"You make me sound like an idiot."

"You are an idiot because you won't do anything to help yourself. You just keep on saying ‛No',' and every ‛No', makes it harder to say ‛Yes'."

"So what am I supposed to do? Go out and be miserable?"

"No. Go out and grow up. Stop taking easy road. The next time you're asked to a party, meeting, church service or some other type of gathering, think before saying ‛No.' Ask yourself, "If I were Mr. or Ms. Glad-Hand Personality, would I enjoy this outing?" If yes...say ‛Yes', to experience.

"When you dress for occasion, dress your attitude. Decide to find out everything you can about people you meet. Doing so will help take focus off you and put it where it belongs, on others. You don't have to act like a reporter from Expose Magazine. Just be interested and listen. Really listen. People will think you're a great conversationist."

"And what happens when I get stuck with classic bore who insists on telling me his life story in infinite detail?"

"Why just smile gently and say, "Excuse me, but I notice hostess has a bra strap showing. I'm certain she'd appreciate hearing about it."

"Cute. But not exactly what I'd call an appropriate exit line."

"Fine. Then preplan your own. There's nothing in rule book that says you have to drown in someone else's verbal excess. Any excuse offered with a smile will do. Sometimes bore won't even notice you've left."

"All right. I'll try it. I'll call Johnsons and tell them I changed my mind. But I expect you to help with suggestions if I run out of things to say or ask."

"Count on me. I'll never be more than a breath away." ___________________________ ______________

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When I spend energy resisting inevitable natural outcome of life I rob myself of living. I’m one proclaiming end. Every time I leave present moment and project myself into some glorious or uncertain future or relive my past with regret, I miss possibility of truly being in my life right here, right now.

When I awoke from my nightmare, I realized why I named my coaching practice “Path of Purpose” and what a path of purpose truly is. It’s path itself. It’s process of life unfolding perfectly in every moment.

Said another way, it’s not where path leads that’s so important. Instead, it’s path itself that brings us most joy and fulfillment.

As I continue to clarify balance of my being and doing, my thoughts and feelings about life take on a whole new quality. My appreciation for life is expanding, and I’m learning to live with greater awareness, gratitude and fullness.

If I were suddenly faced with a life threatening illness, certainly I would be afraid and would not want to depart this life prematurely. That being said, having emerged from my gloomy nightmare, I've awakened to inherent gift of life along path of purpose. The gift is path itself. As long as I remain on path, I know I'll arrive at end of my life without wondering if I have truly lived.

It’s your life…imagine possibilities!