This past week I got a couple of “Amen’s” while speaking to a crowd of women about my “Grass is Green Everywhere” theory.   And, I have to say – it made me feel proud to have elicited such enthusiasm for a concept that is really not new or novel.  It’s about simply “making the best of what you have.” 

 

That night (9/16/08) I was humbled to find myself up on a stage with four other women who were asked to share their experiences about business, being a woman and a variety of other topics (such as how to go to the bathroom in space).  The Key Bank Women in Business event is held every year to kick-off the St. Luke’s Fitness Celebration, which brings upwards of 12,000 (mostly women) to Idaho to walk in celebration of health and femality (my made up word for being a woman, but not a cat).

 

Anyhooo, the reason I felt so humbled was because I was up on that stage with a group of women that would rival Oprah herself – and really, not including me.   A room filled with almost 300 women were blessed with the words of Kathy Kustra, wife of Boise State University president—although that has nothing to do with her greatness;   Barbara Morgan, teacher and astronaut—wow; Kate McGuire, local radio personality—who almost rivals Howard Stern in a rated PG kind of way; and Carolyn Holly, well-known newscaster—amazing mother and positive role model for anyone in this world.  And, let’s not forget the master of ceremonies that night—the talented and beautiful Alyson Outen who was once interviewed for employment by Oprah’s company (says a lot about the caliber of her talents, but we are happy she is in Idaho). 

 

Even though I was up on that stage with those women to share my own story, I learned so much that night.   My ears were soaking up a lifetime of lessons.  Each of those women confirmed my commitment over the last 20 years to be the very best person I can be—not to get rich, meet the “right” people or to stroke my ego.  It was clear that some simple things run through the river of success:  1) be nice! 2) work hard 3) appreciate everything 4) say no! 5) build REAL relationships vs. using people for your own higher purpose 6) and, for goodness sakes (once again)–BE NICE!  And, I have to point out that Barbara Morgan was so amazingly nice.  She really is the epitome of humility and grace for all mankind—whether on earth or in outer space.  Wow, again. 

 

Since that night, I have received letters, calls and out of the blue kudos from people I randomly ran into this week at the mall, at my son’s pre-school and even in the bathroom of our local Target.  I think it was mostly because I shared that I worked as a psychic named Cinnamon back in my 20’s for the Psychic Hotline to earn money for my husband and I to buy our first home.  I suppose I will never live that down. 

 

To all of you who attended, I’d like to express my sincerest appreciation and gratitude.  With you that night as a powerful collection of women (on stage and not), I truly believe we moved the world forward slightly.  And, yes. . . I really think O SHOULD KNOW a bit more about the amazing women who truly are everywhere.    That is what this blog is all about.