The radiant blue sky above serves as a canopy of light and shadow that lets imagination run free. The warming sun keeps thought at bay while a heavy heart finds ways to repair and renew itself. There in fallen leaves that create a soft, warm bed is a tiny, newborn fawn. Its large gentle eyes take in entire world, yet are unsure and take note of every movement. The ears are standing to insure that not one sound is undetected, but it filters most sounds to listen patiently for return of its mother. Confidence is in its tiny heart and strength is growing in its long legs. It remains silent but not sleepy. You have privilege of seeing this new life, but you have provided a lesson in its ever-expanding search for answers. There’s a clear lake to right that reflects color sky and adds a touch of white with each breeze. A family of geese glide cautiously by with their soft, fuzzy goslings. A regal white swan and her new brood swim quietly in cool water knowing that tomorrow is just over horizon and a little past sunset.

Just ahead is cottage that you have been building since your birth. It is peaceful, serene and so inviting. The door is open and you need not knock. It is furnished with dreams and it glitters with hope. Goals line walls and spirit brightens each corner. You can rest here until you are ready. Unburden your heart - and place bundles of hurt or disappointment in closet. They will be tended to when time is right but they will not become a part of cottage.

Once your strength has returned, you may return to your own reality. Before leaving, drink freely of warm broth of ideas and taste morsels of endurance. They reach into closet for your bundles - but to your delight, they have become sieze they should be - if indeed, they have not totally disappeared.

The trip to this magical place can take just a few moments in a busy day or a while longer at end of day. Whenever and for whatever time it takes to visit - you will be glad you did. ENJOY !

©Arleen M. Kaptur 2002 May

So just right there you have a win, win situation. Here's where it gets interesting though. Bob has greatly strengthened his relationship with both me and Steve just from that one little e-mail. Here's another interesting way of looking at this. The next time I have a lead or believe someone would be a good match for Bob, you can bet I'm not going to think twice about dropping him a message about it.

The incredible thing is that he's cultivating powerful relationships, both business and personal with people just like me all time. This is a lesson we can all take to heart. And it's not something that is going to an inordinate amount of effort on our part to put into action. It will however take constantly being on lookout for ways to add new value to your relationships.

In process you'll strengthen your personal network of people, which in turn creates vast opportunities.