Bringing Heart to Art

It was a sunny summer morning, and I was looking forward to a full day of appointments. Many of my clients were well on their way to obtaining gainful employment. We completed applications, talked about what it takes to land and win a successful interview and how to be successful on the job. Throughout my career I have placed over 300 people with disabilities and challenges in jobs they enjoy. This has helped them to live meaningful lives of service and self-reliance.

I didn't know the next appointment that day would change my life and my clients' lives forever!

Sara and I talked about her next position that she wanted closer to home. Some things had happened, and she was sad not to be able to use her artistic training she learned in college as she had been using it for a few years on an internet site. She was rather gloomy, unlike her upbeat and confident self, and I inquired about what had occurred since our last meeting. She shared what was going on and was very distressed.

I tried to cheer her up by saying, "I have had a story in my heart for several years that I have wanted to share with the world. I just need an illustrator." She enthusiastically said, "I'd love to see it!" I told her that the only way we could proceed would be for her parents and the company I worked with to agree to this partnership. And that she would be paid a high amount for her expertise. Within a couple of weeks, with everyone's permission, Sara and I met every week for the next few months, reviewing her work and suggesting changes. We used these appointments as an opportunity for her to learn to be a successful entrepreneur. Being on time, dressing for the job and having a professional attitude were important strategies we used to get positive results.

Sara, who is on the autism spectrum, did an excellent job on illustrating my children's book, I am Light I am Bright. She and I were invited to speak at a local conference for people with physical and intellectual disabilities on how to collaborate with others and be successful. For me, Sara is uniquely abled; she has the drive, talent and positive attitude that many successful people embody. This collaboration of "bringing heart to art" has proved that everyone has talents and abilities that are uniquely their own! And with sincere support of those who believe in them, they can become bright lights in the world! Good news…Sara did get that job she really liked closer to home!

You can read and get inspired by I am Light I am Bright on Amazon. It has been sold around the world and is available in Spanish: Tengo Luz y Tengo Brillo. 5-star reviews.

About the Author: 

Melanie Lococo is a writer, educator, storyteller and vocational counselor. She earned a master's degree in vocational rehabilitation from San Diego State University and has worked in this field for over 20 years. She studied English Literature at Oxford University on a junior year abroad scholars' program at USD and began her love of travel. Melanie has been a devotee of Paramahamsa Yogananda for over 30 years. She taught youngsters in Sunday school and has served at the San Diego Temple and the Self-Realization Fellowship Mother Center. I am Light I am Bright is her first children's coloring book. It has reached children and families around the world. Her upcoming book, Jump Joey Jump, will be published in 2026.