True Tale of Gumption: Myles Eckert

And just to make your Wednesday a little better...

True Tales: Trash Collectors

From the title of today's post, you may be thinking, "What in the world?" True Tales is a feature about people who show courage, gumption...trash collectors? I totally wouldn't have made the connection either until I watched the TED talk above. It's fascinating. I really had never thought about how vital trash collectors are and how damaging the stigma against them can be.

It's even more intriguing to me, living in a country that is half developed/half developing, where a large majority of women make a (meager) living out of cleaning other peoples' homes. Something that is often looked down upon in the US is a very normal and common job here. We have a woman who comes to our house once a week to clean, do laundry, etc. 

I also see many men, often collecting trash and recyclables in carts, to turn in at recycling centres in return for some change; not as a service to the environment, but as their form of income. The poor here can often be seen begging for food, digging through trash cans, and happily accepting your dinner leftovers. In the US (and I'm sure there are other countries, as well), where those are things we often look down upon. No one aspires to collect trash. But when so many people make a living out of it - why? Why are does it make our heads turn or stomachs turn? 

So, today's persons of gumption are the trash collectors; the ones who work humbly and quietly collect the things that help keep our lives sane and clean. Thanks, guys!

True Tales of Gumption - The 30

Today's true tale of gumption is actually 30 tales.

At the beginning of the year, Forbes published a report about 30 social entreprenuers under 30  and what they're doing. It's pretty impressive - and intimidating. But, inspiring. Talia Leman knocked me off my chair - she raised $10 million at the age of 10! And I love Seth Maxwell's Thirst Project. Clean water is something I totally take for granted, especially since I'm part camel.

Reading these kinds of things always makes me feel a mix of "I'm in my mid-20s and what have I done with myself?!" but also, "It's not too late! What am I going to do?"

Which people/organizations most interest you? Do you have any cool projects you're apart of or have started? I'd love to hear.

Have a wonderful weekend!

Welcome to the new Gumption!

"...she realized that she was missing a great deal by being sensible,

she made the whole world feel like home,

she decided to enjoy more and endure less,

she colored her thoughts with only the brightest hues,

she crossed borders recklessly, refusing to recognize limits, saying bonjour and buon giorno as though she owned both France and Italy and the day itself,

she ran ahead where there were no paths…"

As I'm sure you have noticed, Gumption has gone through a complete makeover...and I couldn't be more excited about it! I absolutely love the design, thanks to Danielle Moss! I wanted something colourful and editorial, fun but not too girly, but mostly, a design that highlights the writing here on Gumption. She has done a fantastic job capturing all of that! Danielle is easy to work with, creative, and honest. I highly recommend her if you're looking for a designer. :)

I can't get over the new design! Not just because it's fantastic, but because it's the start of a whole new direction for Gumption. I've been introducing a few changes to the blog since the beginning of the year, but in case you missed this or you're new to Gumption, here's what it's all about:

Gumption is a lifestyle and travel blog that strives to inspire people from all walks of life to live a life of gumption and a life to the full. At Gumption, I share personal reflections, stories of inspiring people and moments, and so many of the little things that make my life richer, even magical at times! While inspiring my readers to live a full life, I also want people (but especially women) to see and believe that you can “have it all”: a life full of joy, growth, contentment, and adventure. Sometimes I talk about current affairs or events of historical significance (I was an international relations major in college and am just not ready to abandon my inclinations towards academia). Other times, I share things I’ve learned, or am learning, in and about life. And still on other occasions, I just share the things in my life that make me happy – my newest baking venture, home décor changes, or something unique to whichever country I find myself living in at the moment.  

I hope you will tag along. And whatever you find to relate to here, I hope it inspires you to live a full life and a life full of gumption.

You can follow me on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and/or Pinterest, if you'd like. Thanks so much for reading, whether you're a first timer or you've been here for a while.

Cheers to the rest of the year ahead and many more years of living with gumption!

