Federation of Organizations

I'm excited about giving a talk today at the Federation of Organizations Annual Appreciation Luncheon. This is a national organization which coordinates senior volunteers. I believe it's mostly or totally a women's group. They either participate in helping little kids learn to read (surragate grandparents) or they visit shut-ins.
They must be a very positive group of people. I can't wait to share my insights on happiness with them. No doubt the energy in the room will be palpable. I'll let you know how it goes.
I am so blessed to be in a position to empower and inspire folks.
I'm sure I will learn a ton today.
Lord, how may I serve?

Hauppauge Industrial Association Trade Show

Last Thursday, May 21,2009, I participated in the Hauppauge Industrial Association Trade Show. It is one of the largest, if not the largest, trade shows on Long Island. It was a full day of meeting and chatting with folks from all over. I took advantage of this marketing opportunity to meet hundreds of new prospects. Some had an interest in my Simple Happiness talks and some had an interest in my best selling book, Simple Happiness, 52 Easy Ways to Lighten Up.

Just seeing the book brings a smile to your face; the bright yellow cover and the catchy title always produce a smile even from those sporting long faces.

In the afternoon, I had the opportunity to meet one of my fellow exhibitors, George Bouklas, Ph.D., of Bouklas Group. At the urging of another fellow exhibitor, Paula Parish, George stopped by and began to stir things up. His booming voice and contageous energy caused an instant storm of interest in my book and talks. "This man (me) is a genius" he bellowed. "How can you pass up the opportunity to grab this life-changing book! He's practically giving it away! Simple Happiness for only twelve bucks!" And people stopped to check it out. And they bought it. They walked away happy that they had made an investment in themselves. George was happy to bring attention to my efforts. I was certainly happy to sell more books which will spread the word. Most of all I was happy to meet George.

Opportunities show up in all kinds of different ways. I met all kinds of people at the Trade Show, but I have a sneaking suspicion that meeting George Bouklas, PhD will turn out to be the most meaningful result of my Trade Show efforts.

Positive Energy

We all have things that bring us down from time to time. Sometimes they are real concerns, ie. children, finances, health, employment to name a few. In today's world there is certainly enough bad news to latch on to. Sometimes the worries can be vague, and sometimes they can be concrete. These issues can really sap the energy from our psyche and slow down our momentum.

What's the answer? One answer for sure is to have a positive friend to turn to. A friend who views you and the world in a bright, positive light, one who reminds you that these circumstances are just that, circumstances. They are not the essence of your life, they are not the essence of who you really are. It's great to have a person to lift you up, to help get you back on track. It's a blessing to have a friend who can spark your energy and light your fire again.

One final thought... As great as it is to have a friend you can turn to in time of low energy...it's just as great to BE that kind of friend.