Serendipity.
It's a word I've been hearing often lately, including last night, which gave me pause to reflect on this word.
After Googling the word, which means "the aptitude of making fortunate discoveries by accident", I got down to the origin:
"Word History: We are indebted to the English author Horace Walpole for the word serendipity, which he coined in one of the 3,000 or more letters on which his literary reputation primarily rests. In a letter of January 28, 1754, Walpole says that "this discovery, indeed, is almost of that kind which I call Serendipity, a very expressive word." Walpole formed the word on an old name for Sri Lanka, Serendip. He explained that this name was part of the title of "a silly fairy tale, called The Three Princes of Serendip: as their highnesses traveled, they were always making discoveries, by accidents and sagacity, of things which they were not in quest of...."
Well, thank you, Mr. Walpole and Sri Lanka, for that delightful word. Never mind that I then had to look up the definition of sagacity. This sleep-deprived, and creative brain of mine has no room for such trivia.
Often, we do not have the sagacity to make discoveries that are fortunate, and can have a major impact on the direction of our lives. (See how I turned right around and used the word "sagacity" in a sentence? My 3rd grade teacher would be so proud.)
But I digress. We save that business card for "someday when I'm ready", instead of recognizing the moment to start the conversation is now. Or, we shrug off a geniune offer to help, thinking we do not want to impose on someone else to make our dreams come true.
When we trust our intuition, and shut off our minds before we overthink it, perhaps jumping in before we're ready, we allow the serendipities to occur.
I recently watched the romantic comedy, "Serendipity", with Kate Beckensale and John Cusak. This movie drove me nuts. Beckensale's character, Sara, refuses to give John's character, Jonathan, her name or number, and decides to leave their future to fate.
Sara asks Jonathan to write his name and phone number on a $5 bill, while she writes her name and number on the inside cover of a book. If they are meant to be together, she tells him, he will find the book and she will find the $5 bill, and they will find their way back to each other.
Really, Sara? The whole movie is wasted on other characters and romantic interests, and you have to wait the whole movie for them to reunite. Meanwhile, several years of their life together are wasted.
I wanted to scream, "Sara! Recognize fate when it slaps you in the face the first time, sugar!" But, that would have scared the cat off my lap, resulting in deep scars on my thighs, so I just suffered through the whole movie. (Not to mention that poor Bridget Moynihan plays Jonathan's soon-to-be ex-fiance. Talk about the foreshadowing of her real life with QB stud, Tom Brady, or what?!)
In business, as in love, you must learn to trust your intuition, and recognize when "fate" is handing you an opportunity. If I took the time to list all the serendipitous occasions that have occurred since I started launching Fresh, I'd be here all day. So I'll just tell you about last night.
I went to Tara Sage Steeves' Dreaming Out Loud workshop, at Lotus Rising in Fall River, MA. It was hosted by Maureen Umehara of WCSWANS. (Links to come) Before the dreaming exercises began, the woman sitting next to me introduced herself as Jennifer, and shared that she wanted to work for herself someday. Without wanting to be too eager to share I just wrote a book on how to start a business, I made a note to tell her this later.
During the course of the evening, I also learned that she wanted to write a novel and start a better fitness and nutrition routine. At this point, I could not contain myself, I had to invite her to join the ShapeUpRI.com team that some writer friends and I had just created to move our bodies and move our writing along! As it turns out, our walking path goes right by her house, and she joyfully accepted the invitation. It was just meant to be. She recognized the serendipity to receive instantaneous support of her goals, and pointed it out to the workshop group.
As it turns out, Jennifer is going through a divorce. I smiled and offered to throw her Divorce Party under Fresh, and again tried not to be too eager in the offer. It is, after all, a sensitive topic, and some women may not feel like throwing a party when the divorce is final. But I think a good party is the solution to everything, so I'm in the perfect industry for me right now!
Let's raise our glasses in a toast to serendipity! (The concept. Not the movie.) A toast to Jennifer, Tara and Maureen, while we're at it, for a completely enjoyable evening together. I'm glad we all had the sagacity to be there together. ;-)
Friday, January 29, 2010
Thursday, January 28, 2010
Day 28 - Learning to Say No
Just because I want to do it all doesn't mean I can.
I just got the following email from a very worthy cause, and it struck me as very assumptive. I changed the names to protect the innocent
"Enclosed please view the invite for the {Very Worthy Cause Organization Rhode Island} first event. We need your support for this new chapter coming to Providence soon. Many great people have surfaced including {Name of a friend} to help launch this important mission.
Please contact me directly so we can discuss your important part in this new chapter.
Thanking you in advance, {Name of organizer}"
I read her email, and clicked on the attached flyer invite. It is normally something I would happily attend. But, I already have two conflicting events that I want to go to - my fitness program at the gym - which is only 12 weeks on Thursday nights, and my friend Michelle's Soul at Work Movie Night, which is the event I have chosen to attend that evening.
Here was my response:
Dear (name),
I have heard of your organization and fully support the mission.
