We can't all be Oprah and that is just fine. But it took me forever to get to that point of understanding that we all have our own paths to forge and follow.
If you know about Oprah's background, you know that she really went through all kinds of heck, especially during her younger years. Somehow, someway she exceeded everyone's expectations and made quite a life for herself in the world of television.
I bring this up because I have taken to watching her weekly series, Super Soul Sunday, and leave the viewing feeling a bit more thoughtful about how to approach my upcoming week. But I have also felt myself starting to push back a wee bit against the notion that we can simply pull ourselves up by our bootstraps and take on the world, just because we want to.
Most days are good. Some days, not so much, and no matter how much positive self-talk I recite, I'm still stuck in the muck. To tell you the truth, it feels awful but familiar and we know how much we all love to stick with what we know.
I've been doing all kinds of reading and research on best ways to navigate major life transitions and have come up with a whole list of great resources to use including approaches from Anthony Robbins. Believe it or not, if I feel like I'm slipping down the slope of Mt. Mucky Despair, I start belting out You Are My Sunshine. Really. It works for me. Granted, I haven't done so in a crowded restaurant, but you never know. It might happen.
So, I know I'm not going to be the next Oprah Winfrey and that is just fine. I'm just going to be the best Dennise M. Kowalczyk I know how to be and that is more then good enough.
Who's there?
Opportunity.
Opportunity who?
Exactly.
This past week has been exceptionally good in regards to opportunity knocking on my door. As a matter of fact, I had an average 9.2 rating of 'good energy' for the week. Not bad. Not bad at all.
You might wonder what made it so exceptional. I had great conversations and connections with all kinds of folks. It was in those exchanges that I heard opportunity knocking on my door and I decided to invite her in for a coffee.
I suppose my point is, I don't know what the outcomes will be when I put myself out there and 'doing the work' of making sure there is enough space to allow opportunity hang out for awhile, but you never know.
You have to answer the knock.
I watched this great video produced by the incredible Ms. Marie Forleo (I so covet that woman's hair and charisma) talking with another amazing woman, Dr. Cathy Collautt about navigating unfavorable outcomes. I applied Dr. Collautt's wisdom immediately and suffered a happiness hangover.
Well, it was a good day, what can I say?
I love the idea of being right in the moment, moment by moment. I can't express how tremendously more happy I am now that I take in the moments of my life in spoonfuls of exquisite delight.
The opportunity named Happiness is trolling the neighborhood and she is visiting all of us. Go ahead. Answer the door. You never know what might come of it.
