedes. I appreciate your encouragement, kindness and acknowledgement so much. It helps to fuel me on, even though I still feel like I'm out of my depth on here and even though I want to do so much more... Thanks again:-) Namaste.
OMG! I loved reading your story. You are such a strong lady I would love to look up to. I am glad that we met. :) All the very best and keep spreading happiness.
Love from Bangladesh.
Thank you for the glowing praise:) I'm glad you like it. I'm glad we have met, too. Yes, will do...
Thank you for that soul's mission to inspire.... I can say that you are a woman of passion
Thank you for your support. I appreciate it.
Hi Jill, Thanks a lot for this very inspirational story. I love the pictures very much, they are very beautiful and show how much you have grown with time. Pictures talk a lot, they make us feel like we are always together/ known each other for so long. Again, thanks a lot and regards,
Rosemary
Hi Rosemary. Thank you for your kind words and encouragement:-)
I couldn't agree with you more about sensitivity, empathy and compassion! These traits are so important, I'm happy to hear someone boasting about them! Thank you for sharing and for the support!
Awesome. I'm glad you agree. These aren't always valued traits:) You're welcome. Any time...
My Dearest
jlanghus
Excellent story. I really feel good indeed my heart. Excellent.
Thank you, Chandan, for your kind words and positive feedback. I appreciate it:)
Hello...
I just read your article...as a painter,I can tell you that you do "paint" through your words...I simply love your writing...
The way you describe things,experiences,people and feelings is just great...
I truly believe you're gifted...Keep on sharing!!
Sincerely,
Susana Khabbaz
Hi Susana, Thanks for your positive feedback. I've never heard such glowing praise for my writing. I greatly appreciate it:) I do need that encouragement as I feel like my writing is my strong suit.
Your story is touching and awakening! Spirituality helps so very much in the process of healing.
Thank you for sharing.
lots of love,
Lillian.
Hi Lillian. Thank your for your kind/positive feedback and love:-) I appreciate it. Yes, spirituality does and has:)
wow i just read your article and am very impressed. I find myself in some part of it. There has been times i really did not know what i am doing. I also did some searching and i realized i want to make an impact in people's lives. I want to shine the torch for others. I want to impact my world and country. I have also realized that knowing that there is a supreme God , forgiving and letting the past go also help us to grow strong and healthy.
It is always good for us to know what we really want to do in life. Am inspired and thank you for sharing your story .
Well, thank you:) Awesome, and you will, if you aren't already:) Yes, I believe that everything happens and that there is a universal force. You're welcome. I'm glad you liked it. Thank you for your feedback.
Dear Jill,
I can so relate! I grew up in Wisconsin, still live here, though I’ve moved around the Midwest a lot. At least I have traveled, mainly the US, but I did make it to Spain! Where I REALLY relate is being an empath in business. I look forward to reading your other contributions!
Hi Katia,
Welcome to World Pulse!!! It's great to see you here:) I didn't realize you were in WI. Thank you for your feedback and encouragement. I really appreciate it. I hope to see posts from you as well:) Have a great day!
Hello there:-)
Thanks for reading my story. Where in WI were you in, dear?
Hope you're having a great day, and week:-)