I keep walking through doors wondering where they will lead me. Last night I went to the Canadian Association of Professional Speakers convention here because a friend of mine had posted something about it on Facebook and I thought I might benefit from it. It was a huge learning curve for me and totally outside my comfort zone. I was probably the only semi-introverted person in the room.
Everyone else seemed extroverted and party person-ish. I however did meet some new people and managed to greatly enjoy myself once the event started. The speakers were, predictably, top-notch. John Izzo followed local entertainer Al Simmons who was hilarious per usual. Izzo was impeccable, giving a thought-provoking speech that rang true for me. One of the statements he made was that we make a difference even when we don't know it--we plant the seed but don't see the outcome.
I have been thinking about this a wee bit, and wondering too, about the number of seeds planted within me that are beginning to blossom, and curious as to who planted some of them. I don't know every single person who should be sitting in my shade but I thank them all.
Izzo had lots of great tips for life and stepping up to offer your gifts. He asked a question: What part of you are your clients not getting to enjoy because you are holding back? I had to think of the people on my caseload, at my work place, and in my church who don't get to see all the goodness I could bring to something.
He said lots of things I had heard before and some that confirmed the direction I was walking in. He encouraged us to weigh in on the big issues of our time when we address audiences and I made a big mental check mark for the Archdiocese event where I talked about trafficked and exploited females. I loved that he insisted that we be naive enough to believe that we can change the world. We just have to believe in our bigness.
As you grow, what shade are you providing for people?
Peace,
Suzanne
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