Representative Reports – Alabama, Georgia & North Carolina
By: Grace Z., Grand Religion and Grand Representative to Alabama, Georgia and North Carolina
Representative Reports — Connecticut & Rhode Island
By: Cristina M., Member of the Grand Executive Committee, Dean of the Grand Cross of Color and Grand Representative to Connecticut & Rhode Island
Motivation
By Lily H.
Motivation as defined by Oxford Languages is “…the reason or reasons one has for acting or behaving in a particular way,” or “the general desire or willingness of someone to do something.” It is so hard to stay motivated during these times and many have grown complacent or have gotten “lazy”. Since the pandemic, many things have changed and many people haven’t had the motivation to do the things they love. CNBC said that “…working remotely has gotten comfortable with at-home workouts; the Covid pandemic has uprooted most of our routines, and interfered with our motivation.” Therefore, it is important to know how we can gain motivation and what we can use that motivation for.
To start off, you will need to make yourself a routine that you will start doing everyday. Routines are essential so that you can have more self-control and self discipline. It causes you to have a sense of “I need to do this”, which will help you be more motivated to do that task. It doesn’t have to be a huge list or even a list at all, you just need to be able to say I will do this by this time of the day. Once you have gotten your routine down, it won’t feel like a chore. By then, it will feel natural and require less energy.
Next, when you do get your routine and/or task(s) done you should reward yourself. Take yourself out for coffee or even just go on your phone and scroll social media. The reward will challenge yourself to do it again and again, continuing the cycle since you will have something to look forward to. Another reason is because it will bring positivity to what you’re doing, and the more positive you feel the more you will want to do it. Though remember – once it becomes negative, you should stop and take a break, since negative thoughts will narrow your focus and make you feel out of your comfort zone.
While you are doing the task, don’t be harsh on yourself if you forget to do something or didn’t do it all. There are more than ways of having motivation; one is “flow” where you just do it without caring what the prize and or outcome is, then there is where you just focus on the reward after doing the task. It is best when you are most motivated by “flow” because you don’t want to internalize external pressure or feedback. It will become part of your own self esteem and your ego will be wrapped up in your performance. While you are doing your task, keep in mind your triggers that may cause you to become upset or frustrated. That also includes making sure you don’t overload or burn yourself out.
In conclusion, having motivation is difficult when you don’t know how or what to do to maintain it. It doesn’t have to be something large, but just something to start. The hardest part really is to just start. Also, remember that you should always try your best but don’t be harsh on yourself. Self-deprecation will only bring negative emotions and can cause you to become prideful or have ego when you do fulfill the task. Always know your triggers so that you can avoid them and continue your flow and feel motivated without the reward. Lastly, even though it is best to work once you’re in the flow, you can always reward yourself once you have finished so that you feel like it was worth it and will continue to make you feel motivated.
Meet the Meerkats – State Mother Advisor for Grand Assembly 2022
Mighty Meerkat Mom
By: JoAnn Stern, State Mother Advisor for Grand Assembly 2022
Hello California Rainbow, I am Jo Ann Stern, Treasurer of the Grand Executive Committee. I was a member of Napa Assembly. My very first office was Fidelity, followed by Choir (several times throughout my tenure), Choir Director, Service and Recorder. I received the honor of the Grand Cross of Color in 1964.
I was fortunate to find the love of my life, Don in 1965; we were married in 1967 and spent 38 loving years together. We have always been extremely proud of our two children – Debbie & Michael. All four of us joined Silver Spray Chapter O.E.S.
Debbie served as Grand Representative to Maryland in 1989 and is now serving as Mother Advisor in Napa Assembly. She met a wonderful man, Michael Kmiec, who soon discovered that joining Masonry was the way to go. Mike has retired from the Air Force and is working in radiology. Debbie has her master’s degree in special education and enjoys teaching. Both are excited about being parents; Brandon, Ryan, and Zachary.
Our son, Michael, was a member of Napa DeMolay. He served as Treasurer and Master Councilor of Northern California DeMolay. Mike graduated from Sacramento State College and is now teaching eighth grade in Stockton. He is also a member of Napa Valley Lodge and served two years as Master. Brenda, Mike’s wife, is also a teacher and is serving as Bethel Guardian in Stockton. Michael is still involved in DeMolay as well as Jobs Daughters. They have two boys Jameson and Paxton.
