Within only days of resigning, my good friend and competitor in speaking and training, Lori Giovannoni, was diagnosed with breast cancer. Lori had also reached a high level of success in her business. She had a book that was selling great and had speaking and training engagements lined up as far as a year in advance. Then call came. Lori had breast cancer. Within only a matter of hours surgery was being scheduled. Suddenly life was turned upside down.

With her health to think of, there was also thought of how she was going to fulfill all speaking engagements she had booked. A seemingly impossible situation soon became crystal clear. Myself and another friend, Lynda Jeppesen, also a highly regarded competitor, decided we would step in for Lori. Her clients were informed of situation. They trusted Lori’s judgment and there was no question of us filling in for her. We insisted clients send speaking fees directly to Lori. After all, it was she that needed to have financial stability and a peace of mind to begin her healing process.

A week before, success was defined by my position within company I had just left. Now it was defined by love for a friend.

Amazingly, over next year, Lori was able to focus on her healing, continue to build her business and, as always, keep friends in forefront. I focused more on family and friends and chose to return to consulting, speaking and training. I had best year ever - both personally and professionally. Lori and I also wrote a book that was born out of experience we shared late in 2002.

Our book, Workplace Miracles, Inspiring Stories and Thoughts of Possibility, would have probably never been written had life not put a twist in road, nor had we recognized this as a part of our path. Obviously, there was something in store for us that we needed to be open to in order to receive it.

What I learned from this, and other experiences, is that life holds many secrets for all of us. Often, when I attempt to define what life and success should be about, I will shortchange myself. When I have a focus, take appropriate steps to achieve my dreams and goals, and then let go of outcome, life will always offer me more than I ever would have offered myself.

What is life offering you that will be a part of your legacy of success?

Call 801.619.1514 or email Kathleen@turningpointpresents.com . Get Gage’s online newsletter called Street Smarts Marketing and Promotions by visiting www.kathleengage.com Gage’s newest book “101 Ways to Get Your Foot in Door” is scheduled for release in October, 2004.