I am entering the next journey in my life and I must say, I am terrifyingly excited!
That may seem odd, and yet, I believe it perfectly describes what is going on in my emotional and physical being.

You see, I have just retired from the corporate world – the world that has been my anchor of about 43 years. Wow! When I say it like that, the terrifying gets really big!

So, my ‘anchor’. Exactly what is that? Webster describes anchor as follows: a heavy device that is attached to a boat or ship by a rope or chain and that is thrown into the water to hold the boat or ship in place; a person or thing that provides strength and support. Hmmm…let me take another look at the word anchor and what it has meant to me for the past four decades!

A rope or chain – sometimes, did I experience being held down by a rope or chain? Truthfully, yes. At times, I felt as if I were ‘thrown overboard’ – weighted down and left to sink or swim. And, at times, I was held in place by that anchor and it was a very safe and secure feeling! I was aboard a very strong ship during several storms. That anchor held fast and I not only survived, I thrived! It taught me to be strong, it showed me what support really looks like, it helped me to slow down at times and become aware of my sea legs. I learned how to ride out some very challenging and difficult years; how to accept and provide support.

As I planned to disembark the corporate ship and leave that anchor behind, I thought I would experience a sense of freedom. Free of the chains; free to be my own decision maker; free of being held down…

Honestly, the past two weeks, my experience has been that of calm reflection. It has been a refreshing and relaxing time to let go. It has also been a realization that much of the ‘anchoring’ I did to (and for) myself!

A new way to think – interesting! Think about the benefits of the corporate world and the lessons I take with me. Think about the adventure of riding those waves and how I learned to adapt to the highs and lows. Think about the courage I showed when challenging the status quo. Think about the support and encouragement I received when taking risks.

A new way to be – yes – I am grateful for the anchor; for being thrown overboard; for learning to swim; for the incredible support an organization of several hundred – or thousand – can give. I can be ‘retired’ from the corporate world. I can be grateful to the people and learning and experiences that saw me through those many years. I will be paying it forward as I now shift the focus of my attention to new adventures in supporting others to see what lies ahead.

See the ‘anchor’ – – see how it keeps me on course, providing strength and support when most needed. The terrifying subsides…………the excited builds!!

Go ahead…read it again…Interesting, don’t you think?

What is the familiar conversation you have with yourself? Shhhh…listen…there it is!

You know it – you hear it all the time! Mine is – ‘it’s too hard’.
How many times has that familiar voice stopped you on your way to something new?

Now, I am no lightweight, by any means! I am always ready for a challenge, something new and exciting, a risk taker. However, as I reflect, as I stop to listen, I do hear that nagging voice in my head that tells me ‘it’s too hard’ or ‘it won’t work’ or ‘are you sure?’

Pay attention to that voice – what does it say to you? Is it taking you back to where you are comfortable and familiar?

How has that been working for you?

Are you ready to discover the tools to shift the focus of your attention to what could be…to the possibilities…to something more interesting?

Are you ready? Are you willing?

What would it be like to thank that little voice inside your head for sharing all the reasons why you should turn back rather than take the next step in your life’s journey?

Yes, thank your voice and then gently shift the focus of your attention to the possibilities of what could be when you take a small, sweet step into the world of ‘what if’!

What do you see when it rains? What do you feel when it’s dark?
Do you see cold, exhausted and overwhelmed? Do you experience worry, doubt, fear and uncertainty?

What would it be like to see the rain as cleansing, refreshing and invigorating: to feel warm and cozy in your own skin? And of the darkness – to embrace the creativity and movement of twinkling stars as they form the magnificent constellations in a sheltering blanket of comfort.

Breathing deeply the cool moisture of the evening air as the rain refreshes our earthly bed.
Seeing clearly the possibilities of what could be – if only – and knowing that with one small sweet step forward it begins to be so. What would that be like? Would that be okay with you?

What is it about what you see and what you feel that takes you on your journey?
You are moving in the direction you choose; the course of your focus. Are you going where you have always gone? If so, are you satisfied with what you have always gotten?