I returned to Rainbow in 1975 and served on Napa’s Advisory Board; served as Mother Advisor in 1977, 1988, and 1989. Beginning In 1991, I spent seven years as Mother Advisor in Benicia Assembly. In 1993, I was honored as Mrs. Lind appointed me GEC Mom for the Outrageous Otters and the Mischievous Moose. In January 1996, Mrs. Lind again asked me to serve on the Grand Executive Committee, only this time it would be as Treasurer. And now in 2021, Mrs. Regier presented me with another opportunity to serve California Rainbow as the Meerkat Mom for Grand Assembly 2022.
In my spare time, I enjoy scrapbooking, embroidering, and going to band reviews.
I cannot begin to tell you just how much Rainbow has brightened my life. Working with all the girls and adults in California is such a joy. As Charity says, “There are other treasures in the Pot of Gold…” Thank you, California Rainbow; the treasures are too many to count.
Fidelity Assembly is True Blue
By: Ella H., Fidelity
Have you ever wondered how our Rainbow teachings are relevant in the world we live in today? Like most, I never really thought about it until someone not familiar with Rainbow asked why our Assembly was called “Fidelity” and not just simply “Simi Valley.” I didn’t have a well-rehearsed answer, so I gave an explanation that fidelity means to be loyal, and truthful, and to demonstrate honor. I further explained that fidelity is one of the many things we teach in Rainbow and that it was a nice shade of blue. The name also sounded good at the time our Assembly was instituted way back in the olden days. Being satisfied with the answer, we shared a smile and a giggle, but it made me stop and think about it; like staying up until 2:00 AM on a school night, thinking about it! What does fidelity really mean?
The answer became clear to me when our assembly decided to honor our own truths and create a very meaningful Rainbow Church Sunday service. Fidelity Assembly is filled with girls and adults from many different faiths and cultures. In fact, our Worthy Advisor practices Hinduism and instead of a more traditional Christian prayer, she often opens our meetings with a beautiful Hindu blessing in Sanskrit. It is awe-inspiring listening to her speak an ancient language, then explain the significance of the blessing. This sparked us to want to share a bit more about each other’s spiritual beliefs, and we found Church Sunday to be the perfect opportunity!
On a beautiful sunny day at the park, we shared in a socially distanced circle of trust. It isn’t easy sharing very personal and meaningful beliefs, but we soon realized we were safe and respected as we honored a part of who we are. We learned about Hinduism being a religion that supports many different forms of expression, and about karma. Yes, karma is a real thing! We learned about the healing and cleansing power of crystals, and we heard about Christianity and all its different sects. We laughed as it was compared to an ice cream store where there are at least 31 different varieties to choose from. Really, though, what we shared is what our faith means to us on a personal level. We realized we are all connected by a belief that there is something bigger than ourselves that provides us a sense of peace and calm in a very busy world. We learned that in being true to ourselves by overcoming fear to share our own customs and beliefs, and in being supportive to our Rainbow Sisters as they shared their special messages, we were honoring ourselves and each other. To me, that is the best way to explain fidelity.
Fidelity Assembly showed our spirit and demonstrated how to be true and loyal to each other and to ourselves by simply honoring each other’s customs and cultures. So, the next time someone asks, I am more than ready to explain why Fidelity Assembly is true blue!
Meet the Meerkats – Grand Fidelity and Rep. AK/HI
And So The Adventure Begins
By: Haleigh S., Grand Fidelity and Rep. to AK/HI, Heart of the Valley
Who wants to take a trip to the tropical beaches of Hawaii right about now? I can say that sounds like an ideal plan! Since we can’t go on any out-of-state adventures at the moment let me tell you about some I’ve already been on. I am Haleigh S. your new Grand Fidelity and Representative to Alaska and Hawaii.
My adventures of being a Rainbow Girl began about nine years ago in Heart of the Valley Assembly with my twin sister right by my side. Not knowing at the time how much of an impact this organization would have on my life, it was pretty convenient having a second half to go through this exciting journey with me. My love for service also began shortly after this, leading me to want to help outside of Rainbow. I started by volunteering with the local Valley Animal Center, training all the cute dogs, and playing with the kittens. In high school, I became very involved with the environmental science pathway where I was introduced to Fresno Wildlife Rehabilitation Center. I soon fell in love with this organization because their goal was to help injured or orphaned wildlife in the central valley and this opportunity couldn’t be more perfect. I have the amazing opportunity to work with birds of prey and many other animals and Rainbow helped me gain the courage, independence, and selflessness to be a part of something so great.
