Ask...

I was missing something today. I just had an empty feeling in my chest and I couldn't quite pinpoint what it was or how I could get past it. I was doing some negative thinking (never a productive activity by the way) and asking how I could get out of that bad space. Then something wonderful happened.

I had a phone appointment with a woman who needed my help. I had agreed to give her 15 minutes of my time to share some marketing ideas for her company. We brainstormed for a bit and I gave her some directions to follow and a few resources she can tap into for free. Then we changed subjects and she told me about a concert she is giving on Friday (tomorrow) night and how she wanted to use the concert to raise funds for a girl's charity that is close to her heart. I threw out some ideas on how to do that, including a raffle for a singing telegram to be delivered by her (by the way she has a gorgeous voice). After I shared those ideas she said to me,

"Courtney you are wonderful. You answered my prayers!" Huh? I answered a prayer?
She told me that she had been praying that an idea would come to her that would allow her to raise that money in a short period of time. My words gave her that idea.

Now remember how I had that "empty" feeling before? When I heard that I had helped her, I overflowed with joy. So she answered my prayer too...

Positive Ripples

I attended a group meditation last Monday and again last night. The object of the meditation was to connect with "love" - that ultimate in human states. Not necessarily "romantic love" or "brotherly love", but universal love. It was a very interesting experience and the thing that I found most fascinating was the reaction of others in the room. I personally have had some awesome experiences with guided meditation, but some of the others were "newbies". It was so interesting to watch them overcome their previous "programming" and allow themselves to share very intimate thoughts with the others in the room.
One woman in particular shared a touching story about redemption. She had asked many years ago for a sign that she was not alone and unguided in the universe. That same day she met a new friend, who until that day was a complete stranger, that told her that she was so loved. This came to her in a very dark time and offered hope and light.
When you hear a story like this you can't help but come to the conclusion that we ALL have the power to touch someone in a positive way. Sometimes we are completely unaware of how we affect others, sometimes it's deliberate. I believe that if you are consistently kind, respectful and loving to each person you interact with you are bound to start positive ripples.
Hold a door open for a stranger today - literally or figuratively. You'll start something!

Goals

I recently read a great quote from J. C. Penny - the founder of the retail stores. "Give me a stock clerk with a goal and I will give you a person who will make history; but give me a person without a goal and I will give you a stock clerk." Wow... that really hit home for me.

This is the time of year when everyone seems to get a new lease on life and a boost in energy and inertia. I have had the incredible fortune to work with some pretty amazing people, who for some reason have believed in me even when I lost sight of my own purpose. I suppose they were put in my path to remind me to stay focused and reach for that "potential" I have been told about for many years.

So I am creating a new personal mission statement. I think one of the best ways for me to keep myself honest is to publish that statement for all the world to see. So later when you run into me out and about ask me if I'm on track! (everyone needs some pushing now and again)

So here is my personal mission as I see it today:
I will help a stranger every day. I will strive to always show kindness, love and respect to everyone I interact with. I will help guide my clients to happiness and love using my focused attention to their needs and my ability to connect people. I will share knowledge whenever possible. I will support my family financially, morally and spiritually. I will inspire others to explore their joy too.

I reconnected with an old friend a couple of weeks ago. We've known each other since sixth grade. She told me that way back then I helped her break out of her shell. She said I always told her "No regrets, go for it." Isn't it funny how your own words can come back to you years later? What a wise 13 year old I was... It's time to reconnect with that.

No regrets! Go for it 2009!

Crazy Dating Scenes

I have to tell you, in my line of work I run into some very quirky characters. As a matchmaker I need to utilize all kinds of tools to find potential matches for my clients. I recently posted a personal ad on Craig's List. What an adventure this has been!
I got one gentleman that offered all kinds of S & M gigs. (umm, no thanks), one man that sent me a picture of naked women (oookay, no idea why) and the best one was a man that offered to become my "ho". Yep, he's apparently for hire - Deuce Bigalow step aside.
So if you are currently single (and actively dating) hats off to you brave people! I know my clients are pretty happy about using me as a "filter"!
That being said, there are also a lot of sincere, loving people out there still looking for a great person to settle down with. I think as long as humans exist we will crave that special connection with another human. I am incredibly grateful for my wonderful man and I love to witness (and facilitate) that in other couples. Love rocks!