Unfortunately on February 25th I already have two events that I committed to. I really wish cloning technology would take off faster. As a busy woman yourself, I'm sure you understand.
Good luck with your event, and please keep me on your mailing list for future events and campaigns.
Michelle
Saying 'NO' feels pretty freaking good sometimes, I gotta tell ya. I have to try that more often. ;-)
I just got the following email from a very worthy cause, and it struck me as very assumptive. I changed the names to protect the innocent
"Enclosed please view the invite for the {Very Worthy Cause Organization Rhode Island} first event. We need your support for this new chapter coming to Providence soon. Many great people have surfaced including {Name of a friend} to help launch this important mission.
Please contact me directly so we can discuss your important part in this new chapter.
Thanking you in advance, {Name of organizer}"
I read her email, and clicked on the attached flyer invite. It is normally something I would happily attend. But, I already have two conflicting events that I want to go to - my fitness program at the gym - which is only 12 weeks on Thursday nights, and my friend Michelle's Soul at Work Movie Night, which is the event I have chosen to attend that evening.
Here was my response:
Dear (name),
I have heard of your organization and fully support the mission.
Unfortunately on February 25th I already have two events that I committed to. I really wish cloning technology would take off faster. As a busy woman yourself, I'm sure you understand.
Good luck with your event, and please keep me on your mailing list for future events and campaigns.
Michelle
Saying 'NO' feels pretty freaking good sometimes, I gotta tell ya. I have to try that more often. ;-)
Day 27 - I'm Late
"I'm late." Words that would make my husband's heart drop into his stomach. Words that drive my parents (who love to be on time, especially Dad) absolutely crazy.
Words that make me drive too fast. Words that I hear coming from my mouth all too often lately. I'm late on this blog. I'm late in closing my 2009 books, I'm late for appointments, I'm late all too often.
My friend Amy recently emailed me this quote from Esther Hicks:
"My favorite line from the teachings of Abraham is that.... "When you are going 5 miles an hour and you hit a tree, its not too big of a deal, but when you are going 500 miles an hour and you hit a tree its a VERY big deal... "
I'm moving really fast in a number of areas in my life right now. I'm enjoying the ride, so I don't want to slow down. But when Amy emailed me that Monday, it hit home. I'm tired of being late, and I'm headed for a big crash. So it's time to slow down. It's time to plan a little better. Time to recruit some help.
It's time to start being on time. Time to give myself breathing room between appointments. Time to stop trying to do it all myself. Time to allow time for follow up. Time for down time. My intention for the weeks ahead are all around using time wisely.
I know that we cannot manage time, we can only manage our energy in relation to time. Miriam wrote a great column for Aspire Magazine called "Taking Care with your time".
I've never been great at managing energy. Fortunately for me, Amy just happened to have written a book, titled "The Energy of Success". She gave it to me on Sunday night. I read part of it this morning, and already found some profound wisdom in the first chapter. I think it is time to spend more time with Amy!
Words that make me drive too fast. Words that I hear coming from my mouth all too often lately. I'm late on this blog. I'm late in closing my 2009 books, I'm late for appointments, I'm late all too often.
My friend Amy recently emailed me this quote from Esther Hicks:
"My favorite line from the teachings of Abraham is that.... "When you are going 5 miles an hour and you hit a tree, its not too big of a deal, but when you are going 500 miles an hour and you hit a tree its a VERY big deal... "
I'm moving really fast in a number of areas in my life right now. I'm enjoying the ride, so I don't want to slow down. But when Amy emailed me that Monday, it hit home. I'm tired of being late, and I'm headed for a big crash. So it's time to slow down. It's time to plan a little better. Time to recruit some help.
It's time to start being on time. Time to give myself breathing room between appointments. Time to stop trying to do it all myself. Time to allow time for follow up. Time for down time. My intention for the weeks ahead are all around using time wisely.
I know that we cannot manage time, we can only manage our energy in relation to time. Miriam wrote a great column for Aspire Magazine called "Taking Care with your time".
I've never been great at managing energy. Fortunately for me, Amy just happened to have written a book, titled "The Energy of Success". She gave it to me on Sunday night. I read part of it this morning, and already found some profound wisdom in the first chapter. I think it is time to spend more time with Amy!
Monday, January 25, 2010
Day 24 - My Lucky Day
Twenty-four is my lucky number, so today will be my lucky day. I have a LOT of "up-in-the-air" stuff, and Mondays are usually when it all falls into place. I will update this post on the flip side of the day (or likely in the morning) and let you know how right I was about my good fortune. :)
*** As suspected I got lucky in many ways:
- In the midst of a torrential downpour of cold New England rain, a parking spot opened up right in front of the door to a crowded Panera Bread.
- Inside Panera, as my meeting with my buddy Frank was winding down, our friend Jeff walked in. He was meeting with Pat Cruz, of Southern New England Woman's magazine, who just happened to be a dynamic woman I've been wanting to meet this year. Done. Met her, and I'll be attending her huge women's conference on 2/17. The door to a future conversation was opened.