When I’m not busy with Rainbow or helping injured animals, I like to spend my free time enjoying the peacefulness of the outdoors, listening to new music, or searching for the next best thing in the local thrift stores to add to my closet. As you can see my life has been a rollercoaster of new adventures and this year will be just one more to add to my never-ending list.
Meet the Meerkats – Grand Treasurer, Honorary Drill Leader and Rep. to ME/MA
Money, Money, Money
By: Bea G., Grand Treasurer, Honorary Drill Leader and Rep. to ME/MA, Natoma
Hello everyone!! My name is Bea G. and I am so, so excited to be your Grand Treasurer, Honorary Drill Leader, and Rep. to ME and MA for the rest of this year! I entered Rainbow alongside my sister Gwen, who is a Past Grand Chaplain and Rep. to Bolivia, back when I was 11 years old. We came to find out about Rainbow through my dad, Michael, who was becoming a Mason at the same time. Shockingly enough, I was extremely quiet and shy when entering Rainbow, but I can safely say that if I wasn’t a part of such a great organization as this I definitely wouldn’t have come out of my shell. As the years went on and as I continued to be introduced to new, amazing people within and out of our assembly, I eventually became the loud extrovert some of you may know me as.
When I’m not at Rainbow, I spend my days walking around aimlessly with my friends at Target© for genuinely no reason, getting In-n-Out™ four times a day, and sleeping until 2 pm. I am a very big bookworm (if you have any book recommendations send them my way please), I typically like the classics such as “Pride and Prejudice” or “The Scarlet Letter”. I was born and lived in the Philippines for the first five years of my life, so traveling is something I love to do and I still have family over there which makes traveling over there 1000 times more exciting. I am very much a night owl and stargazing with my friends is definitely another one of my favorite past times. Overall, I am extremely blessed to be in this organization and to also represent Rainbow everywhere I go! I hope we all stay happy and healthy, and I am so excited to (hopefully) meet you all soon 🙂
Meet the Meerkats – Grand Outer Observer and Rep. to OK/TX
Meet the Meerkat Who is Out of this World
By: Trianna D., Grand Outer Observer and Rep. to OK/TX, Santa Rosa
Hello California Rainbow! My name is Trianna D. and I am Grand Outer Observer and Representative to Oklahoma and Texas for 2022. I was initiated into Santa Rosa Assembly in September of 2013, and will be celebrating eight years in Rainbow this year! Before I was in Rainbow I was a member of our Assemblies Pledge group. I moved right up into Rainbow when I turned eleven. I‘ve served as Worthy Advisor three times and will be going for my fourth term in late June to early July.
Right now I am taking a gap year from school to figure out what I might want to do, when I do go back I think I’ll go into maybe either Computer Programming or Game Development. When I was in high school I took a video production class all four years and a production/drama class my senior year.
Here are a few things that I like so it’s not too awkward to talk to me. I really like Asian food and anything strawberry. I enjoy gaming (mainly Minecraft™, Stardew Valley®, and Among Us©) but I will talk about any type of game. I like to watch anime and a few of my favorites are My Hero Academia©, Demon Slayer©, and Ouran High School Host Club©. I listen to artists like Wilbur Soot, Ricky Montgomery, Dream, and many K-Pop artists.
I’m so lucky to be GOO for the 2022 Grand Year!
Finding Service Each Day
By: Ainsley K., Grand Service and Rep. to SC/VA, Natoma
As a Rainbow Girl, we are told to do some service every day, and I’m sure your assemblies, before Covid, went out and did plenty of service. Maybe it was cleaning up your town, or helping at a food bank, or volunteering at a local school. Since the pandemic, it has become more challenging to find places to do service. We are Rainbow Girls and I know we won’t let even a pandemic stop us from serving our communities. There are plenty of safe ways to go out and serve or do service from home.
Remember that service isn’t about how big the act is, even the smallest gesture can have the biggest impact on someone’s life. There are plenty of local organizations that are actively accepting donations such as hospitals, food banks, and shelters. You could organize a blood drive or donate blood. Sending cards to frontline workers, veterans, and those serving in the military is another way you can serve. Find a local senior center and write them cards, make them blankets, or reach out to see what else you can do to help. It can even be as simple as assisting a neighbor with yard work or picking up someone’s groceries. Your assembly can also organize a socially distanced beach, park, or creek clean-up. Perhaps if crafting is one of your talents, you could tie no-sew blankets, make reusable masks to donate, or knit baby hats to give to your local hospital. I challenge you all to go out and find a way to serve because we are California Rainbow and we are unstoppable.
