Stay one more minute

I get anxious at events and want to leave.  That happened recently at a party. It was for a radio friend and I got cranky during the tribute speeches and decided to leave.  But, then I decided to stay one more minute.  There were a lot of friends there I hadn't seen.  So, I decided if I'd stay one more minute, I can get past the speeches and connect with old friends and new prospects.  So, while the speeches were droning on, I kept saying "One more minute."  It was worth it for the new friends I met, the old friends I re-connected with and the new prospects I could tap.  It was just worth it for me to say "Stay one more minute."

It's an investment-- Not a cost

I recently hosted a dinner party for former clients, friends and prospects.  It was a way of saying "I may be retired, but I am available for select assignments."  There were about 20 people there and it was a perfect platform for me to be a hostess and to use the power of my hosting position to make my point.  Immediately, I got an assignment.  It paid for the dinner -- and then some.  So, the dinner was an investment -- not a cost!

Seeing Life through the eyes of a child

As part of my retirement, I've started going to places I've always wanted to go to.  The other day I visited Kohl's Children's Museum.  While it is a place geared for pre-kindergarteners, I got a lot of delight out of seeing the sights and sounds of the world, through the energy, eyes and ears of a child.  It was a cathartic experience that made me feel so uplifted being around those who have not become jaded.  How refreshing.

Reconnecting is so important

Last Saturday, I reconnected with my Alpha Kappa Alpha team.  Members were in town for a Committee meeting that I'd convened many times.  They didn't get out of their meetings until past 10PM but I resisted the urge to stay at home and to meet them and make the trek Downtown to their hotel.   What a glorious time I had catching up, reminiscing and basking in the love of those I've touched.  So, whenever possible, and regardless of the inconvenience, make time to reconnect with those you love.  It can be memorable and restorative.

Sometimes you have to wait for second impressions

I don't know if I dazzle on first impressions.  So, I've always waited for second meetings.  Now, I'm single and many years ago,  I dated a guy who my friends insisted I'd like.  My first impression could be summed up in one word:  DUH!

Again, my friends insisted that I go out again.  OK, I said.  On the second date, I saw him in a different light and that led to three, four, five and more dates and a long term relationship that ended after five years -- and amicably.

On Friday, I again went on a first date and I felt the guy was a tad bit country.  But, then I remembered my friend from years ago and decided to give it a second chance and look at him through different eyes.  Country can be charming if flipped over and can lead to another C - commitment.

Do your due diligence

I had a great time taking Amtrak home from Mississippi but I didn't do my due diligence. I assumed there was wifi as I'd planned to do a lot of work.  No wifi.  I also didn't know that because I had a Pullman car, I got free meals. I didn't eat dinner because I didn't like the menu and went, instead to the cafe car and paid. Had I known about the free meal, I'd had found SOMETHING on the menu to like. But I did get breakfast. But, it was OK.  I was not distracted by the Internet so I enjoyed the scenery, read books and the rocking of the train helped me to sleep better.  And, it was another scratch off my bucket list.

Caroline Wozniacki and Serena Williams - Besties inspire friendship model

I love those two tennis players.  After being dumped by Rory McIlroy with such lack of grace, Caroline has regained her tennis form..(as has he and his golf.)  The fight she waged in her match against Maria Sharapova was heroic and inspiring.  But, equally wonderful is the way Serena embraced Caroline after the public dumping.  Even though both are competitors, the friendship and caring Serena exhibited out-trumped the drama on the courts.