About a week ago I spoke to a group of women involved in the American Women’s Business Association (AWBA). When invited to speaking engagements I usually arrive early to set up my books, become accustomed to the environment and simply get myself centered prior to speaking. When I speak I basically do so with an “outline” of thoughts, to keep me somewhat on track. But also I am quite spontaneous as a speaker. I even joke to my audiences that I don’t even know what I am going to say at any given moment so, get ready for the ride! Speaking, to me, is a much more dynamic experience for me as compared to doing television or radio…even podcasting. Someday it is my fantasy to have it all come together…motivating regularly in all forms of media…speaking about what I love. Facilitating positive change in people’s lives via sharing my thoughts, experiences and knowledge. And making people smile and have hope.
Before the AWBA meeting, I sat and watched my audience members wander in. Many seemed low energy and as if this was just another day, another meeting…a “let’s get this over with” attitude. Some seemed excited but many, well, I can tell you, just seemed indifferent. “Okay”, I thought. “Here we go. Let’s get this party started.” And then I began to talk, and talk, and talk. I shared my story of losing my husband when my children were small, I spoke of my love for hawks and why that was important, I talked about dealing with change and how we are responsible for the outcome of how we live our lives…that we do have a choice in dealing with the unexpected. I am a bit goofy, I must admit, when I speak. I also was a trained dancer and a former “tom boy” too, so I am fairly physical, dancing about, looking probably like a crazy woman! I also throw in funny stories and let my audience know that it’s okay to laugh. After all, death and humor, well, sometimes people feel as if they might not be able to laugh as I had just shared tragic events of my life. But as the audience’ journey with me progressed, tears came forth, then smiles and then excitement! “Ah yes,” I thought “I am doing my job! They are waking up! They have hope that life CAN be wonderful!” I take this self appointed “job” of being a speaker, very seriously. I feel that if I can stand before an audience and show that even when faced with the darkest of circumstances you can come out on the other side laughing and appreciating all of the wonderful things that exist in the world, that I have accomplished my task. This is part of what I consider to be my life’s purpose. When I completed with what I call my “ranting and raving” of which I truly enjoy, I sat down and was immediately surrounded by these now very “awake” women! “You have no idea what you have done to us!” one proclaimed! I love it. They bought my books, “52 Ways to a Healthy You” (thank you ladies!) and we chatted and laughed. I must say, it was very gratifying. You see, it is my passion, it really is, to do just this. In whatever I do whether it is speaking, writing, hosting television shows, or even being interviewed as an expert, I always say a prayer before hand. “Please God, allow me to touch the people’s lives I need to touch and to say the things I need to say to help those who need to “wake up” and help them see that life can be extraordinary, no matter what their circumstances.” As I drove away I was smiling. “This is living.” I stated out loud in my car. “This is what life is all about.” Connecting, inspiring and expressing the joy and love that I have in my heart. I have gratitude for the challenges I have faced previously in my life…they served to awaken me. To help me to remember what is important in life. And to help recapture “me”, my soul and my spirit. I have gratitude for change. I want to create a bumper sticker that simply says “In life, change happens.” Don’t you know it…
