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By Amy Dee
Many years ago, Mom snagged two last-minute tickets to Oprah’s “Live Your Best Life” tour with Cheryl Richardson. Our fantastic aisle seats were on the floor just four rows away from the stage. As an emerging speaker, I envisioned being pulled onto the stage with Oprah, where we’d connect so profoundly that I’d replace Gayle as her best friend, (I like Gayle, but you know how it is to be the third wheel). In my fantasy, thirty pounds of fat would magically plop off my body like an industrial size bag of lumpy, wet flour. I’d have six-pack abs, defined biceps, and cheekbones (think 5’2” Jennifer Lopez). I’d wear tight red, sleeveless dresses as a regular guest on the Oprah show (stop rolling your eyes, a gal’s gotta dream.) The show was about to begin. Our amazing aisle seats gave me easy access to the stage. There was one empty, inside chair beside us, but otherwise, it was a full house. I was mentally rehearsing my opening line to Oprah when a tall woman appeared next to me and leaned down to ask, “Would you mind moving over so I can sit in the aisle seat?” Mom (4’11”) is soft-spoken, polite and ladylike. If it were fashionable, she would still host teas, serve capered canapés, wear white gloves, patent leather shoes with a matching purse. So it shocked me when my mini Mom threw the lady her killer stink eye and roared, “NO!” Embarrassed, I turned back to look for the lady and saw she was being mobbed for autographs. The woman who asked us to move so she could take our aisle seat was the author Cheryl Richardson, who’d soon join Oprah on stage. The electric atmosphere had increased Mom’s stress level. Instead of responding thoughtfully, she reacted from her lesser self. She wishes she’d been kinder. Not just because it was Cheryl Richardson, but also because she wasn’t her best self. The coronavirus pandemic is amping up stress levels everywhere. We see incredible acts of kindness. We also see some nastiness. IT’S TOILET PAPER, PEOPLE! To borrow from the song, “This is one moment in time to be more than you thought you could be.” Someday, when our lives return to normal, we will reflect on our behavior during this crisis. Let’s choose to volunteer where possible, help each other out, and be kind. Let’s act from our better selves so we can be proud of who we are, because even in crisis, we have a choice. Looking for your next healthcare speaker? Get in touch with us at the Capitol City Speakers Bureau today to make your healthcare event a success!
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By Amy Dee
At a recent speaking engagement, I found myself in need of a five copies of a one sided handout. In a rush, I ran from the event room to the hotel desk where I saw several employees standing around a copying machine in the back office, laughing and chatting with each other. When one woman disengaged enough to address me, I explained my need and asked very politely if she could please run just five copies of the handout. I offered to pay, whatever she thought fair, for those five copies. She responded “I’ll check” and disappeared into the back office room, now closing the door. A few moments later the woman returned, handed back my paper, saying with a smile “I am sorry we are unable to help you.” Really? Who is your company to a customer? Your company is not the radio jingle, the slick campaign slogan or CEO. Your company is your employee who delivers (or not) the service. Great companies create, support, and celebrate employees who look for kindness and connection opportunities. Looking for your next healthcare speaker? Get in touch with us at the Capitol City Speakers Bureau today to make your healthcare event a success! By Amy Dee
I was sixteen when my family vacationed in Cartageña, Columbia. The first evening, we strolled along the pristine beach, enjoying the brilliant sunset and roar of the ocean when we suddenly heard cries of help. A man and two women frantically screamed as waves crashed over them, and the tide dragged them further from the shore. An Australian man tore off his shoes and dived into the ocean. He rescued the drowning man, and my dad saved one of the women. There were no lifeboats or lifeguards and tragically the third victim was too far into the ocean for anyone to reach. Powerless and horrified, we watched this helpless woman struggle against the surge until a final crest stole her away. It was heartbreaking. Still in shock, we met the Australian man and his wife at the hotel restaurant the following morning. As we rehashed the tragedy, I recall the Australian telling us that he swam in the ocean daily. He warned us that powerful riptide could quickly pull a swimmer to their death. He added this advice: “If caught in a riptide, never swim against the tide because you will tire quickly and be pulled into the sea. Instead, swim with the tide, parallel to the shore. It will save your strength, and you will eventually swim out of it.” Recently my friend and I were commiserating on the slop bucket of difficulties that seems to have dumped into our lives. “Between my family’s issues, my problems at work, and my husband bad health I wonder if I have a target painted on my head!” she laughed, wiping away a tear. Haven’t we all felt this way at one time or another? Of course, we don’t actually believe that an unknown force is out to get us. But it can be overwhelming when problems pile up. We can feel victimized over and again. Let’s make the analogy that life is like a swim in the ocean. One moment you are frolicking in the sunshine filled with happiness, feeling that delightful high. The next minute a riptide shows up. Maybe an uninsured, unemployed teenager smashed into your parked car. Perhaps in a heated moment (after a few glasses of wine), you told off your nasty sister-in-law, and now the family reunion is canceled because of you. Or, your company headquarters is moving to the bowels of New Jersey, and you just built your midwestern country dream home. Or, during your morning shower you felt a suspicious lump on your breast. Whatever the difficulty, the riptide of complications has smacked you in the face and yanked you into a sea of gloom. If caught in a riptide, stop fighting. Instead, try the following:
Have faith that no storm will last forever and beyond the clouds lies your rainbow. Looking for your next healthcare speaker? Get in touch with us at the Capitol City Speakers Bureau today to make your healthcare event a success! By Amy Dee
