By Shirley M. Carolan, ATM-G
The last five weeks have been extremely stressful and a real challenge for me. In fact, I put much of my life on “hold.” I had a health scare that bordered on terrifying. It all began with a simple annual physical, including some blood work on September 29. That afternoon I received a call telling me that more blood tests needed to be taken and to fast and return the next day. A week later my doctor informed me that I needed to see an oncologist.
That was my 2nd experience in “hurry up and wait.” Getting approval from my insurance company to see an oncologist of their choosing took another week! Getting an appointment with the oncologist took almost 2 weeks. More examples of hurry up and wait!
The oncologist ordered more blood tests (which my insurance company would not give her permission to take. I had to go to an insurance company lab resulting in more delays). Then an ultrasound was ordered.
Another week passed and still no word on a diagnosis of what might be ailing me. Since so much cancer runs in my family, I was really feeling quite nervous and upset. Once in a while I would catch myself silently crying. It took effort to say to myself “Now, Shirley, how would a national treasure handle this?” That thought was enough to calm me down. The woman who called me a “national treasure” back in September will never know the precious gift she gave me!
Since there is just my little Shih-Tzu and me I don’t have much family to share things with. My twin brother was off to New York and had his own challenges to handle. Fortunately, I have a few close, caring, and wonderful friends. They told me to keep my thoughts positive and reminded me that we attract what we think, whether that’s something we want or not. They also said that everything happens when it is supposed to happen. Therefore, let go of “hurry up and wait!”
Be that as it may, I decided to be pro-active about my health. I was not comfortable in my own skin any more. So, I called the oncologist’s office wanting to know the results of all the tests on Monday, October 20. I was told the doctor’s Assistant would get back to me. That didn’t happen.
This Monday, October 27 Dr. Frakes told me I do not have cancer or leukemia but my thyroid needs further testing and more blood work! While emotionally, mentally, and spiritually I feel so relieved and grateful, physically I am exhausted ... Now, I look forward to the results of the latest blood work. Also, I am learning that “hurry up and wait” seems to be the normal pace for the medical world and I am learning to live with it.
Meanwhile, I have just taken my life off “Hold” and intend to live it with gusto!
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.
Thursday, October 30, 2008
Sunday, October 19, 2008
OPEN HOUSE @ TOASTMASTERS!
By Shirley M. Carolan, ATMG
For those who love to speak, lead, or listen to excellent speakers, why not come to my Toastmaster Club’s Open House this Thursday, October 23? Tick Talk Toastmasters, Club #2113, is a dynamic group of men and women dedicated to self development and improving their communications skills, at work, at home, and at play! We are an eclectic mix of men and women, representing various industries and professions who meet every Thursday, from 7 PM to 8:30 PM to hone our skills and get feedback from our peers! This feedback is priceless and helps us to understand what worked well and where and how we can improve.
The theme of our Open House is “politics as unusual.” Yes, you heard that right. It’s a spoof on the national policital scene. We will have a fake Geiger county to frisk you at the door and you will be asked to remove your shoes.
Come early because we will also have a scrumptious pot luck dinner starting at 6:30 PM. Yes, we have professional bakers as members. And, there will be drinks served too.
Once you see how talented and helpful our members are you may want to participate in our 6 week mini-course known as a “Speechcraft.” This is at a nominal fee and the money can also be applied to a regular membership in Toastmasters International. You will get to write, structure, and deliver a speech on a topic of your choosing and then get an oral and written evaluation. You will participate in “Table Topics” and see how much fun it is to speak extemporaneously! You will also learn the many functions of Toastmastering that come into play at every meeting.
You’re invited to our Open House on October 23, at Carlsbad by the Sea, 2855 Carlsbad Blvd., Carlsbad from 6:30PM to 9 PM. Best of all, it’s free!
What a wonderful opportunity to let go of your fear of public speaking, learn from some pros, have fun and good food in the process. For more information call Sal de Casas at 760-224-1199, or visit www.ticktalk.org.
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.
For those who love to speak, lead, or listen to excellent speakers, why not come to my Toastmaster Club’s Open House this Thursday, October 23? Tick Talk Toastmasters, Club #2113, is a dynamic group of men and women dedicated to self development and improving their communications skills, at work, at home, and at play! We are an eclectic mix of men and women, representing various industries and professions who meet every Thursday, from 7 PM to 8:30 PM to hone our skills and get feedback from our peers! This feedback is priceless and helps us to understand what worked well and where and how we can improve.
The theme of our Open House is “politics as unusual.” Yes, you heard that right. It’s a spoof on the national policital scene. We will have a fake Geiger county to frisk you at the door and you will be asked to remove your shoes.
