Building Confidence, Courage, Character

Imagine having a job description that included "building confidence, courage, and character in young women." That's a pretty lofty mission, right? But it is exactly the mission of the people with whom I spent most of my day today. I spoke for the staff of the Fox Valley Girl Scout Council.

I was inspired to be in the presence of these loving, caring people. I was not aware of the enormous opportunities and offerings availed for young women by this incredible organization. Of course, I had always known of Girl Scouts (and ALWAYS enjoyed their cookies), but I don't think I had any idea about the scope of their offerings.

Things are changing with Girl Scouts. Councils are being realigned. The bottom line is that the changes are necessary and will ultimately benefit greatly the "customers" of the Girl Scouts--those girls who call themselves Daisys, or Brownies, or Girl Scouts.

Wouldn't it be incredible if ALL OF US had the mission of building confidence, courage, and character? Let's follow the lead of the Girl Scouts. Let's ALL take that on as our mission for each other!

Can we start today?

Spending Time Where It Matters

I am in the Tampa Airport waiting to board a plane back to Chicago. I came to spend Mother's Day with my own Mother.

My parents are both living. At age 85, Mom is in incredibly good health. Dad struggles. He's got parkinsons disease, diabetes, enlarged prostate, he's a colon cancer survivor--the list is endless. It is incredible however to witness the care that Mom offers Dad. And in his own way, Dad's care for Mom.

It was hard leaving my own family to spend Mother's Day with my Mom. The truth is, I don't know how many more Mother's Days there will be for she and I. It seemed incredibly important to spend time with her here...now.

I realize there are so many places that I spend time that really don't matter. These past couple of days have given me some contemplative time. It has made me realize that none of us knows how many Mother's Days we have. Watching my Mom and Dad after 60 years of marriage makes me know that how important it is that we spend time where it matters--on realtionships that bind, and in places that give us joy.

Where do you spend your time?

Pacing and Nudging

Yesterday I saw something incredibly sad. Here in Chicago, we've been getting rain by the bucket full! Standing water is everywhere!

I was driving along on a fairly busy two lane road when I noticed Jake and Jessica(the names that we assigned to every male and female duck when my kids were young). I could see Jake pacing steadily and periodically 'nosing' Jessica with his beak. She was not moving. She had been hit by a car sometime before I was passing by.

Jake never left Jessica. Paced and nudged her for an incredibly long length of time. I don't know how long he stayed beside her. I didn't turn my car around to see what would happen next. Tears blinded me.

What I do know is that I was profoundly moved by this scene. It made me realize how quickly life can change. It made me long for my children (3 of whom are not living at home now). It made me recall how when they would see Jake and Jessica, they would squeal with delight. It made me realize that everything at some point will come to an end with none of us knowing when that moment might be.

I want to say I love you before one more moment goes by. You matter. You make a difference. My hope is that you will witness the living companionship of Jake and Jessica in your own life.

This is your nudge.

Hope Springs Eternal At the Essentially Women Conference

I recently spoke at the Essentially Women Conference in Charleston, SC. (www.essentiallywomen.com) I have to tell you that I was incredibly moved by these business owners. Most of the owners are women who sell prosthetics to women who have undergone mastectomies. I was awestruck by the deliberate calm and care that these women show their patients in such a highly emotional industry. These women help their patients see that hope springs eternal.

I am grateful to Sandy Carpenter and Andy Wright of Gemtress (www.gemtress.com) who were good enough to sponsor my speaking at this event. Andy has been in this industry selling wigs for 35 years. Anyone who has been in business for ANY amount of time understands that you must be passionate, customer service oriented, and provide unbelievable quality of product to be able to sustain for that length of time. In tandem, Melissa Bergel and Barb Moebs of Essentially Women deserve an inordinate amount of kudos for the success of this event.

Finally, I am eternally grateful to Cindy Ciardo, Michelle Owens, Linda Collier, and Linda Romps who helped me create and sustain deliverable content for this program.

Ladies, I am a better person for having known you. You have my heart...