We all know that one of the reasons tourists flock to Portsmouth throughout the year is to take a trip back in time to rediscover their roots in Strawberry Banke. It was actually settled in 1623 as this jolly gent so proudly attest to but do we know why it was named so? One of the lessons that my dad taught me in life is that its best to keep it simple. The settlers named it Strawberry Banke aptly for the wild strawberries that grew up the banks. Go figure. Well actually I'm sure you already did.
I've had a feeling about myself ever since I can remember. I had a feeling that one day I am going to accomplish something big that will make a difference. It's like an eternal flame inside of me that keeps the lights on "when no one appears to be home." If I let myself think about it too much my mind has a wonderful time of making up ways in which I'll reach this goal and more times than not these ideas tend to send me off track. I've been pushing towards something unimaginable my whole life and it always feels as though its right around the corner and before I know it I will be breaking through to my destiny. It is this energy that compels me to be up all night writing, or spinning an idea for a client, or trying to figure out who I can connect a friend with in order to help them out of a tight situation in life.
The problem is when I loose focus and let my mind spin in a thousand directions I've pretty much scattered myself so thin that I loose the ability to do great in one area. Instead I find pretty average results in a number of different projects. Don't believe me? Just come take a look at my perennial beds and my laundry room. Last month I was feeling especially scattered, not knowing which direction I would be taking in life. So I did something I rarely do, I picked up the phone and called a woman who I consider to be a semi-god in business. I am inspired by her to the degree that I purposefully keep distance so she won't think I'm a stalker. Weeks went by and no word from the demi-god and I had honestly forgoten that I had called her. Then without expectation there was a message on my blackberry and it was her!! WOW - I thought "oh shit" I picked up the phone without really thinking about it now I have to be serious and know why I want to speak with her.
It took me a week to feel as though the time was right and when I did finally put the call in I had a surge of energy and I knew it was meant to be. She answered the phone and I emotionally threw up everything that I have been dealing with in life and then told her about the incredible new business opportunity that has literally fallen from the sky into my lap and then I finally ended my long winded monologue with I need your help. I need a mentor.
This was a huge step for me. I grew up in a family where it was our daily task to prove that there wasn't anything that we couldn't do and never ever ask for help especially from someone outside of the family. My mentor as I now love to call her asked me when I could meet her and within a few short hours I was sitting in front of her once again spilling everything. Honest truth with tons of emotion, tears and laughter mixed in. She got me and I could tell that she was listening and reworking the information I was giving her. It felt safe and it felt good. I ended up staying three hours and we were joined by her husband who is a man of great strength, intelligence and ability and then I took my turn listening to all that they had to say. It felt nothing short of amazing to receive the feedback that yes I am on the right track and yes I am doing what I need to be doing and most importantly the piece of information I value the most is....Keep it simple. Be who you are and be it better than anyone else can! We are giving talents and abilities for a reason. It is not to bridle them or mask them in order to make another comfortable nor are these talents basis for one to boast. These unique talents that we are each given are for us to create something good in our own little pockets of the globe.
My little pocket of the world is the Seacoast and New England. I am a Yankee girl thru and thru and it is my job to do what I do best right here in this corner of the world making sure that I am giving what I have to give and receiving what I need to receive. So can we really do it all by ourselves? Are we meant to live, work, and breathe from a vacuum not connecting with others or sharing experiences or knowledge? Wouldn't life be much simpler and less messy if we listened to those that have already been there done that? I'm not saying that we try to avoid important life lessons, I'm really just implying that if we listen to those placed in front of us and know from our guts that they are speaking the truth it might just do a lot towards shrinking our learning curve so we may surpass our own highest expectations of life and get some really good things done for not just ourselves but those around us that might need an extended hand.
I sat in front of my mentor and her husband this evening and my mind was spinning. How could I take the information they were giving me and apply it immediately to my new life? How did I become so fortunate to be able to be in the present moment with them both and enjoy learning all that they had been through? Life is not easy for anyone regardless of how much is in your bank account but one thing it can be is beautiful. When you have the opportunity to reach out and grab an offered hand TAKE it and remember to return the favor one day. Oh what a wonderful place this will be and I can only imagine the many people will be flocking to spend time on the Seacoast.
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