Love,

Ellie

Introducing!: Gumption

Last year, I started taking an e-course on blogging. The course was created by one of the writers of A Beautiful Mess, one of my favorite blogs. It's an exceptionally helpful and honest course on how to either start blogging or how to get your blog to where you want it to be. Elsie's writing is candid, fun and personable. I highly recommend it!

So, in an effort to take my blog to where I want it to be, and in light of thing I have been learning from the course, I have some new and exciting changes to announce!

First off, the title of this blog, Something Slightly Resembling Gumption, has had a special place in my heart for a long time. You can read the story of how and why I named the blog that here. Even as my life has changed and this blog has evolved, the name always seemed to fit. I've always loved what it means to have gumption and I always need a bit more of it. At every stage of my life, in various circumstances and events, I have needed something slightly resembling gumption.

But it is a mouthful. I've vacillated over what I should change the name of my blog to, but I couldn't seem to part with "Something Slightly Resembling Gumption", or find anything else that I felt encompassed what I want this blog to be about. This led me to really define what my blog is all about.

So, as 2014 begins, so begins another new beginning for this blog. Gumption is behind everything I write; whether personal experiences, travel adventures, trying out new things, or just having the courage to write and hear what people think. Therefore, I have decided to rename this blog to simply: Gumption.

Gumption is a lifestyle and travel blog that strives to inspire people from all walks of life to live a life of gumption and a life to the full. At Gumption, I share personal reflections, stories of inspiring people and moments, and so many of the little things that make my life richer, even magical at times! While inspiring my readers to live a full life, I also want people (but especially women) to see and believe that you can “have it all”: a life full of joy, growth, contentment, and adventure. Sometimes I talk about current affairs or events of historical significance (I was an international relations major in college and am just not ready to abandon my inclinations towards academia). Other times, I share things I’ve learned, or am learning, in and about life. And still on other occasions, I just share the things in my life that make me happy – my newest baking venture, home décor changes, or something unique to whichever country I find myself living in at the moment.  

Over the past couple months, I've started creating some weekly and monthly features, but there are more coming! More South African specific posts are on their way and 2014 will also bring some guest bloggers to Gumption. 

I am so excited for the future of this blog! I hope you will tag along. And whatever you find to relate to here, I hope it inspires you to live a full life and a life full of gumption.

Love,

EF

PS - Gumption is getting a make over which will be revealed soon! :)

(Also, the picture above is an extremely old one, but it is a photo that always reminds me why I want to live a bold and brave life...you experience so much more when you do. :) 

True Tales of Gumption - Tim Harris

I think (I hope?) I've always had a soft spot for people with disabilities or challenges that make them not fit in as naturally, but ever since working with students who have various challenges that soft spot has grown ten fold. I don't think I've mentioned what I do...I currently work with high school students with learning challenges. Our team helps both with skills development and actual subject material. I'm still scoping out if I want to be a teacher long term,but for now, I'm really enjoying it.

So, today's person of gumption is Tim Harris. He is a restaurant owner in Albuquerque, New Mexico. He also has Down Syndrome. Even if you don't know much about down syndrome, you can probably guess that the majority of people with his and similar challenges do not often get to do things like own their own restaurant. Tim's perseverance, abilities, and courage to work against the stereotypes and expectations (or lack thereof) of him, is incredibly inspiring.

Hope this kicks your weekend off to a great start!

True Tales of Gumption - Nelson Rolihlahla Mandela, Madiba of South Africa

Yesterday, the late president of South Africa, Nelson Mandela, was laid to rest. I thought it only fitting to feature him as this week's true tale of gumption.

There is so much that I could try to say; so much that has already been said, about this incredible man who is one of the truest examples of gumption in history. Living in South Africa for three years makes his passing far more meaningful and emotional for me, than it probably ever would have been otherwise. He is an inspiring man who I still need to learn so much more about and from.