- I had the chance to meet with a brilliant, talented woman named Joan who has amazing products (a series of children's books, with merchandise and screenplays) who appreciates my marketing expertise, and is eager to join the Sassy Ladies Club for visibility.
- I was invited to apply for the Betaspring incubator program to launch Fresh, a move that would advance the company by quantum leap. This is normally reserved for technology companies, which Fresh is not, but they see the potential of the concept.
- I got an email from my friend Amy which moved me to tears. She is going to provide me with some much needed support. As I have gotten the vision for this business, and the amount of work that it is going to take to make it succeed (on top of everything already going on with The Sassy Ladies and the kids, I have begun to realize that there is no way I can do it all myself. In talking to her recently about my plans, she noticed that, too, and stepped up to offer her assistance. She is an angel.
- Last night, I attended my dear friend Melody's father's funeral. It was a joyful celebration of his life, filled with gospel music and boisterous eulogies, and an enormous buffet meal. I left the church late, and was worrying about driving home sleepy. As I approached my car, I noticed I was boxed in by a minivan. Two women in front of me were walking in the same direction. I used all my power to envision them inserting their key into the car behind me. (The Law of Attraction works for more than just prosperity, you know.)
Sure enough, it was their minivan! I shouted out loud, "Praise the Lord!", which is not like me, but I had just left a gospel funeral and it seemed appropriate. I was so grateful that I would not have to wait, it made my whole day. They spun around, and we all laughed as I told them I was parked in front of them.
It was my lucky day, indeed.
*** As suspected I got lucky in many ways:
- In the midst of a torrential downpour of cold New England rain, a parking spot opened up right in front of the door to a crowded Panera Bread.
- Inside Panera, as my meeting with my buddy Frank was winding down, our friend Jeff walked in. He was meeting with Pat Cruz, of Southern New England Woman's magazine, who just happened to be a dynamic woman I've been wanting to meet this year. Done. Met her, and I'll be attending her huge women's conference on 2/17. The door to a future conversation was opened.
- I had the chance to meet with a brilliant, talented woman named Joan who has amazing products (a series of children's books, with merchandise and screenplays) who appreciates my marketing expertise, and is eager to join the Sassy Ladies Club for visibility.
- I was invited to apply for the Betaspring incubator program to launch Fresh, a move that would advance the company by quantum leap. This is normally reserved for technology companies, which Fresh is not, but they see the potential of the concept.
- I got an email from my friend Amy which moved me to tears. She is going to provide me with some much needed support. As I have gotten the vision for this business, and the amount of work that it is going to take to make it succeed (on top of everything already going on with The Sassy Ladies and the kids, I have begun to realize that there is no way I can do it all myself. In talking to her recently about my plans, she noticed that, too, and stepped up to offer her assistance. She is an angel.
- Last night, I attended my dear friend Melody's father's funeral. It was a joyful celebration of his life, filled with gospel music and boisterous eulogies, and an enormous buffet meal. I left the church late, and was worrying about driving home sleepy. As I approached my car, I noticed I was boxed in by a minivan. Two women in front of me were walking in the same direction. I used all my power to envision them inserting their key into the car behind me. (The Law of Attraction works for more than just prosperity, you know.)
Sure enough, it was their minivan! I shouted out loud, "Praise the Lord!", which is not like me, but I had just left a gospel funeral and it seemed appropriate. I was so grateful that I would not have to wait, it made my whole day. They spun around, and we all laughed as I told them I was parked in front of them.
It was my lucky day, indeed.
Sunday, January 24, 2010
Day 23 - Party Every Day
"I wanna rock and roll all night...and party every day!"
The band members sang these words over and over again to a crowd of sweaty, dancing fans who screamed the lyrics right along with them. The lead singer, a childhood friend of mine, finished the song with a huge smile on his face, looked out at the crowd and said, "I don't know who's having more fun!"
Good times. I hadn't seen Tommy in 25 years, and it was great to see him enjoying life as much as we did as teens. Rich and I met a bunch of friends out at a local club, including my BFFs, Kris and Kathy, and we all had a lot of fun. As old as I am (LOL), I still love going out dancing.
These lyrics rang in my ears all day. I want to party every day. Life is meant to be joyful. I decided that my title in the business would be "Chief Party Girl", or maybe just CPG, and let 'em guess...
The band members sang these words over and over again to a crowd of sweaty, dancing fans who screamed the lyrics right along with them. The lead singer, a childhood friend of mine, finished the song with a huge smile on his face, looked out at the crowd and said, "I don't know who's having more fun!"
Good times. I hadn't seen Tommy in 25 years, and it was great to see him enjoying life as much as we did as teens. Rich and I met a bunch of friends out at a local club, including my BFFs, Kris and Kathy, and we all had a lot of fun. As old as I am (LOL), I still love going out dancing.
These lyrics rang in my ears all day. I want to party every day. Life is meant to be joyful. I decided that my title in the business would be "Chief Party Girl", or maybe just CPG, and let 'em guess...
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