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.
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!
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.
We Will Serve
By: Sara O., Sunshine
The past year has been a challenge in many ways and has been different from the life we are used to. At school, in our social life, and in Rainbow, we have had to adapt to these changes, while we figure out how to continue to do the things we love and the things that remain important to us. We have learned new types of social media in all aspects of our life – the most common of which is known as “Zoom™.” The word “zoom” – up until this past year – primarily meant to move quickly. While this year may not have moved quickly, we have quickly learned a different way to do things.
One of the things that may often be done differently, while having the same importance, is acts of service. Sunshine Assembly has found many ways to continue to serve while keeping socially distant from others. For most of the year, we had to find ways to serve individually or not with other assembly members. As the pandemic conditions have improved, we have been able to get together in small groups, while protecting ourselves and those around us. It has been challenging and fun to do service projects during this time.
In the last term of 2020, we collected old towels and sheets to donate to a local humane society. All items were picked up by or delivered to our Worthy Advisor, Emily, who then, with the help of her mother, took all of the items to the animal shelter. They were so grateful, and we continue to accept and deliver items whenever anyone has them.
This term started with our members sending Valentine cards to residents of the Masonic Home in Covina. The home currently has almost 70 residents, and the four members of our assembly sent over 280 cards. In March, we delivered cookies (which had to be purchased rather than homemade) to local fire stations. The girls, wearing masks, were able to personally give the cookies to the first responders, who loved seeing the girls, and receiving the wonderful treats! In April, we were told of a local family struggling during the pandemic, as one of their children has also been battling cancer. While we weren’t able to visit with him or his family, we did provide Easter Baskets for him and his three siblings. We also gave the family a grocery store gift card, which could be used for a great Easter dinner.
For our next service project. If we can meet in person, we would like to have a picnic in a local park, inviting our families and friends. After eating lunch, the girls will clean up the park, picking up as much trash as they can, and properly disposing of it. We don’t want the month to go by without being of some service, so if we can’t get together yet as a group, we plan to have a picnic in the park closest to each member, with just members of their household. Hopefully, we can get our family members to pick up trash with us, but if not – each member of the assembly still plans to clean up the park.
For Sunshine Assembly, service is both fun and rewarding, and has become even more than ever, our way of life. We can’t wait to come up with even more ways to serve.
Fullerton Yorba Linda in 2020
By: Julia Russell, Fullerton Yorba Linda
This year for the virtual Grand Assembly, the theme was Enchanted Forest – Dream, Lead, Believe. Our assembly put together small packages filled with goodies for the girls to enjoy while participating in the sessions. They had snacks in them, along with notepads to write down the mascot clues, notes, bubbles, and a swag bag sewed by one of the girls. On Saturday night during revelations, our Worthy Advisor Elizabeth D. was chosen to be Grand Chaplain and Representative to Bolivia for the upcoming Centennial Grand Assembly in 2022 with the Milestone Making Meerkats. On Sunday, the State PR team announced their new members and Julia R., Charity of our assembly, was selected to join the State PR team. The amount raised over the past two years for the Grand Service Project, The Painted Turtle, was announced that California Rainbow raised over $100,000 for The Painted Turtle, to help those who have illnesses that would prevent them from experiencing summer camp and ability to do so.
Even with the craziness that was the 2020 year, California Rainbow has persevered through it and this Virtual Grand Assembly has truly shown how the core beliefs of Rainbow have helped all of the girls to persevere through what the world was willing to throw at us. Fullerton/Yorba Linda Assembly hosted a puzzle drive to help the Eastern Star Senior Living Community, we arranged with the center as to what kind of puzzles they liked then set up a place for people to drop off new unopened puzzles by just driving by and dropping them off. We collected 34 puzzles for the members of the living center and dropped them off. It was fun too, after months of being unable to do service projects like before to set up this drive while still keeping everyone safe. Our assembly is also starting to do 101 classes on a large array of different topics picked by and set up by each girl on their own.
ADHD During a Pandemic
By Brianna C.
Trigger Warnings: Mental health disorder; death; suicide
Healthline Media defines attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) as “a mental health disorder that can cause above-normal levels of hyperactive and impulsive behaviors. People with ADHD may also have trouble focusing their attention on a single task or sitting still for long periods. Both adults and children can have ADHD. ADHD often begins in childhood and can persist into adulthood. It may contribute to low self-esteem, troubled relationships, and difficulty at school or work. Symptoms include limited attention and hyperactivity. Treatments include medication and talk therapy.”
Hello, my name is Brianna Clinkenbeard and I have ADHD. This is my story on how I handled it during a pandemic.
