Human Potential

Last week was a busy week with the invitation to share at four different events.  I actually enjoy this opportunity and find that each experience brings a chance to reflect on the requested topic and ponder and this speaker learns much more than the audience. 

*To a group of teachers - I shared .. we are in the human potential business.
Strength, courage and resiliency exist in everyone, but they start as a tiny spark and its only through facing  challenges that they grow and blaze into the force that directs our lives.
--Erik Weihenmayer
As that spark is ignited ... our young clients/students begin to believe in themselves and independence is desired.

*To the state convention titled:  It is Respectable to be Blind.   Of course!  Love that empowering title of the conference and the messages shared.  My specific title was:  A Respectable Professional:  What does blindness have to do with it?  My short answer is nothing.  I believe being a respected professional is through integrity, being a hard worker, having a specialty/skill that others see as valuable, and a passion for one's profession.  I broke down the word Respectable with a key word for each.
R = Respect for ourselves and others.  We must believe in ourselves and know that we deserve respect.
E = Effort.  Lots of it.  It takes much effort to reach our dreams. 
S = Serve others.  Put yourself out there for someone else.
P = Passion.  Find your passion and make it happen.  When we have a passion, we don't see the obstacles.  We can be dreamers or doubters.  Dreamers so.
E = Engage with others.  Connections.  Relationships with others.  Reciprocity.
C = Create.  Action word.  Create the opportunities that we want.
T = Truth.  Speak your truth.  Find someone you can trust who will give you that honest feedback and hold you accountable.
A = Authenticity.  Acknowledge your own inner strength.  Hold your head high with that cane or guide dog or sighted guide. 
B = Believe.  Believe in yourself, your abilities, your strengths. (a little repetitive but I think one to be emphasized). 
L = Laughter.  Find something that makes you laugh each day.  Walk with a smile on your face.
E = Embrace your life ... blindness included.  Find a way to do what you want to do.
Of course, I had to share a running story at the end!  That is such a fun way to end with a victory to visualize being cheered on.  

Another presentation message was:  LOVE.  Shared my favorite song - There is Only Love by Karen Drucker.  I feel such gratitude for the Love in my life. 

Just had a call to do another presentation next week.  Perhaps that is part of the celebration of the human potential!  That quiet Becky is enjoying presenting. 

Side note:  I have been enjoying yummy lunches with friends this week.  Its been fun.  Another one today.  We are going to the same location that I went yesterday.  Do you think they'll notice the lady and her dog are back? :).  Warm soup, sitting by the fire, with a friend is so nourishing on another rainy day.