Where to begin? Well, let me just start by saying that the phrase “Somewhere Over” has taken on a whole new meaning for me. I will never look at another rainbow the same way.
JD (my husband and the brains behind SomewhereOver.com) has been consumed with the idea of making a difference in this world since long before we met. A personal and professional goal I believe he has always worked toward, his determination to bring about positive change has evolved into a passion, and most recently, into an obsession. As such, JD has poured the majority of his “free” time, energy and effort over the last two years into making his obsession a reality – one we now know as SomewhereOver.com.
Thinking about this now, I realize that calling this venture an “obsession” is probably an understatement. Ask anyone who knows JD and they’ll confirm that any topic of conversation with him somehow always finds its way back to the same thing: giving back, bringing about positive change, and helping others do the same – all through SomewhereOver.com. It seems to have been on his mind constantly for the past two years.
Admittedly, it’s been an exciting ride, but not without its share of frustrations (and rewards). On this journey, we have learned so much. For instance, we’ve both learned how to be more patient, more flexible and more giving with each other, which has not always been easy (especially with two kids). JD has definitely done the bulk of the work required to bring his exciting ideas to fruition. My primary role has been more of a supporting one, with my focus honed more intently on our children and the day-to-day responsibilities, freeing JD up to concentrate on SomewhereOver.com.
This now more developed give-and-take has allowed JD to spend the crucial hours needed to bring his passion and his ideas to life, knowing I am overseeing other areas of his life that are equally important. While these rewards surely benefit any relationship. I’d be lying if I said that it hasn’t been without sacrifice and without frustration that the SomewhereOver.com site was developed. Throughout, however, I never doubted our sacrifices would be in vain. I knew without doubt that JD was onto something great, something that could bring about the kind of difference he has been on a lifelong mission to spark.
While my husband and I may not agree on everything, we do share the belief that the kind of profound change that brings about real good can only come from the collaboration of people who come together to share ideas and who work hand-in-hand to turn these ideas into action. This shared belief is what SomewhereOver.com is all about.
I couldn’t be prouder of my husband’s commitment to change, or his extraordinary work to bring SomewhereOver.com to life. I look forward to being a part of the SomewhereOver.com team (I’ll write more on that later) and to interacting with the SomewhereOver.com members to bring about individual change, community change, and eventually the kind of profound change that can be felt across the globe.
Working together we can do it. The “birth” of SomewhereOver.com is proof of that.