Let me start by giving you an insight into when it all started. I was in the second grade when I was diagnosed with ADHD. At first, I thought that I was sick and that there was something wrong with me. My mom explained what the diagnosis meant and took me to a place to talk to someone where I learned more about what ADHD means. Although I felt reassured after that, I was still a little scared. I started going to therapy which is common for people who have ADHD, but it was still intimidating for a second-grader.
As I got older my ADHD worsened until some doctor visits helped me to begin to get better. However, when I was a freshman in high school I told my mom that my ADHD was worse and that I might need more help. So, we went to the doctor and he gave me a prescription for ADHD medication. At first, I got sick from the medication, but I switched to a different medication, which was better after a while. As months went by my medication dose went up more and I hadn’t seen the change I was hoping for. After a while, I would forget to take my meds and get off track. When I was off track for a few days, I would stop taking them completely. When I wasn’t taking my medication I would have very dark days that no one should have to experience, especially at age fourteen.
When I would have one of these dark days I wouldn’t know how to fix it. I would think of bad thoughts that should not be thought of: death, suicide, my brother being the favorite kid, my past family, and many other things. I would cry all night when I got those thoughts and could not stop crying. I tried to hide it from my family but I had a feeling that they would find out one day. When I told my mom about it I felt bad for telling her about these thoughts and feelings.
I told my friends about my ADHD. They seemed cool about my ADHD and I learned that some of my friends also have ADHD.
When I was fifteen years old I became a leader in the International Order of the Rainbow for Girls and I had the opportunity to write a speech. I cried when I said my speech because it meant a lot to me. As I wrote and delivered my speech I learned that you can do many things in life, such as living through a pandemic, going to school, and many other things. I would like to share my speech with you.
“‘If you can’t fly, then run.’ When learning new things you are unable to fly through it like a speeding car, so you must run before you can fly. ‘If you can’t run, then walk.’ Learning that I have a learning disability and ADHD I have learned that I can’t run through things like my homework or memorized speeches, but I have to walk through it to slow down. ‘If you can’t walk, then crawl.’ Walking to doctor appointments and learning that I am not pigeon-toed, as my legs turn inward because of my hips, I must crawl to help my legs grow strong to fix them. With all of these things that could hold me back, I have learned that I must keep moving forward in life so I don’t fall behind. When life is tough, remember ‘if you can’t fly, then run. If you can’t run then walk. If you can’t walk then crawl, but by all means, keep moving forward’ Martin Luther King Jr.”
During the pandemic, I had a rough time and I didn’t know how to manage my ADHD. The lockdown first occurred at the end of my freshman year and after a few days
dealing with everything, I realized that this was going to be worse than I thought. When school was finally over, we packed up and went camping. I knew that it was going to be a long, hard week for me so I had to find a coping method for my ADHD. I knew music helped me a lot. I also discovered that going on walks or just talking to a friend helped cheer me up. But after thinking about it long and hard, I knew that I could not get music or have my friends there while I was camping. I thought about my previous years of camp . I figured out that going on walks and talking with my cousin helped me, as well as fishing, playing games, painting, reading, and many other things.
Over the years I had a lot of ups and downs, inside and out. I would have those bad days where you just locked yourself in your room and laid on your bed listening to sad music, crying because you don’t know how to tell someone what is going on in your life. I would also have those days where you have to put your tears away and just pretend as if nothing happened. When I returned from my vacation. I realized that I had been going to school with a fake face on, pretending to be someone else. That I was living behind this mask and that once I stepped into a building or a place outside of my house I was someone else who had pushed all of their hurt down that may come out in tears later that night. I knew that everything —fake act, fake smile, fake laugh, fake joy, fake me— had to go away. That the real me had to come out, and she did that night.
My family was my biggest support for my ADHD but I hated when they would make me cry or make me angry. When they’d ask if I’m fine I’d say I was but I have a feeling they knew I was not.
The pandemic was hard. I had two birthdays and many Zoom calls. During the pandemic, I found out many things about myself, both good and bad. During my installation for my Rainbow Assembly, I discovered that I am a girl who has ADHD and I am not afraid to say that I do. During this pandemic, I have said I have ADHD six times and am proud of that. Sometimes I don’t feel like telling people because it feels funny or bad to say, but I feel like they should know. The pandemic has given me time to sit down and find out new things that help me with my ADHD. I have found that music, art, coloring, walking with/without my dog, talking, watching movies, watching TV shows, looking at nature, going on drives, playing with my dog, memorizing speeches, and writing things down have helped me with my ADHD.
