I Would Walk 500 Miles

Professional Speaker-Personal Development-Positive Attitude

I LOVE that song – I Would Walk 500 Miles by The Proclaimers.

As the song says:
I would walk 500 miles
And I would walk 500 more…

Who or what would you walk 500 miles for? Who or what would be worth the pain and the sacrifice?

Now don’t be so quick to answer the question. Really think about it and the commitment it would take.

When I first saw this picture of a sculpture by artist Frances Bruno Catalano, it really took my breath away. I read that his reason for creating it was to capture the vacuum caused by being forced to leave your land, your life, or your people for any reason.

However, this piece of art had a different message for me. This sculpture made me wonder about times when there was a void in my life, and the people I surrounded myself with to help me fill that void.

Motivational speaker, Jim Rohn, once said: “We are the average of the five people we spend the most time with”.

That’s right! We are greatly influenced by those who are closest to us. They affect our way of thinking, our self confidence, and the decisions we make.

Hopefully you can look around and breathe a sigh of relief. However, if you look around and scream “Yikes, what was I thinking”! it may be time to make a few changes.

So it is those people in my life who helped me fill the void of loneliness, confusion, self-doubt, and so much more that I am truly grateful.

After all, “Friendship isn’t about who you have known the longest… it’s about those who came and never left your side”. (Mikaela Tiu)

And for them, and the hope they gave me, I would walk 500 miles!

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Life’s Little Pleasures

Professional Speaker-Personal Development-Positive Attitude

Five meetings scheduled for today, a string of never ending emails, family obligations…

And that’s all before I have my morning coffee!!!

It’s no wonder we are all stressed out and struggling to find some balance in our busy lives. I’ve heard it over and over again “live in the present”, and I’m still trying to figure that one out. That’s why I was so delighted this past Saturday when I stumbled across this quaint little diner called Schubert’s in Mt. Horeb, Wisconsin.

To tell you the truth, I really didn’t notice it at first. I was hungry, and it was a place to eat lunch. It wasn’t until I heard the Everly Brothers playing over the speakers that I put down my menu and looked around. BTW – if you don’t know who the Everly Brothers are, ask your parents or grandparents – they will be happy to reminisce.

When I finally did put down my menu, and decided to soak in my surroundings, OH MY GOODNESS!!! I was transported back to the 1950s. With its tin ceiling and old-fashioned soda fountain, I felt a warmth and coziness come over me as I pictured my brothers in our living room singing along to Wake Up Little Susie.

That’s when it hit me. I spend so much time planning my next vacation, my next adventure, my next holiday, that I never notice what is right in front of me.

So this afternoon, as I enjoy every bite of my scrumptious cranberry walnut pancakes, I allow myself some “me” time. And finally, FINALLY, I’ve discovered what it means to live in the present.

So if you happen to be in southern Wisconsin, check out Schubert’s Diner: http://www.schubertsrestaurant.com/. And let me know what you think.

I’d also like to know if you’ve discovered any gems of your own. I’d love to put them on my list of Cool Places to Visit.

Categories: Personal Development Positive Thinking Professional Development
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Team Nancy

Professional Speaker-Personal Development-Positive Thinking

I’m competing in a series of speech contests, and I just completed the third round of competition, winning first place. Now I have to compete in and win at three more levels to earn the title of International Speech Champion.

It’s a lot of hard work, very stressful and many times my stomach is tied up in knots.

So why am I doing this??? Good question!

I guess I don’t really know for sure, but there’s something that keeps driving me; keeps pushing me forward. It’s like I’m entering a new zone in my life. The Caution Sign and the Yield Sign have been left behind, and it’s now full speed ahead. I keep my eye on the prize and I’m not looking back.

Of course, all the attention and kudos I’m getting from my peers doesn’t hurt. When I walked into my professional speakers meeting the other day, my friend Paul had printed #TeamNancy on the back of each agenda, Jeanine left me a super touching voicemail about all the progress I have made, and Garrett sent an email with so much encouragement that it brought tears to my eyes.

So maybe that’s my answer. Getting the support of the people who share my vision is priceless. There is no judgment, no “you should have’s”, and no discouragement. Only pure joy over my victory.

As I said in an earlier post, success isn’t about money or winning trips. It’s discovering your own definition of what brings you fulfillment and what makes you truly happy in the process, then going after it with a vengeance, never giving in to what others may think or say.

So to all my friends, my husband (who is my best friend of all), and my family, I have to say thank you for allowing me this dream, for encouraging me, and for making me a winner whether I come home with a trophy or not.

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Table for One Please

Professional Speaker-Personal Development-Positive Attitude

I did it! I finally took some time for myself – without making excuses or feeling guilty. And I loved every minute of it.

I admit that I don’t do this too often, but a couple of days ago, I reserved an evening for myself, and it felt oh sooooo good.

I decided to grab my favorite magazine, the one I never find time to read, and headed for a lovely restaurant in town. Not the kind where you pick up your meal in a box, but a real restaurant with a white tablecloth and all.

I have to admit that as easy as this sounds, I did have some trouble making this happen. After all, it was much easier to put on my sweats, turn on the TV, and assume a predictable place on the couch. You see, my husband was out of town on business and I had the entire evening to myself, to be sloppy and messy, with no one knowing.

But I talked myself out of being a couch potato for this evening and headed to a local restaurant.

I started by ordering a cocktail, told the server not to hurry my order, and cracked open my magazine.

And what a lovely evening I had. Who knew that a date with myself could be so enjoyable!!! So guilt-free.

So, with our days filled with work, errands, and all the “have to do’s”, I encourage you to open your calendar and schedule some time just for you. That’s correct – write it down just like any other important appointment. After all, what’s more meaningful than your own sanity. I know I’m looking forward to my next date with myself. In fact I’m going to start planning it now. I can’t wait to see where I end up.

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