This is my second post today; catching up from playing hooky over the weekend. If you missed my earlier post on how to get past writer's block, you can find it HERE.
You may know that I’m a Toastmaster. For those of you who aren’t familiar with the group, we are an international organization developing leadership and oral communication skills and have been around since the 1920’s. I’ve been involved with the organization since June 2011 and have greatly enjoyed it. In my home club’s last meeting (I also participate in an advanced club) I was in charge; meaning I set the tone by selecting a theme and conducting the meeting.
That day happened to be my dad’s birthday. He would have been 93 years old, had he lived. He died 30 years ago. But this isn’t what I’m writing about today.
You may also know the overall theme of my posts this past week had been to be positive, give encouragement, and be kind to one another, and to say nice things. I decided to carry that message into my club meeting. But because it was my dad’s birthday, I decided to celebrate; hence, “words of celebration” was born.
“We as Toastmasters have the esteemed privilege to spread words of inspiration, encouragement, and support each and every time we speak at a meeting, at a conference, or while on any stage,” I said in my opening statement. As writers we have the same privilege. As a blogger you reach readers from across the globe. How. Awesome. Is. That!
Long before I became a Toastmaster, however, I was keenly aware how inspiring someone, encouraging them by lending support could rock their world and perhaps change (or save) their life. A friend of mine confided in me something that she thought was a terrific and horrible act that she carried through. As I was only her confessor in that moment, I did not judge her or what she had done. My friend was afraid that I would not like her because of her past.
Number one, I’m not one to judge; I have my own past.
Number two. I’ve been in her shoes, confessing my bad behavior; all I can hope for is acceptance of who I am today.
Number three: Nothing she could say to me was worse than what I did; and even if it had, I know that people change and she and I are no longer those people who committed “the crime.” (Confession: this friend was the first to introduce this concept to me, lifting so much weight off my shoulders!)
Words of celebration; words of acceptance; words of kindness are like music to our ears, especially if we expect to hear the high pitched squeak of the woodwind’s reed. Imagine giving someone the lilting notes of inspiration, encouragement, and support with mere words.
A new week begins and so may a new theme. Life is certainly precious as my extended family heals from a head-on collision last evening; they all survived; some with more extensive injuries than others. The oncoming elderly person that crossed over the line did not; prelim report is a medical event, stroke or heart attack, may have occurred.
Words of celebration; incorporate them throughout your day, your week; use them often even when you feel less than congenial; you will not only inspire, encourage, and support those around you, but you will become inspired, encouraged and feel supported as well.
To your success,
PeggyLee
“Life is a gift, and I try to respond with grace and courtesy.” ~Maya Angelou
That day happened to be my dad’s birthday. He would have been 93 years old, had he lived. He died 30 years ago. But this isn’t what I’m writing about today.
You may also know the overall theme of my posts this past week had been to be positive, give encouragement, and be kind to one another, and to say nice things. I decided to carry that message into my club meeting. But because it was my dad’s birthday, I decided to celebrate; hence, “words of celebration” was born.
“We as Toastmasters have the esteemed privilege to spread words of inspiration, encouragement, and support each and every time we speak at a meeting, at a conference, or while on any stage,” I said in my opening statement. As writers we have the same privilege. As a blogger you reach readers from across the globe. How. Awesome. Is. That!
Long before I became a Toastmaster, however, I was keenly aware how inspiring someone, encouraging them by lending support could rock their world and perhaps change (or save) their life. A friend of mine confided in me something that she thought was a terrific and horrible act that she carried through. As I was only her confessor in that moment, I did not judge her or what she had done. My friend was afraid that I would not like her because of her past.
Number one, I’m not one to judge; I have my own past.
Number two. I’ve been in her shoes, confessing my bad behavior; all I can hope for is acceptance of who I am today.
Number three: Nothing she could say to me was worse than what I did; and even if it had, I know that people change and she and I are no longer those people who committed “the crime.” (Confession: this friend was the first to introduce this concept to me, lifting so much weight off my shoulders!)
Words of celebration; words of acceptance; words of kindness are like music to our ears, especially if we expect to hear the high pitched squeak of the woodwind’s reed. Imagine giving someone the lilting notes of inspiration, encouragement, and support with mere words.
A new week begins and so may a new theme. Life is certainly precious as my extended family heals from a head-on collision last evening; they all survived; some with more extensive injuries than others. The oncoming elderly person that crossed over the line did not; prelim report is a medical event, stroke or heart attack, may have occurred.
Words of celebration; incorporate them throughout your day, your week; use them often even when you feel less than congenial; you will not only inspire, encourage, and support those around you, but you will become inspired, encouraged and feel supported as well.
To your success,
PeggyLee
“Life is a gift, and I try to respond with grace and courtesy.” ~Maya Angelou
Want To Reprint this article? You may do so as long as you leave it intact and include this author information:
Peggy Lee Hanson, personal transition guide and mentor, is expert at compassionately helping those suffering loss of any proportion, especially through unemployment. Using proven strategies and support, she teaches how to move quickly and easily through current or impending life-changing moments so that you can have the life you are meant -- and deserve -- to live.
PeggyLee is a Speaker, Best-selling author on Amazon.com, Certified Dream Coach® & Group Leader®, Trained True Purpose Coach®, and CEO and Founder of MyDreamArchitect.com, a subsidiary of Personal Transition Guidance, LLC. Also, Peggy Lee has co-facilitated mastermind groups and appeared as a regular columnist for online communities. She is a member of Toastmasters International.
Follow her at PeggyLeeHanson on Twitter and Facebook. You may also subscribe to her blog and newsletter.
Peggy Lee Hanson, personal transition guide and mentor, is expert at compassionately helping those suffering loss of any proportion, especially through unemployment. Using proven strategies and support, she teaches how to move quickly and easily through current or impending life-changing moments so that you can have the life you are meant -- and deserve -- to live.
PeggyLee is a Speaker, Best-selling author on Amazon.com, Certified Dream Coach® & Group Leader®, Trained True Purpose Coach®, and CEO and Founder of MyDreamArchitect.com, a subsidiary of Personal Transition Guidance, LLC. Also, Peggy Lee has co-facilitated mastermind groups and appeared as a regular columnist for online communities. She is a member of Toastmasters International.
Follow her at PeggyLeeHanson on Twitter and Facebook. You may also subscribe to her blog and newsletter.
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