"YOU’RE A NATIONAL TREASURE!"

By Shirley M. Carolan

Recently I addressed the Women’s Aviara Club in Carlsbad, California. The original invitation was for March but unfortunately I had a nasty accident where I “kissed the ground” again and ended up with a fractured nose, and multiple cuts and bruises, resulting in my looking like a giant panda, and having to cancel the engagement.

Last week when I arrived at the speaking engagement facility I discovered to my horror that I had left all my notes behind! My first reaction was akin to panic, even though I had rehearsed repeatedly that day, and even days before, what I was going to say. Next, I told myself to stay calm because I had a good message to deliver, and a nice gift for them.

As their business meeting progressed, I quickly made some notes of the key points and stories I wanted to cover. Fortunately, I had arrived early, and had spoken to several women before things got underway and who warmed up to me when I told them who I was. When they heard the title of my speech was “Life Is A Firewalk” they were even more intrigued.

Once I was introduced by the president, Nancy Conti, (an introduction I had written earlier for her) my adrenalin, and 27 year's Toastmasters International experience kicked in! I was able to tie in how my first firewalk, in 1989, with Tony Robbins changed my life! I was 56 years old at the time. I explained how we all have a “firewalk” to overcome in our lives, whether it be the loss of a relationship, family member, job, home, pet, etc. That then becomes our “story.”

Our “story” becomes how we live our lives! The stories I selected to share were powerful and personal: the women in jail that I taught and got permission from the Sheriff’s Dept., ROP, and the San Mateo County Bd. Of Education, to teach some Tony Robbins skills. How we can live in two different time zones simultaneously, as I did when my family and I emigrated from England to the United States but I left one foot back in England (and only had one foot here!) How living in the past can zap our energy and impede us from living life fully in the NOW! I think you get the message.

I did not hold back anything that I felt would serve the goal of showing these women how to overcome any adversity that life throws at us. I explained how “Journaling” has helped me to overcome many adversities, including loss of a job, a fractured back, and an escalating mortgage all in the same year! I shared who my heroes are and why I enjoy teaching “Journaling for Success” workshops.

Right in the middle of my presentation a woman yelled out “You’re a National Treasure!” Now I know I’m only 75 years old but I’ve never been called a “National Treasure!” This woman inadvertently made my day! They loved it when they found out I had a website and two blogs, that I’m an avid oil painter and pet lover. As a result, I am mulling over my priorities. Have I missed my calling?

Shirley M. Carolan, ATMG
Speaker ● Writer ● Artist
artistwithaflair@att.net
Phone/Fax: 760-732-0663
http://www.shirleycarolan.com
http://www.angelscross.blogspot.com
http://www.smcarolan.blogspot.com

Copyright© 2008 by Shirley M. Carolan. All rights reserved. To reprint any part of this article simply contact Shirley Carolan at artistwithaflair@att.net. Thank you.