Happy 20th Anniversary, Positive Thinkers of Newfoundland and Labrador. Twenty years ago this month, Positive Thinkers was established in Newfoundland and Labrador (NL) by John Snow and Dave Rudofsky. And what a 20 year celebration it was! On Saturday February 21,2009, The Newfoundland and Labrador Association of Professional Speakers helped the Positive Thinkers celebrate in style with a MAJOR speakers showcase at the Sheraton Hotel in St. John's, NL. As Russell Conwell once wrote, “The acres of diamonds are here in our own backyard”, meaning that the diverse selection of professional speakers from this province is second to none and event planners could really put this talent to work to add value to their events.

One year ago this month, I presented a talk at the Positive Thinkers monthly breakfast entitled “Battling the Winter Blues: How to Become Your Own Therapist.” It is at this time of year, in Canada especially, that moods often change and people get down and out. Life can be a tough battle and even though the positive thinkers of this world can talk about life not getting them down, I am sure even the Dalai Lama has his down days. It is in these days of uncertainty that we really need the positive people around us, to help us push through the blues of life. It magnifies the human experience and makes us that much more. People are far more valuable than bank accounts, “things” and possessions.

Life really is all about people, I truly believe, and sometimes many of us take that for granted. I know first hand. While down and out, several years ago, and battling all of the life challenges around me (which seemed to never end but significantly magnify), my girlfriend at the time gave her heart and soul to help me push through. Unfortunately, I took her for granted. Sometimes not knowing and being ignorant, we learn the hard way. In hindsight, we look back to learn from these experiences so they never repeat and so others can learn as well. Have you ever been in such a position? Are you too busy checking email at home after work to spend quality time with your kids or spouse? Time is our greatest life commodity and it is far greater a virtue than a commodity.

Geoff Eaton, a cancer survivor and Inspirational Speaker, delivered one of the greatest presentations I have ever experienced on Saturday February 21 at the Positive Thinkers 20th Anniversary. He talked about his unbelievable battle with cancer, which for many of us not having such a challenge, will find it hard to comprehend. Geoff said he used to be a “thinker” and did not know how to feel; he only felt his emotions with his intellect and reasoning. Yet when faced with the life or death situation and his spouse looking him in the eyes, he finally awoke and broke through his past pattern of behavior. Learning to “FEEL” and express our emotions is a personal development program in and of itself. Feeling our feelings and opening up to the people we share this life with is not only necessary for life growth and development, but it helps us get through the down days and life blues.

Many of us close our hearts when under the strains and stresses of everyday life. I feel that it is at this time of vulnerability when we must open up and feel our feelings and share our pain in order to move forward. A burden shared is a lighter load. Geoff finally realized that all the material possessions in the world did not matter. His goals and dreams did not matter. If everything was stripped from you, what would really matter? The people you share this life with are what matter most. Reaching out, opening up and FEELING Life with those who care for you enables you to experience more of life’s greatest moments.

A question I recently asked a colleague heavily involved in her business world was: “If your whole business was stripped from you and you could no longer perform your duties and live your dream, WHO would you be?” She could not answer the question. If everything you possessed was stripped away for reasons outside of your control, who would you be? And who would you then choose to become? Why not choose it now and be the unique individual who cherishes those around you and spends quality time with those who matter. There could come a day when you are unable to spend your NOW moments with those you love. As someone once noted: Yesterday really is history and tomorrow is indeed a mystery. That is why we must use this gift of our present time wisely...with the people close to us. When we learn to feel and connect with others, it helps life’s winter blues turn green in times of struggle. In turning green, growth happens and this is something to celebrate, in true positive thinking style.

Paul

For more information on Geoff Eaton and Young Adult Cancer click here:
http://www.youngadultcancer.ca/default.asp