Come early because we will also have a scrumptious pot luck dinner starting at 6:30 PM. Yes, we have professional bakers as members. And, there will be drinks served too.
Once you see how talented and helpful our members are you may want to participate in our 6 week mini-course known as a “Speechcraft.” This is at a nominal fee and the money can also be applied to a regular membership in Toastmasters International. You will get to write, structure, and deliver a speech on a topic of your choosing and then get an oral and written evaluation. You will participate in “Table Topics” and see how much fun it is to speak extemporaneously! You will also learn the many functions of Toastmastering that come into play at every meeting.
You’re invited to our Open House on October 23, at Carlsbad by the Sea, 2855 Carlsbad Blvd., Carlsbad from 6:30PM to 9 PM. Best of all, it’s free!
What a wonderful opportunity to let go of your fear of public speaking, learn from some pros, have fun and good food in the process. For more information call Sal de Casas at 760-224-1199, or visit www.ticktalk.org.
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.
Tuesday, October 14, 2008
RUMPELSTILTSKIN SOARS!
By Shirley M. Carolan, ATMG
If you missed Sunday’s live performance of “Rumpelstiltskin” by the San Diego Opera ensemble you missed a rare treat indeed! This wonderful and talented cast of six thrilled the audience with this classic children’s fairytale by the Brothers Grimm. It literally springs to life!
This lovely fairytale was transformed into a one act opera written by Opera’s own Geisel Director of Education, Dr. Nicholas Reveles , and Librettist /Stage Director J. Sherwood Montgomery. The six Ensemble artists accompanied by their Music Director, perform for a diverse audience, from kindergarten through college students and senior citizens. This outstanding group of artists brings the excitement of live performances to more than 35,000 students and adults each season.
The six Ensemble singers are chosen from auditions held in San Diego every Spring They bring significant professional credits with them, e.g., the Tanglewood and Aspen festivals, Santa Fe Opera, Los Angeles Music Center Opera, Seattle Opera, and Long Beach Opera, Many artists who participate in the Ensemble perform roles in the San Diego Opera’s International Season. Some go on to contracts with such major companies as the New York Metropolitan Opera. All members of this Ensemble have master’s degrees and above.
For those who may have forgotten the Rumpelstiltskin story I offer the following: A poor miller tells a fateful lie to the king” his daughter can spin straw into gold! When Nell discovers what her father has done. She turns to the bad tempered, magical creature Rumpelstiltskin to do her spinning for her. But, in doing so he extracts a terrible demand: her first-born child. He offers the one means of escape: discover his true identity and he will relent. Fortunately, Nell guesses correctly and the opera ends on a triumphant note!
Let’s keep music alive in our community! It’s not too late to purchase tickets to any performance of the rest of this short season. You can purchase tickets through Genevieve Wunder at 760-433-3632, or email 1ndrwm@sbcglobal.net, or you can purchase tickets at the door.
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.
If you missed Sunday’s live performance of “Rumpelstiltskin” by the San Diego Opera ensemble you missed a rare treat indeed! This wonderful and talented cast of six thrilled the audience with this classic children’s fairytale by the Brothers Grimm. It literally springs to life!
This lovely fairytale was transformed into a one act opera written by Opera’s own Geisel Director of Education, Dr. Nicholas Reveles , and Librettist /Stage Director J. Sherwood Montgomery. The six Ensemble artists accompanied by their Music Director, perform for a diverse audience, from kindergarten through college students and senior citizens. This outstanding group of artists brings the excitement of live performances to more than 35,000 students and adults each season.
The six Ensemble singers are chosen from auditions held in San Diego every Spring They bring significant professional credits with them, e.g., the Tanglewood and Aspen festivals, Santa Fe Opera, Los Angeles Music Center Opera, Seattle Opera, and Long Beach Opera, Many artists who participate in the Ensemble perform roles in the San Diego Opera’s International Season. Some go on to contracts with such major companies as the New York Metropolitan Opera. All members of this Ensemble have master’s degrees and above.
For those who may have forgotten the Rumpelstiltskin story I offer the following: A poor miller tells a fateful lie to the king” his daughter can spin straw into gold! When Nell discovers what her father has done. She turns to the bad tempered, magical creature Rumpelstiltskin to do her spinning for her. But, in doing so he extracts a terrible demand: her first-born child. He offers the one means of escape: discover his true identity and he will relent. Fortunately, Nell guesses correctly and the opera ends on a triumphant note!
Let’s keep music alive in our community! It’s not too late to purchase tickets to any performance of the rest of this short season. You can purchase tickets through Genevieve Wunder at 760-433-3632, or email 1ndrwm@sbcglobal.net, or you can purchase tickets at the door.
