Do you know what you want to be when you grow up? We all struggle with this – and it is not
just when you are young. Some of us are
still asking that question and are unclear on the answer.
Last night we had the launch of the One Red Lipstick book, a project I had been involved in as the
editor. The stories are of 24
entrepreneurial women who have been there and back, and still navigated their
way to achieve success on their own terms.
Not only was there a
sense of pride and accomplishment last night, but the launch served to remind me of why I love what I am
doing and how my plans for the future are taking me in the right direction. So I’d like to share how I know this is right
and perhaps then you can check whether you too are on the right path.
Pay attention to your
reactions. There’s a glow. Your face lights up when you talk about your
plans. Your eyes shine brightly.
There’s a contagious enthusiasm about what you are doing and
saying. Several people, for example, remarked
that I looked so relaxed and excited.
When you speak it all
comes naturally. The words flow,
there’s no script because you are speaking from the heart. Apart from the names of the people I had to
introduce last night, I had no notes and no trouble telling people who they
were and what they’d done.
You meet the right
people who can help you achieve your goals.
It’s more than being in the right place at the right time. It’s serendipity. When you are doing what you are supposed to
be doing, it all starts to fall into place. And part of that synchronicity is that you
are aware of what you want to do, so your antenna are up, and you are more open
to new people and new ideas.
You share your plans
and ideas and say them out loud. In
doing so, you are actually making a public commitment to yourself that you will
do what you are planning to do.
The theme of the evening was resilience and courage. It takes courage to walk through the
challenges in life, but without the tenacity to stick with it, learn and move
on, we’d all be stuck in a place where we don’t want to stay.
Last night I made my announcement that I am starting a
publishing company so I can help others get their message and stories out into
the world. I said it out loud and
already, can you believe, already would-be authors are coming forward. Who knew?
Life is pretty cool when you are willing to open new doors
for yourself. I have no idea where this
new venture of mine will take me, but I know that starting it up is adding a
bounce to my step as it combines all that I love – writing, books, and people.
Just think of all the book launches I can organize –
always a party gal, I just love bringing people together. And no, I am not giving up Company of Women, just expanding what we do.
If you are at a crossroads, dig deep. What do you enjoy doing? What makes your heart sing?
While the stories in the book vary, one thing the women have in common, is they
didn’t let the stuff of life hold them back, they dusted themselves off and
moved forward.
And you can too.
