I believe conscious living means “being aware of what happens when we live our lives from loving awareness.”
When I was a little girl both my parents had the attitude of, “you get up, and live the day by the attitude YOU choose.” My dad would wake us whistling like a bird; mom would play Carol King records. My parents intentionally chose to openly share their happiness, which of course, has rubbed off on me 🙂 I am so grateful.
Each day, we also decide which of our gifts we will share with the world. I take pride in my ability to turn someone’s day around. The grouchy sales clerk, rude waitress, angry driver or the frustrated client. We don’t know their journey or their worries… maybe they chose to be grumpy when they woke up. I try to make them happy and muster a smile, even if for only a moment. At the very least, I offer kindness. Everyone deserves kindness. Kindness can make such a huge difference! I believe this makes the world a much better place to live. Don’t you?
My life, like everyone else’s, has had its fair amount of challenges. The most challenging has been a child with addiction. Without a doubt, this has been an extreme example of loving awareness, my love for my child. I find myself talking about this experience more often than some may wish, but I believe it’s a large part of my core and who I am, and how I choose to live each day.
My loving awareness.
Believe me, there are days I wake up and would rather stay in bed—but I make a choice—I will not be a victim… I will be an advocate! I firmly believe this is part of my life’s journey.
I know my reaction to things in my life including my sons addiction are all part of who I am and what I’ve experienced, including positive loving caring parents, my marriage, friendships, business relationships, coworkers, and community engagement.
Conscious living is experiencing our joy, love and our purpose in this world and the gifts we have to offer, we live by conscious choice not chance.

Mary K. Bolin is Graduate of Lexington High School and North Central State College. She has worked in the staffing industry for 29 years. Mary has two grown children, Alex and Maggie, and a grandson Nash. I love the community and have been involved in many non-profit boards and fundraising events. Currently, Mary is the board President of United Way of Richland County. and the Director of the staffing division at Temp2Higher, of N.E.C.I.C. Mary enjoys reading, golf, the beach and anytime she can be with her family. Her favorite challenge is finding solutions for our community.