Rather than try to write something profound, I want to share a few things that, to me, display Mandela's triumphant gumption and that inspire me to live a courageous life. The below clip is from 1999. The artist is Johnny Clegg, who I have seen in concert a couple of times - which is a true South African experience. I love this video. I feel like I know Mandela a little more after watching it - his spirit, his joy, his contentment. I hope you enjoy it and feel that too.

Almost a week ago, on Tuesday, 10 December, the entire country of South Africa held a memorial service for Madiba. (Madiba means "father"; Mandela is the father of South Africa.) There was one main location, FNB Stadium in Soweto, which I am sure you either watched or saw clips or pictures from. Almost 100 dignitaries came from all over the world to honor Madiba. But many other stadiums around the country, from Johannesburg to Cape Town to Durban, participated as well by watching the memorial being held in Soweto and having there own tributes with song, dance, and words of remembrance.

On that day, my husband and I went to the Nelson Mandela Square which is just a few minutes from where we live. We had planned to watch the memorial there but the rain was relentless that day, so we watched some from home. The weather was extremely unusual for this time of year, but as the rain only got heavier and heavier as the day went on, it seemed quite appropriate as the whole nation mourned.

Have you read Mandela's book, Long Walk to Freedom? Or seen the new film, "Mandela", based on A Long Walk to Freedom? I have to confess: I have never finished Long Walk to Freedom. I feel a bit embarrassed now that I haven't, but more motivated to, after learning so much more about this incredible man in the past couple weeks. Husband and I went and saw the film yesterday - go see it. It is moving, inspiring, and challenging. I always knew Mandela advocated a peaceful and equal end to apartheid, but I had no idea how much that went against what so many people - especially black South Africans - wanted. Madiba is truly one of the greatest examples of gumption in my life.

And one last bit of wisdom from Madiba that sums up what I hope you often find, gumption and a full life, by coming back here to read:

Love,
EF

True Tales of Gumption - the first installment!

“Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate. Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure. It is our light, not our darkness that most frightens us. We ask ourselves, Who am I to be brilliant, gorgeous, talented, and fabulous? Actually, who are you not to be? You are a child of God. Your playing small does not serve the world. There is nothing enlightened about shrinking so that other people will not feel insecure around you. We are all meant to shine, as children do. We were born to make manifest the glory of God that is within us. It is not just in some of us; it is in everyone and as we let our own light shine, we unconsciously give others permission to do the same. As we are liberated from our own fear, our presence automatically liberates others.”

I am so excited to introduce a new feature to the blog!

This quote encompasses so much of why I started this blog. I’m sure many of you have heard this quote from Marianne Williamson before. It is possibly my most favorite, inspirational quote (aside from anything in the bible). I think that often is our biggest fear: ourselves and the great things we can/could do. It takes courage and confidence to see your talents, skills, gifts…and to admit what you really enjoy in life…and pursue it. And not just pursue it but give it everything you’ve got. Although I’ve learned lots in this regard over the past few years, I’m still trying to figure these out myself. Sometimes I think the hard work required to get the job/life you want is half of what is so intimating. Hard work and fear of not being good enough – big life traps. But that is why I love the new feature: True Tales of Gumption.

True Tales of Gumption will be a feature that highlights someone who has shown true gumption in their life. Our news is so filled with the negative and with stories of people who are everything that is the opposite of courageous, bold, or inspiring. So, each feature will introduce a real-life story of someone who has shown some of those qualities in their life.

Today's story comes from my side of the world. With all the negative attention Africa receives, I believe it so important to highlight the good and amazing things going on in the continent of Africa. This story is especially inspiring because it is one of the many examples of someone who doesn’t have much, butdoesn’t make excuses or play the victim. (How easily I can do that, when I do have so much!): It is the story of Kelvin Doe from Sierra Leone. I hope you are moved and inspired by his passion, talent, compassion, and vision!