If you are on the same path and still not seeing the rainbows or experiencing the stars, are you willing to shift the focus of your attention to ‘what else could there be?’

When you are ready close your eyes; breathe in; breathe out; welcome the slightest shift; create one small, sweet authentic action; take that first step and delight in what will be! You can make it so.

I have been having such a grand time these past few months! I have had the opportunity to provide executive level coaching to 19 leaders – from San Antonio, Texas to Gainesville, Florida. Entry level leaders who would not normally have a chance to participate in such a program of support. We are now at the end of a ‘proof of concept’ on a program I designed and implemented. While I am sad to see this series end, I am full of joy and gratitude for what these courageous leaders have accomplished.

Each leader approached the program with curiosity – what would it be like to spend an hour on the phone talking about their personal and professional challenges; how could this time be incorporated into their already overwhelming schedule; what would they talk about; how much additional work would this become….

While tentative at first, these gutsy leaders quickly realized their untapped potential. They have come out of “auto-pilot” and created authentic actions toward achieving their goals. In the 12 weeks of the program, these leaders have created study plans to complete business related course-work; taken and passed continuing education tests; facilitated difficult conversations with their direct reports and with their managers; created surveys requesting feedback on their individual performance and behavior; created time management plans to improve their individual efficiency; initiated peer conversations for improved working relationships; researched and discovered development paths for enhanced career growth; practiced stress relief and improved health and wellness. Oh, the list goes on – but I think you probably understand the impact!

And now, we are at the end of our program. It has been an honor and privilege to support these spirited leaders, these champions, these heroes on their journey! I am so very grateful for the time we have had together.

Personal note to 19 incredible leaders: I thank each of you for allowing me to participate in your dreams! I wish you all the very best in your journey.

I looked for the perfect card for you. I scoured several stores. Hallmark, American Greetings…none were just right. I was sad, as I browsed the Father’s Day section this year – as I was last year. There are no words, written by others that I can share with you this day.
I cannot send you a card this year or make my Sunday call to you. I have no gift to wrap and give to you. My only recourse is to send my thoughts to heaven in hopes they will reach you. I promise not to cry – I know how your girls’ tears make you sad!
Things are good with me, Dad. You would be happy with the way my life is going. I love how you always asked how I’m doing – and really cared about the answer. Sometimes, I made it sound better than it really was; yet, you knew! Always asking if there was anything you or Mother could do. My reply was often: just being there is what I need – and it was! Knowing I could always call and hearing your voice made everything okay.
There are so many wonderful memories of our calls, but most of all our visits and little road trips when I was home. I loved taking you to the store. I know, it sounds so simple! But when you and I would head out to the market with a detailed list from Mother (including the aisle numbers), I knew we would be chatting and laughing and planning. You were such a flirt! I love how you knew the names of all the girls at the store and you would have to go into every area – pharmacy, deli, bakery and meat department – just to check in on the ladies! Oh, how they loved it when you came by! How many things did you buy from them, just to have a chance to chat for a bit? What makes me smile, is how Mother always seemed to know what you were up to – she’d ask me if you checked in on all your ‘babes’! What a hoot!
I still look for the ‘Santa Clause’ melon in the spring – you and I discovered that one together.
One of our last big trips together was to Bloomington to celebrate your 70th wedding anniversary. Oh my! I was driving, you riding shot-gun and Mother all settled in the back seat. We were about 15 minutes into our 90 minute drive and you looked over at me – more a glance – and sheepishly asked “are we there yet?” Then you cracked a huge grin and giggled like a kid! I guess that was pay-back, huh?
My thoughts, often when I am frustrated, confused, exhausted…are ‘what would Daddy do/say”. You know, that has gotten me out of more jams than I care to remember.
Your advice, wisdom, sense of right and wrong, sense of humor, and strength has carried me far beyond my childhood years. They have guided me through love, children, work, play and life.
Grand memories continue to be my anchor. I love you, Dad. I miss you. I’m going to cry now – so I’ll just say: Thank you and Happy Father’s Day…until we meet again.