The names of famous people often stand for talent they brought to world.

A young child is on her stomach on floor painting. Her father looks at her art and comments, "She is going to be another Picasso."

An aspiring writer works at perfecting his craft. He dreams, "I am going to be a Hemingway."

A student of trumpet needs encouragement. Her teacher tells her, "You are sounding like a Basie."

THAT'S ME

For what does your name stand? If someone said, "She is going to be another [your name]," or "I am going to be another [your name]," or "You are sounding like a [your name]," what would that mean?

What are your strongest talents or traits? Of course, they may not be in area of arts. Perhaps they include being a friend, peace-making, loving, gardening, supporting a cause, gossiping, networking, being stubborn, selling, problem-solving, arguing, pet-raising, parenting, criticizing, making people smile, building a business, motivating people.

For what does your name stand? You can make a choice as to how that question is answered. Right now.

AND TODAY . . .

And every good captain has a CREW. Who will you have with you on this voyage? A good mate - a life partner; a navigation officer - a coach or other expert who knows ropes and provides vital information to help you chart your course; a purser - accountant or financial adviser; a medical officer - your personal healthcare team; and others to swab deck, lower anchor, and do routine maintenance - maid, yard service, car repairman, baby sitters, etc.

You’ll need a MAP. There is a map to transitions, because there are certain things in common to all transitions. Take a Transitions course, and/or hire a coach or other expert in transitions.

All sailors have a BAROMETER. What barometers do is tell you a change is coming. This is crucial to a sailor at sea, or a sailor at life. Our intuition acts like a barometer. Wouldn't you agree it would be good to be able to sense if you were about to be laid off, or if your daughter were experimenting with drugs? Everyone has intuition. Learn how to pump up volume on yours and read its messages.

A ship takes on BALLAST when it’s too light to sail. Add extra sleep and nurturing in times of stress, a solid Personal Mission Statement, money-reserves, a good time management program. Shift ballast if your ship is weighted down -- get rid of tolerations.

Good STABILIZERS for your ship are essential. A good social support network with strong intimate relationships, people you can count on, your faith, expert help such as a coach, and a well-bolstered Resilience can stabilize you through rough times. You bolster Resilience by processing Transitions well and by growing through hard times, not just going through them.

What LIFE VESTS would you take with you in lifeboat if your ship were sinking? Most people in my seminars mention specific people in their lives, and their faith. Some mention experts of various types. I've never heard anyone mention money. Life vests these days feature a light and a whistle. Your optimism is light, guiding you to safety. Your personal power, your voice, is whistle. Don’t forget to take these with you!