Author: Phoenix

Hi. My name is Phoenix (aka Stephan Heard). I am a writer, and naturally, I am excited about my work, and I hope to share it with you, in the hopes that you will feel inspired.

The Challenge by Phoenix

Phoenix

On January 2, 2016, with me unable to believe that it is a brand-new year, I set out with my New Year’s resolution, which was that I was going to continue to try to live a life of gratitude, and continue to appreciate all of my blessings. My goal is to continue to challenge myself to appreciate what I have and to not feel entitled. As I have said before, it is important to me that I keep this goal in my mind, that I let this challenge sufficiently push me, to do better, to be better. But this has … Continue reading The Challenge by Phoenix

The Winter Street by Phoenix

Phoenix

It’s Christmas morning. The snow is falling generously and brilliantly. I’m a little sleepy, but I’m excited, and getting ready for the outreach that’s going to take place, soon enough. I’m not sure what to expect, but I am very happy and content, because my parents are going to join me, as well as one of my friends. The next thing I know, I am at the alley where we prepare to do the outreach. I’m feeling nervous, because I know that I’m going to be a squad leader and lead a group in the middle of a storm, but … Continue reading The Winter Street by Phoenix

Death Be Not Proud by Phoenix

Phoenix

Death, be not proud, though some have called thee mighty and dreadful, for thou art not so: for those whom thou think’st thou does overthrow die not, poor Death: not yet canst thou kill me … —John Donne It is super cold. I’m walking in the snow, at a vigil for homeless folks who have lost their lives due to their harsh and unforgiving circumstances and living conditions. I’m cold and shivering, because I am walking in ankle-deep snow, and my shoes are getting soaked, caked with ice, making my feet frozen and stiff, as cold winds brush against my … Continue reading Death Be Not Proud by Phoenix

How I Got Involved with Legacy by Jayson Garcia

Phoenix

I got involved with Legacy about a year and a half ago. My ex-brother-in-law and my nephews were in a fire, but Legacy stepped up and helped gather donations for them and the other families that were affected, seeing as they lived in an apartment-style condo: The fire affected eight families. In dealing with them, Kelly Peterson invited me on the next outreach. I showed up and loved the atmosphere, loved the people, and most of all, loved the feeling I got while making and handing out burritos. Travis and Ted are two of the most amazing people I have … Continue reading How I Got Involved with Legacy by Jayson Garcia

Eudaimonia by Phoenix

Phoenix

  Eudaimonia is Aristotle’s ethical term. It is often translated as “human happiness,” but the more technical translation would be “human flourishing.” While Aristotle’s own conception of Eudaimonia comes with its own specific philosophy and historical context, I think it is a useful concept to frame this piece and my recent experiences. I believe that doing the work that I do, of focusing on cultivating specific virtues, such as compassion and kindness for others, via the Legacy Initiative and my efforts to serve those in need, has allowed me to flourish as a human being, and I have seen others … Continue reading Eudaimonia by Phoenix

Thoughts on Street Outreach of November 24, 2015 by Phoenix

Phoenix

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=podpKL8dUj0 In the video, I talk about my experiences with doing street outreach for the homeless, in a small group, with Tedd, Tracy, and Jayson from The Legacy Initiative. It was a positive experience, and it was inspiring to see those we talked to have such a positive and friendly attitude despite their circumstances. Much remains to do in order to gain the trust of the homeless in Salt Lake, but we must be aware that the homeless are their own community and deserve to be respected as such, as an articulate homeless friend of ours pointed out to us. … Continue reading Thoughts on Street Outreach of November 24, 2015 by Phoenix

The Other Side of Utah

Phoenix

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KHzMG3eEZlY In the video, several members from Legacy Initiative were interviewed for a short video in Spanish. We are asked about why we do what we do, and our response is generally because it’s inspiring to see other people happy, because of the service work we do as an organization. We are also asked how to get involved with helping the homeless population, and it is recommended to get involved politically, to try to get involved with various organizations, and to make one’s own effort and one’s own way with helping the homeless population. The video is a good representation … Continue reading The Other Side of Utah

Reflection on the November Outreach of 2015 by Phoenix

Phoenix

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xrMrfUu_9Nc It’s amazing the things you experience and learn when doing outreach work with the homeless population of Salt Lake City. I recorded this video to reflect on my experiences on doing outreach work for November 2015. In it, I talk about the innocence of a grateful homeless child, who appreciated our gift of a nice warm hat and a nice warm blanket for the approaching winter season, and how touching that was to see. It’s important when I experience these things, I see the silver lining, as they say, see strength in adversity, see the gratitude in beautiful people, … Continue reading Reflection on the November Outreach of 2015 by Phoenix

Why Outreach Becomes Surrender by Phoenix

Phoenix

Today, I would like to talk about an incident I had while doing outreach work for the homeless (that is, giving out food, water, hygiene kits, and other essentials). I’m going to describe why outreach becomes surrender. Everything was going well. We were passing out the food to people in need (burritos with tin foil covering them, to keep them hot), and getting to know the homeless folk. We were being kind, considerate, compassionate. We were distributing our resources and the resources of others, as well as spending our own time. In other words: we were making the attempt to … Continue reading Why Outreach Becomes Surrender by Phoenix