It’s Not Too Late – Start from Here

Posted on April 22, 2014 by MarleneMB

This past Saturday, I had the pleasure of exhibiting and selling my books at the Jamaican Women of Florida Reggae/Jazz Brunch. It was exciting meeting and sharing my message to the attendees. As I shared with them that the one thing my father regretted on his death bed was not living his true calling to be an artists, I am humbled by the responses and reactions most of them had to it.

I explained that my father’s dying regret pushed me to share with others that they ought to Live a Diamond Life, A Life of Purpose. By living out one’s calling, you are blessing others and yourself. A few of the listeners had tears in their eyes as I handed them the crystal Diamond that symbolizes that each one of us is precious and is created for a purpose. The smiles on their faces and the sincere thanks they offered filled me with joy.

One of my buyers told me that he was an attorney and he was very miserable because that was not what he truly wanted to be. He told me he was dying each day he entered a courtroom or reviewed a case. Finally, he decided that he would pursue living his purpose of being an artist! He was so excited that he brought his sister and her friend over to meet me. He wanted to share my message with them.

Another listener was a doctor who treated many patients including those with HIV and AIDs. While it was a meaningful cause, it was not her purpose. She said that her parents and others thought she was crazy for leaving her practice to start her own Holistic business. She said that now she is the happiest she has ever been.

My friends, until you recognize and live in the area of your purpose, you may find that you have an empty spot inside that longs to be filled. If and when you discover what your place of purposeful living is, you may find that others may think you are insane. You may think you are insane. I encourage you to explore it and have the courage to live that purpose. It will not be easy at times, most worthwhile things aren’t. Yet, I truly believe that you will find joy when you see the impact you have on others around you. This is because your Diamond Potential will shine through to them.

This event gave me the strength to continue in my purposeful walk to awaken others to Live a Diamond Life, A Life of Purpose! Feel free to share this article with others that need to be encouraged to seek their purpose in life. Remind them: “It’s Not Too Late – Start from Here!”

See you at my book launch on Saturday, May 3, 2014, 3-5 p.m., at Jewelry Depot Inc. Oakwood Plaza, 2910 Oakwood Blvd, Hollywood, FL 33020.

If you cannot make it, buy your copy of the book by clicking Live Diamond Life, A Life of Purpose: Diamond Cutters!

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Hanging with Fierce Folks

Posted on April 16, 2014 by MarleneMB

“Me! Me! Me!” I looked across the room and little hands were waving in the air. The little princesses screamed for me to pick them to serve as my assistants in the workshop. Their lack of fear about what others may say or think was wonderful to see. It filled me with such hope for them and for myself.

For the past six months I have been hanging out with some Fierce Folks. They range in age from four to seventeen. Whether in my workshops or in the Gavel Club meetings (Toastmasters Club for those under the age of 18 or unable to sign an agreement with the organization), I find that these Fierce Folks are so eager to perform different roles and tasks without inhibitions. They are not worried whether they will do it wrong or right. They are willing to get up and perform the job or task. They are less concerned about what others think about the way they are doing the task. They are more focused on just doing and being!

This is a stark difference than when I am conducting workshops for adults. Most often when I call for a volunteer, maybe one or two hands will go up. Adults are more self-conscious of others opinions of their performance, appearance, etc. They seem intimidated to venture out and try new things. I ask myself when did we lose our Fierceness? When did we lose viewing the world through our inner child’s eyes?

Now that I’m hanging with these Fierce Folks I am beginning to regain my inner child’s eyes…my Fierceness! A friend of mine recently suggested that I launch my book in a non-traditional way. Instead of launching the book at a bookstore, why not launch it at a jewelry store. My book’s title is Live a Diamond Life, A Life of Purpose: Diamond Cutters.

At first I thought: “What jeweler is going to allow me to launch my book in his/her store?” Then, I allowed my Fierceness to kick it. I researched stores in my area and found one. I picked up the phone and pitched my idea to the store manager. She called me back the next day and said the owner wants to meet with me. I met with him and learned he was a Diamond Cutter in New York in an area that I covered when I was in sales. End result: I will be launching my book on Sat. May 3, 2014 3-5 p.m. at Jewelry Depot, Inc. in Oakwood Plaza, 2910 Oakwood Blvd, Hollywood, FL 33020. Come out and celebrate with me!

