Diamond Nugget: “In the depth of winter I finally learned that there was in me an invincible summer.” ~ Albert Camus
There will be periods of harshness in most of our lives, similar to the coldest of wintery days. The difficulties of life snatch our warm breath of joy, pelting us with icicles of pain, doubt and despair. It is at times like these that we ought to:
Follow Albert Camus’ example and draw on the invincible summer of hope, determination and belief residing deep within us
Find that true purpose that will gives us the strength to press through our troubles
Connect with mentors who will show us ways to get beyond certain obstacles that we may not know how to overcome
It is in recalling the passionate, sparkling seasons of our lives that we may see beyond the lackluster travails we encounter….finding our invincible summer in winter.
“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.
Follow me on Facebook Let’s Link on LinkedIn Tweet with me on Twitter
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 compassionatetowards 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
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 CuttersLive a Diamond Life, A Life of Purpose: Diamond Cutters Workbook
Live a Diamond Life a Life of Purpose! Follow me on twitter: @marlenembryan.
“Phyllis, you will be a contestant in the club’s Table Topics Contest,” I informed her as she entered the meeting room. “Marlene, I don’t think I can do it.” She replied. Knowing that she doubts her ability I insisted, “Yes. You can. I know you can. You have what it takes.” She smiled and said, “If you think I can do, then I will do it.”
Phyllis has the ability to speak, but she is fighting years of being told that she doesn’t have the potential to do anything well. Yet, each time she is given a gentle nudge to speak, she does it and better than she thought she could. I saw the opportunity to give her more self-confidence through the experience of competing in the club’s contest. Phyllis not only entered the contest, she won first place.
She went on to represent the club in the Toastmasters District 47 Area 12 Table Topics Contest. Watching Phyllis using the tips (body language, vocal variety, eye contact) that we gave her along with her smile was a proud moment for me. Knowing how much she doubts her ability and to see her take on the challenge of speaking in front of a room full of people is special to me. Phyllis won the second place award!
We hugged afterwards and she said, “Marlene, I want you to continue to coach me. I want to be just like you.” I told her, “No, Phyllis. I don’t want you to be just like me. I want you to be the best Phyllis you can be, the Diamond that I know you are.” She smiled broadly as though a light bulb went on above her head. She excitedly repeated, “I will be the best I can be.” Phyllis is on her way…shining bright like a Diamond. Are you on your way?
Feel free to share this article and post a comment. Live a Diamond Life. Live a Life of Purpose!
Let’s Link on LinkedIn 
Tweet with me on Twitter 