There are so many things out there that can help you or anyone who has any problems. I have used all of these suggestions to help me and though I still have bad days I know that I have my family, friends, Rainbow family, people with ADHD, and many others there to help and support me. I know that people with ADHD can’t change what is happening to them (trust me I have tried) but I also know we have the power to make ourselves better people and to change the world. We can make our lives better if we don’t hide behind the person we want to be and instead be the person we are meant to be. When life is tough, remember this quote and think about how it fits in your life. “If you can’t fly, then run. If you can’t run then walk. If you can’t walk then crawl, but by all means, keep moving forward” Martin Luther King Jr.
Then I want you to do one more thing. I want you to go up to someone, introduce yourself, and say, “I have ADHD” or whatever else you may be experiencing. It can be anyone: a friend, a Rainbow member, a family member, anyone. See how you feel afterward. The first time I did it I was scared but after a while, I got used to it. It is nice to know that people know the real you.
If you are scared, I’ll start:
Hi, my name is Brianna Clinkenbeard and I have ADHD.
Life Lessons with Troy
By: Katie S., Grand Worthy Advisor, Visalia
Helloooooo California Rainbow! It’s me, Troy. I’m Katie’s spontaneous, adventurous, milestone making travel buddy! One day Katie and I were talking and she shared how much Rainbow teaches about leadership. So while Katie was on one of her many Zoom calls, I got to thinking how much the meerkats can teach all of you about leadership. So I decided to write you an article for this thing you call, the Pot of Gold (that is what Katie told me it was anyway) and give you some words of wisdom from all of the meerkats.
From the outside, the Milestone Making Meerkats may look cute and cuddly, and yes we are, but we are one ferocious group. We like to say that we are tiny but mighty. When we are not traveling the state protecting our travel buddies, or what Katie calls them, Grand Officers, we live out in the wild. Yes, folks the wild. Out in the grasslands of Southern Africa where we must fend for ourselves. We live together in large groups of about thirty called mobs. Isn’t that crazy because there are 28 Grand Officers! It is as though it was meant to be! We live together, hunt together, protect each other, and most importantly, stick together. During Katie and I’s conversation, she shared how much Rainbow Girls stick together and how important this thing called sisterhood was. Here are some of the leadership lessons all of the milestone making, funny-dressed meerkats can teach.
Lesson Number 1: Sharing the load. While we live in the wild and our Grand Officer bag, we have to dig for our food, or whatever sweets they have down in there. The only problem is, we are a little small… but mighty of course… and can easily become someone’s snack. When we are digging for our meals, we bury our heads and can’t always watch our surroundings. So to protect ourselves, we take turns standing guard on high rocks or trees. We each take our fair share of the work; so we can all eat and stay safe. If that’s not teamwork, I don’t know what is! So our advice for you is to make sure everyone has a role by working together as a team. Whether your head is in the ground or you are scouting out on the top of a rock, you play a very important role in the success of your team.
Lesson Number 2: Communication. Did you know that meerkats have 30 different distinct calls? Our survival is dependant on these calls out in the wild so the biggest tip we have for you is to keep talking. We call for each other when we are in trouble or if something doesn’t seem right. If we think one of our mob mates is sad or needs help, we give them a shout-out. Katie says that you do that as well. Keep it up! Keep encouraging your fellow Rainbow Sisters! Katie says they are the best.
Lesson Number 3: Stick Together. In the unfortunate event where we get ourselves into a bit of a pickle and escape is not an option, we join together. Our meerkat mob will stir up dust or stand together, so we look much larger than we actually are. Once again… tiny but mighty. So when your team’s deadlines are short, someone is having a difficult time, or when things get a little hectic, stick together. The best teams work together by supporting and encouraging one another, never leaving anyone, or meerkat, behind. A good team stands together.
Lastly, Lesson Number 4: Raise and Develop. Meerkats are masters in preparing their next generation to be successful and help our mob grow. If the mob goes out and about, at least one adult meerkat stays back to watch the young. We love to give our new upcoming leaders a hands-on experience of digging new holes, calling out to each other, and looking for some yummy beetles. Always make sure that your team members are being pushed to grow and develop. Each meerkat, I mean member, has their own set of talents. Make sure everyone gets to practice their strengths and everyone supports each other as you learn new skills. Challenging and believing in each other will be your biggest asset. The strength of a meerkat comes from the strong unity and support of the clan. Never forget that!
Well, I hope you remember these lessons from your wise meerkat friends. Katie says Rainbow provides leadership opportunities and if you follow these lessons I’m sure your mob or assembly will grow stronger and bigger. I can’t wait to meet you and all of the other meerkats. Katie said we get to travel soon but I need to go buy something called a suitcase? Does a suitcase hold beetles?
Love,
Troy Mickey Meerkat
Katie’s Grand Milestone Making Meerkat