Embrace your inner child. Embrace your Fierceness! Start by hanging with the Fierce Folks! Share your Fierce story with us! Share this story with a friend or family member who needs to get his/her Fierceness back! Live a Diamond Life!

Can’t make the launch? You can order a copy on line by clicking Diamond Cutters Book.

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Diamond Cutters Book Launch!

Posted on April 11, 2014 by MarleneMB

It is finally SET…Just Like a Shining Diamond on a Gorgeous Ring…My first Book Launch is on May 3, 2014 at 3pm – 5pm. It is appropriately scheduled at a Diamond Jewelry store You are cordially invited! Come out and celebrate, grab a copy of the book, sip champagne, pick up a Mother’s Day gift…I am looking forward to seeing you there!

Can’t make it to the event. Get your copy of the book here: Live a A Diamond Life, A Life of Purpose: Diamond Cutters.

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She needed a Hug – Compassion in Leadership

Posted on March 24, 2014 by MarleneMB

Walking into the restaurant, my eyes locked with a lady sitting at a table with a mound of receipts in front of her. We smiled at each other. She was dressed in the garb of the workers, all in black. Her red hair was pulled back in a ponytail. Suddenly I had an intense urge to hug her. I walked over and said: “Hi, I need a hug.” She got up and chuckled: “I need a hug too!” I replied, “I know.” We hugged.

Then she shared with me that her husband is in the hospital. She was with him until 5:30 a.m. that morning and came directly into work. She was tired. I insisted that we hug again. I asked her for her name and her husband’s name. I told her that I would pray for them on my prayer line. She smiled at me, grasped my hand and thanked me. At that point another waitress came to seat my companion and me at a table. Not long after, I saw my hugger leaving.

I don’t know what prompted me to give her that needed hug. There I was tired from hosting an event for 118 people at the Division A Toastmasters Contests. I was drained and hungry because I hadn’t eaten all day. When I walked into that restaurant I was thinking about eating then going home to rest. I believe the Universal Spirit moved in me to show compassion towards my fellow hugger, but my leadership skills gave me the courage to approach her in the right way.

Leadership is about getting things done and inspiring others to do the things you need done. It is about being a visionary, being decisive and being strong in completing the vision. But it is also about being compassionate towards others. If you are not a compassionate leader, chances are you won’t have many people following you for too long. Showing that you care about others goes a long way in leadership. Add some compassion to your leadership bag today!

Live a Diamond Life. Share this article with others.

Learn more about finding mentors and coaches or becoming a better mentor/coach in my book Live a Diamond Life, A Life of Purpose: Diamond Cutters…click the link

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It’s a Boy! It’s a Girl! No, It’s My Book! Live a Diamond Life, A Life of Purpose: Diamond Cutters

Posted on March 17, 2014 by MarleneMB

Marlene M. Bryan — Live a Diamond Life, A Life of Purpose: Diamond Cutters

The phone rang. I picked it up with some annoyance that it interrupted my preparation for my next meeting. It was the security guard in the building letting me know a package is waiting for me. I rushed downstairs to get it. With nervous fingers I ripped open the package like a kid on Christmas morning. I pulled out both my first book and workbook, cradling them like newborn babes. The guard smiled at my excitement and said “Congratulations. That is a great accomplishment.”

Hmmm. I never that of it that way: an accomplishment indeed. After two years of dilly-dallying, I have finally completed the first book in the Live a Diamond Life, A Life of Purpose series along with the workbook. When I started speaking about living a Diamond Life, I did not envision writing a book. I learned from my audience that they wanted to read about how to Live a Diamond Life; thus, I was compelled to write about it.

I didn’t do it alone. I had many people that helped me along the way. It is so great to know that so many good folks are willing to give time, feedback and encouragement because they believe in uplifting another human being. I am humble by their love and support!

Here is the description of the book:

Have you ever felt like something was missing in your life? You have a good job, house, car –all those material things that society says should make you happy. You still feel empty and wonder – What is my purpose in life? Many people struggle with these questions. Marlene M. Bryan utilizes the Diamond as a metaphor to demonstrate how you read more…

Click on the images to purchase your copy of the book “Live a Diamond Life, A Life of Purpose: Diamond Cutters” and the workbook.

Live a Diamond Life, A Life of Purpose: Diamond Cutters Workbook

Live a Diamond Life a Life of Purpose! Follow me on twitter: @marlenembryan.

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