Some time ago, I was eating at the Twin Dragon in Mitchell with my daughter Sofi. We were laughing and talking about school, friends, and teachers when a young boy and his mother sat down at a table close to us. As soon as they sat down, they each took out their cell phones and began texting and playing games. Throughout their meal, they were so absorbed with their phones that they exchanged only a few words with each other. They ate quickly and left. Seeing this family’s disconnect reminded me of how easy it is to become distracted in today’s world. Endless choices compete for our attention. iPhones and computers allow us to choose worldwide contact day or night. You must choose an entree from many menu options. You might pick a box of tea from twenty or more on the grocery store shelf. Will you put away phone or check your facebook page during a conversation with your mother? Every day offers a plethora of unending options. This constant stream of choices can cause a disconnect to the present moment. We must consciously choose to stay connected to our AM (activity of the moment) or PM (person of the moment) because the mere “ping” of a text message can grab our attention away. These days, IPhones and computers give us a connection to each other, but we seem to lack connection with each other. We can drive and chat on our phone without experiencing the scenery around us. We can talk with a friend while checking out groceries without acknowledging cashier. We can eat dinner with our family while texting friends. Multitasking causes us to lose our connection with the present moment. Just for today, tuck away your cell phone and consciously interact with your now moments. While grocery shopping, be engaged by noticing the colors and the sounds, and activity that surrounds you. Say ‘hello” to fellow shoppers. Listen deeply to your conversations. Pay attention to words as well as the facial expression, the intonation and feelings behind those words. Look into their eyes and give them your full attention. Consciously paying attention to your person of the moment will enhance your connection. Concentrating on your activity of the moment will allow you to savor everyday experiences. Looking for your next healthcare speaker? Get in touch with us at the Capitol City Speakers Bureau today to make your healthcare event a success! By Amy Dee
Your heart is beating with excitement; jumping to your feet, you fist pump the air, joining the chants of those around you shouting: “I CAN DO THIS!” Bursting with renewed self-belief, you fly out of the seminar grounded only by the books and CDs purchased (in a frenzy) to maintain the high. At home, you create your vision board. The speaker’s voice on the CD reminds you of the unlimited potential you must awaken to live the life of your dreams. When negative thoughts scratch their way in, you fist pump them away yelling “I CAN DO THIS!” Your life is going to change! And it does… Your dog eats a bad french fry resulting in a staggering veterinary bill, and your dream promotion is given to an unworthy co-worker. In a hissy fit of despair, you binge on alcohol, fast food and QVC until you run out of money and steam. You awaken to a maxed-out credit card and a 12-pound weight gain. Your “giant within” has shrunk to an undersized troll living under a mystical bridge. The motivational book glares at you from the coffee table. The speaker’s voice, once inspiring, now fills you self-loathing. How did that glow of self-belief disappear with a couple puffs from the bad luck dragon? The truth is, the glow was never going to last. While a great inspirational talk can jack up some temporary positive feelings; it cannot bolster your self-belief. Your self-belief will not increase by feel-good speeches, bumper sticker lines on facebook or catch phrase about your greatness. Self-belief is self-grown. Self Belief is grown by struggling through adversities, by pushing yourself to finish when you want to quit and by keeping promises you make to yourself. Four not-instant ways to enhance your self-belief:
The truth is “You can do this!” the question is “Will you?” Looking for your next healthcare speaker? Get in touch with us at the Capitol City Speakers Bureau today to make your healthcare event a success! By Amy Dee
I was sixteen when my family vacationed in Cartageña, Columbia. The first evening, we strolled along the pristine beach, enjoying the brilliant sunset and roar of the ocean when we suddenly heard cries of help. A man and two women frantically screamed as waves crashed over them, and the tide dragged them further from the shore. An Australian man tore off his shoes and dived into the ocean. He rescued the drowning man, and my dad saved one of the women. There were no lifeboats or lifeguards and tragically the third victim was too far into the ocean for anyone to reach. Powerless and horrified, we watched this helpless woman struggle against the surge until a final crest stole her away. It was heartbreaking. Still in shock, we met the Australian man and his wife at the hotel restaurant the following morning. As we rehashed the tragedy, I recall the Australian telling us that he swam in the ocean daily. He warned us that powerful riptide could quickly pull a swimmer to their death. He added this advice: “If caught in a riptide never swim against the tide because you will tire quickly and be pulled into the sea. Instead, swim with the tide, parallel to the shore. It will save your strength, and you will eventually swim out of it.” Recently my friend and I were commiserating on the slop bucket of difficulties that seems to have dumped into our lives. “Between my family’s issues, my problems at work, and my husband bad health, I wonder if I have a target painted on my head!” she laughed, wiping away a tear. Haven’t we all felt this way at one time or another? Of course, we don’t actually believe that an unknown force is out to get us. But it can be overwhelming when problems pile up. We can feel victimized over and again. Let’s make the analogy that life is like a swim in the ocean. One moment you are frolicking in the sunshine filled with happiness, feeling that delightful high. The next minute a riptide shows up. Maybe an uninsured, unemployed teenager smashed into your parked car. Perhaps in a heated moment (after a few glasses of wine), you told off your nasty sister-in-law, and now the family reunion is canceled because of you. Or, your company headquarters is moving to the bowels of New Jersey, and you just built your midwestern country dream home. Or, during your morning shower you felt a suspicious lump on your breast. Whatever the difficulty, the riptide of complications has smacked you in the face and yanked you into a sea of gloom. If caught in a riptide, stop fighting. Instead, try the following:
Have faith that no storm will last forever and beyond the clouds lies your rainbow. Looking for your next healthcare speaker? Get in touch with us at the Capitol City Speakers Bureau today to make your healthcare event a success! |
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