“You were designed for accomplishment, engineered for success, and endowed with the seeds of greatness.” Zig Ziglar
I usually don’t see myself as a designer or engineer, but I realize that’s what I’ve done most of my adult life—designed a plan, and engineered the steps and procedures to carry it out. What got me started in the design was usually a wisp of a dream that I just couldn’t let go; then a certain belief that I could do it. And the belief was in me because someone, somewhere in my life planted a small seed that I could do it.
The Beliefs: I could break that board in karate. I could open my own business. I could make that 10-mile hike. I could write that first book and publish it. Hey, I could even sell copies and give other people the opportunity to realize their design.
The Seeds: Practicing to the voice of my sensei, “One more time. Try it. One more time. Do it. You can do this.” And I did.
Hearing Shakti Gawain over twenty years ago as she related how she overcame obstacles to be a successful public speaker and proponent of personal development. Seeing confidence in her posture, body language, and voice, I heard myself say, “I could do this.”
Taking a risk and sharing a “little story or two” at an open mic, and hearing laughter and seeing tears in people’s eyes. I can reach people with my words.
Mentoring a fellow writer to become a published author and having the seed of a ten-year friendship come out of that one meeting. I know my craft of writing.
If I am open to be “present” and keep my head where my feet are, I hear and receive seeds every day. Then I can support people in my everyday life by listening, sharing, and writing.
Seeds that were planted as a new idea or possibility in my writing life have been reinforced, and grew, and yielded a harvest of successes. I don’t just guess anymore about my strengths. I know what they are. Because I know I have some real talent in storytelling, writing, and successful relationships, I can give this knowledge away with confidence. And seeds are planted.
Tooting my own horn? Well, yes. But for years I, along with many other women, and men I am sure, teetered at the other end of the spectrum. Phrases like “I’ll try…” “You don’t understand…” and “It’s too hard…” were like weeds choking the seeds.
Today I look for ways to cultivate my seeds and plant a seed for someone else. Acknowledge strength in someone. Compliment them. The end result is often (and as long as it’s been happening, I still get surprised) that I receive a gift or a new seed in return.
Enid’s Harvest
“If you can dream it, then you can achieve it. You will get all you want in life if you help enough other people get what they want.” Zig Ziglar