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.
Wednesday, October 01, 2008
MUSIC… HOT OFF THE PRESS!
By Shirley M. Carolan, ATMG
For all you music lovers out there who are thinking of buying tickets to the October Oceanside Music Festival, here’s an item hot off the press: The price for the ‘Gala Reception’ has just been reduced to $30/per person!
The ‘Gala Reception’ will kick off the Festival on October 11, 2008 at 6:00 PM with a champagne reception in the Oceanside Museum School of Art, and then at 7:00 PM move to the Sunshine Brooks Theatre where Rich Langen, Don Megill, Dave Megill and Elaine Weidauer will be honored by the Oceanside Cultural Arts Foundation for their lifetime achievements in promoting and supporting young artists. This will be followed by preview performances from several OMFest concerts.
Let’s keep music alive in our community! You can purchase tickets through Genevieve Wunder at 760-433-3632, or email 1ndrwm@sbcglobal.net, or you can purchase tickets at the door.
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.
For all you music lovers out there who are thinking of buying tickets to the October Oceanside Music Festival, here’s an item hot off the press: The price for the ‘Gala Reception’ has just been reduced to $30/per person!
The ‘Gala Reception’ will kick off the Festival on October 11, 2008 at 6:00 PM with a champagne reception in the Oceanside Museum School of Art, and then at 7:00 PM move to the Sunshine Brooks Theatre where Rich Langen, Don Megill, Dave Megill and Elaine Weidauer will be honored by the Oceanside Cultural Arts Foundation for their lifetime achievements in promoting and supporting young artists. This will be followed by preview performances from several OMFest concerts.
Let’s keep music alive in our community! You can purchase tickets through Genevieve Wunder at 760-433-3632, or email 1ndrwm@sbcglobal.net, or you can purchase tickets at the door.
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.
Friday, September 26, 2008
MUSIC IS IN THE AIR!
BY Shirley M. Carolan
For me, work is fun. And, in my free time I enjoy writing, journaling, painting, and of course, music, to name a few diversions. Sometimes I plan for these ahead of time while others are spontaneous. If you love music, then why not plan ahead to attend the Oceanside October Music Festival.
This wonderful annual Music Festival starts on October 11 and runs through October 24, 2008! How fortunate we are to have this lively Festival, now in its 7th year, on our doorstep! It is sponsored by the Oceanside Cultural Arts Foundation.
The Festival has something for everyone’s musical taste, from opera to dixieland jazz to beautiful classical and liturgical music! What’s more the Festival will have performances at several, convenient Oceanside locations.
The Festival kicks off with the Gala Scholarship Reception at the Sunshine Brooks Theater on October 11, followed by the San Diego Opera Ensemble in “Rumplestiltskin,” at the Truax Theatre, El Camino High School on October 12. On October 14 there is the High School Showcase at the same theatre. Things heat up on October 18 with the Cuban salsa group at the Sunshine Brooks Theatre, followed on Sunday, October 19 with the Pacific Concert Band, performing “Peter and the Wolf” at Mission San Luis Rey. On October 24 there will be a “Distinctly American” vocal and jazz theme at the Sunshine Brooks Theatre, wrapping up on Sunday, October 26 with a Festival of classical and liturgical/music at St. Mary’s Star of the Sea! Wow, did I not say there was something for everyone’s taste!
Tickets are reasonably priced. You can purchase them individually or buy the complete set at a great discount!
Keep in mind that all profits go to support local arts and artists. The funds raised at the Gala Scholarship Reception, as well as additional donations, will be used to establish scholarships for local high school seniors who demonstrate excellence in music, and plan to continue their musical careers. This is tax deductible to you. What a great win-win situation!
For more information, please call 760/433-3632
Looking forward to seeing you at one of the concerts!
Shirley M. Carolan, ATMG
Artist ● Speaker ● Writer
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.
For me, work is fun. And, in my free time I enjoy writing, journaling, painting, and of course, music, to name a few diversions. Sometimes I plan for these ahead of time while others are spontaneous. If you love music, then why not plan ahead to attend the Oceanside October Music Festival.
This wonderful annual Music Festival starts on October 11 and runs through October 24, 2008! How fortunate we are to have this lively Festival, now in its 7th year, on our doorstep! It is sponsored by the Oceanside Cultural Arts Foundation.
The Festival has something for everyone’s musical taste, from opera to dixieland jazz to beautiful classical and liturgical music! What’s more the Festival will have performances at several, convenient Oceanside locations.
