Presentation is everything

Whether it's the meal you're served, the clothes you're wearing, or the way you pitch a new client, presentation is everything, right?

I'm asking because I wonder how much it really matters that something looks good. I mean, how much do you have to prove your worth...and to whom?

I can tell you that I've made many a dish that certainly didn't come close to looking like the meal pictured above. I'm not sure I'd be able to prepare a meal like the one I ate pictured above. But I think I can make a delicious meal nonetheless. And I've sent a winning pitch or two to editors while wearing my pajamas. That didn't seem to matter. Of course, I wouldn't have shown up on their doorsteps that way. But you get the picture.

So I'm wondering if we place so much emphasis on how things look at the risk of failing to focus enough on the inside, too.

For the next week, humor me with noting how much attention you place on outside appearances. Do you really care if that woman's shoes are polished or her nails are painted, or his tie is the right shade of blue? Do you notice the restaurants that place chargers under the plates or the ones that use utensils that don't match? Does any of this disturb you to the point that you wouldn't do business with them?  

Is presentation everything? Think about it, and tell me what you think. I'm curious.

When you need to ask for support

A few days ago, I posted about the importance of jumping right in there with your ideas. Well, I did it! I just volunteered to present to a group of pre-retired folks. The opportunity presented itself, and I thought, Why not? So I came up with a speech topic, a title, and I know exactly what I'll say. Most of it will come from a story I wrote for Arizona Highways more than a year ago that just appeared in print this past May. I'll use that as the basis and incorporate additional stories that I have on file. I'll use what I learned in Improv class to add a touch of humor and expect the presentation to be light-hearted, yet educational. Plus, I think it'll fun to hear.

Please wish me luck in getting the job!

Whenever you find yourself doing something unexpected that you'd really like to do, be sure to ask the universe for support.

I think it helps. And since I only have a week to prepare, I think I'm going to need it.

All my best,
Jackie

Miss me?

Maybe you've noticed I haven't posted in a few days. I've been busy with deadlines and preparing for a BIKE presentation that I just gave on Sunday. That was two hours of telling my story and audience interaction and discussion; the program ended with me getting lots of hugs from my audience members. How empowering is that?! I was humbled and so joyful.

I left the meeting room feeling particularly proud of myself and happy that I have a message to share that can truly inspire.

It's a great illustration of the ability to turn a negative into a positive. We all have the power to do that for ourselves.

I hope you've been thinking about your BIKE -- the vehicle that will move you past whatever pain you might be going through.

I've been talking a lot about BIKE in the past few years. It's become such a part of my life. Without it, I'm not sure I'd be selling to the national magazines. I'm not sure I would be traveling as much. I'm not sure my life would seem as full.

Becoming aware, paying attention, living consciously -- all of that will occur more and more as you ride. Trusting those gut feelings helps us make better decisions that allow us to experience life in an exhuberant manner.

Wouldn't it be great if you could feel joy despite the sorrows? You can. It's the law of life, the yin and yang.

No matter what is annoying you today, or grieving you, or causing you pain, think about what also gives you joy. If you're not already doing so, start keeping a "Grateful" Journal. A friend of mine gave me such a journal when I was going through my divorce. In it, I wrote down ONLY those things for which I felt grateful. I filled the pages with grateful thoughts. If you do the same, you'll be surprised how your attitide can change after just one week of this practice.

Today, think joyful thoughts.

All my best,
Jackie