WELCOMe

Welcome! We the founders and creators of LIVING52, Julie and Tonya, are thrilled to finally share this initiative with you. Your interest warms our hearts. We look forward to connecting with you throughout the next 52 weeks.
 
From the very beginning of our friendship, we desired to collaborate on a creative project that would give us purpose and make a difference in people’s lives. That was sixteen years ago. Both of our lives differ greatly from this earlier time and now we also need a healing distraction from emotional pain. We asked our friend Heidi to join us in the creation process, since she was also dealing with life changes. Through our many meetings with lots of laughter and tears, we gave birth to the LIVING52 initiative.
 
What started as a joint creative project and later a distraction from pain has turned into:

• Hope in doing something that matters
• Bringing people together
• Igniting a fire in our souls that creates healing
• Becoming more rooted, awakening growth
• A reminder each day of a way to be better than we were yesterday
• Connecting people with various backgrounds and views through meaningful words as helpful reminders.

 
As we prepared for the initial launch event on December 15, 2019, we were asked by many family and friends, “What is this? What is LIVING52?” It was hard for us to verbalize the concept, so we chose to keep quiet and just say, “Come to the launch to find out!” On the way to the launch event, one of our friends said she was discussing with her husband what we were “selling.” Their bet was – a pyramid scheme selling medical edibles. Oh my! Guess we could have given our family and friends a little more information? Lol!
 
So, what is LIVING52? It is very simple! It is an initiative in which a group of people focus on one meaningful word for a week and repeat this for 52 weeks. For example, let’s choose the word empathy. Those who sign up with LIVING52 will be sent the definition of the word empathy, an accompanying quote, and a blog on someone’s personal perspective on the word’s meaning in his or her life. Hopefully this will provide an opportunity for all of us to find deeper meaning and personal wisdom. To sign up for emails visit www.living52words.com or connect through the LIVING52 community social media sites.
 
Words can be powerful. Let’s be aware and conscientious of the words that come out of our mouths, the words we take in, and the words we hold onto. We want to be clear -- we (Julie and Tonya) need this more than most! We need a constant reminder to be positive, to laugh, be joyful, and to connect with others. Your participation will help us heal and stay connected with our families and communities!
 
Throughout the next year, we will have 52 words, quotes, blogs, etc. Our hope is that you will read, listen, communicate, explain and tell us your stories. Jackie Robinson said, “A life is not important except in the impact it has on other lives.” Let’s make a positive impact by lifting each other up with the LIVING52 words!
 
For some of you-- this is right up your alley! For some of you -- you signed up because you are curious, or you love us, or you are cynical and doubtful? We hope that no matter which of these you identify with that you will still hang with us for the year! The weekly blogs will vary. They will be funny, serious, sappy, positive, sad, or happy. There will be many guest bloggers throughout the 52 weeks (Let us know if you would like to contribute).
 
During this year we hope to connect with you and grow together. Thank you for joining us for this year-long initiative! We look forward to seeing the differences we can make together in community with one another.
 
One Word, One Week, One Year at a time. 

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