The Festival kicks off with the Gala Scholarship Reception at the Sunshine Brooks Theater on October 11, followed by the San Diego Opera Ensemble in “Rumplestiltskin,” at the Truax Theatre, El Camino High School on October 12. On October 14 there is the High School Showcase at the same theatre. Things heat up on October 18 with the Cuban salsa group at the Sunshine Brooks Theatre, followed on Sunday, October 19 with the Pacific Concert Band, performing “Peter and the Wolf” at Mission San Luis Rey. On October 24 there will be a “Distinctly American” vocal and jazz theme at the Sunshine Brooks Theatre, wrapping up on Sunday, October 26 with a Festival of classical and liturgical/music at St. Mary’s Star of the Sea! Wow, did I not say there was something for everyone’s taste!
Tickets are reasonably priced. You can purchase them individually or buy the complete set at a great discount!
Keep in mind that all profits go to support local arts and artists. The funds raised at the Gala Scholarship Reception, as well as additional donations, will be used to establish scholarships for local high school seniors who demonstrate excellence in music, and plan to continue their musical careers. This is tax deductible to you. What a great win-win situation!
For more information, please call 760/433-3632
Looking forward to seeing you at one of the concerts!
Shirley M. Carolan, ATMG
Artist ● Speaker ● Writer
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.
Thursday, September 25, 2008
THERE’S SOMETHING ABOUT...
By Shirley M. Carolan, ATMG
There’s something about being called, or named, a “National Treasure,” as I was recently, that changes the dynamics of how one lives one’s life, perceives their fellow man, and gets to eradicate all negative behavior … or, at least decide if the ego is right, and reward it! H’m, how can that be?
Since this is a new phenomenon to me, I am intrigued by what I am discovering about myself. The “national treasure” bit is starting to sink in! After all, one must be at least in their 70s to be even considered for such a noble title! . Furthermore, one must at least have a modicum of sensory acuity, as my dear friend, Tony Robbins, would say. And, one must be willing to say “NO” when appropriate, not buy into other’s treatment of you and above all get rid of the need to major in minor matters! Wow, all this from just once being called an “NT!” .
Quirky as that may seem, that’s what I’m discovering on a daily basis! For example, before being called an “NT” I would rise to the bait if I heard something unsavory being said about me or someone else. Now, it seems I’m getting dozens of emails telling me to vote NO for Governor Sarah Palin, even before the election. I truly do not like being told what to do! I am quite capable of making up my own mind, especially with politics, without succumbing to being a sheep!
Another huge benefit of being called an “NT” is that I don’t have to fall into someone else’s agenda for my life. If someone reneges on something they told me earlier I don’t get into a snit anymore. Instead, I stop and ask myself “How would a “National Treasure” handle this!? Sometimes the answer surprises me! The end result is I get to see how much I’ve let my ego control my life! This is the latest in behavior modification!
How about you? Even if you’re not yet an “NT” how do you live your life? If you’re not sure how often you let your ego rule you, try Journaling the next time you are faced with an important decision!
Stay tuned for more golden nuggets.
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.
There’s something about being called, or named, a “National Treasure,” as I was recently, that changes the dynamics of how one lives one’s life, perceives their fellow man, and gets to eradicate all negative behavior … or, at least decide if the ego is right, and reward it! H’m, how can that be?
Since this is a new phenomenon to me, I am intrigued by what I am discovering about myself. The “national treasure” bit is starting to sink in! After all, one must be at least in their 70s to be even considered for such a noble title! . Furthermore, one must at least have a modicum of sensory acuity, as my dear friend, Tony Robbins, would say. And, one must be willing to say “NO” when appropriate, not buy into other’s treatment of you and above all get rid of the need to major in minor matters! Wow, all this from just once being called an “NT!” .
Quirky as that may seem, that’s what I’m discovering on a daily basis! For example, before being called an “NT” I would rise to the bait if I heard something unsavory being said about me or someone else. Now, it seems I’m getting dozens of emails telling me to vote NO for Governor Sarah Palin, even before the election. I truly do not like being told what to do! I am quite capable of making up my own mind, especially with politics, without succumbing to being a sheep!
Another huge benefit of being called an “NT” is that I don’t have to fall into someone else’s agenda for my life. If someone reneges on something they told me earlier I don’t get into a snit anymore. Instead, I stop and ask myself “How would a “National Treasure” handle this!? Sometimes the answer surprises me! The end result is I get to see how much I’ve let my ego control my life! This is the latest in behavior modification!
How about you? Even if you’re not yet an “NT” how do you live your life? If you’re not sure how often you let your ego rule you, try Journaling the next time you are faced with an important decision!
Stay tuned for more golden nuggets.
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.
Thursday, September 18, 2008
"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.
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.
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