Love,

EF

The beginning

"It always seems impossible until it's done." - Nelson Mandela

I don't quite know how to write the first documentation of such an epic adventure. (Yes, I do think my coming adventure is quite epic.) So, I figured a quote by the most famous man to come out of the country I am moving to would be appropriate. But before I go into that, I guess I should provide an introduction.

My name is Elizabeth, I'm 22. I'm a recent graduate of Boston University, a former Starbucks employee (but a successful applicant to over 50 "grown-up" jobs), and have been living out of suitcases for (going-on) three weeks, now. I decided four months ago that I would move to Johannesburg, South Africa to help lead a campus ministry at the University of Johannesburg. I was supposed to leave on 12 January, but thanks to the wonderful establishment of bureaucracy, I have been forced to postpone my departure. All my worldly possession were put in storage a few days before I was scheduled to leave; hence, the living out of suitcases. Today is Saturday, 22 January; hopefully, I will be able to leave by this next Friday.

Most of you reading this will probably be surprised to find out that this is not the first entry in this blog. I started this blog in the spring of 2009 and kept it while I was interning in Washington, DC that summer. I only told a handful of people though. It is ironic that the last post I made was a link for a preview of the movie "Post Grad". Anyone seen it? I loved it. I thought it was charming, funny, and all too realistic. I saw the film before I graduated from college, while I was still quite sure that I would soon be sitting at my desk in some fabulous downtown high-rise, in a J.Crew suit, changing the world...all with my first real job! Did you notice my comment on the link? God has a sense of humor. I started working at Starbucks Coffee as a summer job, convinced I would have a different job by the end of the summer. And slowly but surely, it was August, September...and now it's January. Now, full-time ministry has not always been my life goal, my desired career (and it still might not be...I'm not sure). But I applied to the campus ministry leader position in Joburg, the same way I applied to every other job: "Let's keep my options open...this probably won't happen either, but who knows." Then through a serious of events which I believe God was completely behind, by the end of September, I was filling out visa applications and collecting boxes to pack my things into. And here I am, four months later, begging the country of South Africa to let me in.

I chose the above quote by Nelson Mandela because it's kind of how I feel about moving to Africa. Many people have told me I'm very brave for going, many have just gawked at me and asked if I was joking. I don't  really know how to respond. I don't feel exceptionally brave and it can be hard to quickly explain how the love of Christ compels us to do things we could never imagine. But I do think it's like Mr. Mandela said, "It always seems impossible until it's done." A lot of life is like that. This is also a perfect transition to explain the title of my blog.

(WARNING: slight movie spoiler ahead.)
Ever seen The Holiday? Christmas/New Years movie with Jude Law, Kate Winslet, Jack Black, Cameron Diaz? It is one of my favorites! All the reasons why are irrelevant for here, but there is one scene...
Throughout the entire film Kate Winslet (Iris) pines for a man who does not love her and will not, but he keeps her in this toxic relationship that continues to give her hope for something more. Eventually, just before the new year, Iris comes to her senses and realizes how much of her life she has been wasting on this tool-box of a man. She tells him that this "twisted, toxic thing between us, is finally finished!" When he asks what has gotten into her, she responds: "I don't know. But I think what I've got is something slightly resembling, gumption." Yes! It is a scene that makes the viewer feel just as liberated at Iris does! Now, I know that might seem like quite a dramatic analogy to use in my life...I am not going to South Africa to free myself from some disastrous relationship...but the whole thing represents what I've wanted to be my whole life: brave. Have some gumption. Stand up for something. Be loud. I'm gotten better at it over the years and moving to Africa is another big growth spurt, but it is always something I will need help doing and will just have to make a decision to do/be. (See point E for further detail.)

Well, there you go. The first entry of the chronicles of a girl with something in her, slightly resembling gumption. Hopefully, I will have some updates and more exciting things to fill you all in on over the next week...as well as, a more detailed description of what I'm actually doing over there. I didn't really give you that, did I?

Till then...

Chao!