Afraid to Speak in Public? Two Secrets to Success

Public Speaking.   Speaking in Public.  Speaking to a large group of people. Speaking to a room full of your peers. There is an old adage that says some people fear public speaking more than death.

Speaking in public is my passion.  Motivating and inspiring people to do more, be more, laugh more, love more, and live better is the greatest reward.  Many people have a lot to share but are afraid to do it in a pubic forum. Two things that I have learned come from experience -- not a textbook or a public speaking course.  Master these two and your fears will be short-lived.

Will a Day at the Spa Remove the Smell of Sheep?

WHAT A SURPRISE!   I have been playing shepherdess to my daughter's sheep, six dogs and a cat while they are in Hawaii. My daughter and family -- not the sheep!  I love being here - in the wooded country, without the pressures of home and work.  I never expected to be compensated for helping her in this way.  It came as a complete shock when she gifted me a full day at the spa.  Not just any spa, but the Grotto Spa at Tigh-Na-Mara - 20,000 square feet of spa bliss.

My New BFF - Hurley the Sheep

Shepherdess.  What do you think of when you hear that word?  Never in my wildest dreams did I think I would be tending sheep.   My daughter, Rochelle, hubby Thomas and little guy, William, live in a remote area on a large acreage.  They recently got some sheep.  They went to Hawaii.  The family....not the sheep.

"Mom, would you be able to take care of the animals while we are gone?"

"Of course, Honey.  You know I will."

"Mom......we got sheep."

"You got WHAT?"

Oh! To Be A Fly On The Wall

Wouldn't you love to be a fly on the wall sometimes?  Just to see what goes on behind closed doors?  Here's your chance.  This is a group challenge sharing what is going on in our homes.

I have had my Blackberry Q10 for a month.  I walked into the telephone store yesterday.
"Hi, may I help you?"

I managed to maintain a smile, "Yes, you can throw this stupid phone away and sell me one that works properly!"

Never Give Up Hope - Guest Post

When Corinne Rodrigues, blogger, writer, motivator,  asked me to guest post on her blog, Everyday Gyaan, I was honored.  I met her through a blogging challenge at Write Tribe less than a year ago.  She has graciously taught this novice various aspects of blogging with a lot of patience on her part.  She started the blog at Write tribe to motivate and support her fellow bloggers and writers.  I know you will benefit by connecting with her blogs.

Thank you, Corinne, for this opportunity.  

Here is the guest post I did on her blog:   Never Give Up Hope  

Over the course of ten years of writing my memoir, I struggled to find the perfect title.  The message I wanted to convey to my readers was that it did not matter what you have gone through, there is always the expectancy that tomorrow will be a better day.  I received a lot of title suggestions from family and friends but nothing seemed to click until my daughter was designing the book cover and suggested 'Battered Hope.'  The more I thought about it, the more I liked it.  I realized it told my entire story in two words.


Please go to Guest Post on Everyday Gyaan to read more.

Related articles:

• Guest Post at Everyday Gyaan: How Gratitude Will Help You Cope

From Heartthrob to Heartbreak - Use Your Words

I had been concentrating on my career since my last breakup and swore I was done with finding a long-lasting relationship.  This was working out better than I anticipated and dating again was not on my mind.  But when I came out of the photo booth after getting a new passport photo taken -- there he was - standing in broad daylight.  I heard the birds chirp and the violins start to play.  Is there such a thing as love at first sight?  Could he be my long-awaited heartthrob?

We chatted a bit and I felt the feeling was mutual.  He was getting his passport picture taken as well.

There Is No Warning Rattle At The Door

There is no warning rattle at the door.  I am not sure why.  I was convinced there would be as I approached it.  The closer I came didn't seem to matter.  I had been prepared for it and expected it but here I am and....nothing.

Staring out my window as the sun came up over the horizon, I had no idea what the prognosis would be.  My appointment was only three hours away and somehow I knew what they were going to say.  Call it premonition or whatever you want, I just knew.  I had already prepared how I was going to tell my children and every time I thought about it I had to choke back the tears.

#AskAwayFriday with April Grant of 100lb Countdown

It is Friday and I am taking the plunge into #AskAwayFriday!  It is a fabulous way to connect and interview fellow bloggers.  Bloggers swap questions and answer those questions on their own blog.

Today I am swapping questions with April Grant of 100lb Countdown.  April is a wife, mom, fitness coach, author, blogger.  She endured the loss of her baby boy and is an encouragement to any who have suffered a similar loss.  Take the time to read her About Me  page and see what an awesome woman she has become.

Please visit her blog to see what I asked her.   Here are the questions she posed to me today: 

1.  I'm considering homeschooling my son. What made you decide to home school your children?