Recently, my faith was tested. My sister had an aneurysm burst in her brain, which required an 8-hour operation. The doctor forecasted a 1 in 3 chance of survival. Thankfully, after 22 days in the ICU she was released from the hospital. Feeling better now, she is recovering at home.
I’ll never forget Saturday, October 5 at 4:45 p.m. I was sitting at home working on a presentation for my client, healthcare giant Cigna, while anticipating a relaxed evening at a jazz concert. My father called, looking for my mother. When I told him she wasn’t at my home, in his usual calm voice he said, “Thaddeus (my sister’s husband) took Wanda to the hospital. They think an aneurysm burst in her brain.”
With tears running uncontrollably down my face, I headed to the hospital in disbelief. This unexpected turn of events changed my perspective on life. I now know what it feels like to notice you have a crack in your foundation – your faith.
We needed a miracle. And, to be honest, I was fearful that we would not get one. I needed a reference point. I looked to my grandmother’s life. She was given up on by doctors five times, yet lived to be 91 years old. After that, although I remained prayerful, I was good.
This lesson on volatility created a sense of urgency in me to help as many people as I can. That’s why, although I’ll continue to do live presentations, I’m taking my message to the Internet via webinars, teleseminars and live hangouts, and I suspect I will continue to find unconventional ways to teach, learn and grow from and with you. I hope you’re in!
Some time ago I sent out a 5-question survey. I wanted to know how you perceived our relationship, and what your most pressing concerns were. According to current results, the top 3 topics you wanted to learn more about were entrepreneurship, spiritual growth and self-confidence. Regardless of what we talk about, it will be from a spiritual perspective. Therefore, since entrepreneurship is a hot button for you, I’m going to start with a webinar on my area of expertise – image/branding.
Whether you’re an entrepreneur, employee, community activist or government official, or have dreams of being something that you are not right now, branding is crucial for your success.
I am poised to launch my first webinar, How to Create a Buzz: Grow Your Life and Business, on Thursday, December 12 at 12 noon. This webinar IS for YOU if you want to understand:
· Why you didn’t get the promotion or contract you expected
· How to stand out in a crowd
· What makes you likable.
There Is More,