Why me, why this?
So, at fifty-something I knew it was time for change. Hell, I’d been doing IT in every form known to man since age 8, with the advent of the first home computer called the ZX81 where you had to program every game you played. As there was no physical memory you’d have to reprogram it every time you turned it on and off. But I didn’t care, I owned the first home computer (thanks to my Dad…I remember that trip to WH Smith’s in London) and I had a digital game on my TV that I did not need to leave the house to play. Talk about cutting edge!
Fast forward forty something years later. IT has been the backbone of everything I’ve done and it’s currently what pays the bills. Being the sensitive, creative type, during that time I’ve launched several businesses, in fact any dream I ever had I’ve pursued…from owning a graphic design company, a web design company, running an inspirational website for 10 years, launching an inspirational magazine, becoming a business consultant, owning a publishing company, and writing a total of 9 books all to be found on Amazon (and everywhere else) today. My favorite part of all of that (or the general theme I’ve noticed) is helping others also do what they were born to do. There’s nothing greater than when someone sends me a magazine from Switzerland, Africa, America…wherever, and they say my book and the knowledge I shared is what helped them launch their own. Along with the fact that my magazine book was used to teach journalism in colleges and universities around the world. Just wow!
Don’t get me wrong it’s been somewhat of a lonely road but I committed myself to sharing this gift that God gave me, almost at the expense of everything else. I been FOCUSED. So now I’m like what’s next??? There’s nothing more for me to learn IT-wise and I’m tired of learning all this stuff that I never get to implement in any company anyway because they are just not ready. And let’s be honest—most of what we’re taught is perfect case scenario and as we live in a less than perfect world, yeah, that stuff is never really implemented although it continues to remain the goal and the main topic of many a meeting.
OK, so my theme is inspiration (I believe you need to look back to figure out what comes next) plus for as long as I can remember I have ALWAYS wanted to be the next Oprah in my own way BUT is the product me (in which case I need to build/brand myself that way) or do I create a company or platform that brings inspiration to others…possibly using those who have already built their brand, but putting them all in the room where we can connect and the energy is shared? I think I’m liking that more. After 3 years in a pandemic, connection is more important than it ever was, that’s why it isn’t another book, a podcast, or a show—it’s in-person events that encourage and inspire people to be more of themselves. Nothing more, nothing less.
Side note: When I hit the coffee shop today to ponder after a fantastic conversation with an old friend (shout out to Ronda) there was not a seat in sight…I have NEVER seen it that busy. The only seat was literally one by the window and when I looked up I saw the billboard picture above. Yet another sign of which I’ve had my fair share of this week and especially today. The writing is literally on the wall.
