By Shirley M. Carolan, ATM-G

This may sound like a pitch for Toastmasters International and that’s OK with me.  I’ve been a member of this prestigious organization since 1981, having joined in the San Francisco Bay Area.  Folks, that’s 29 years of wonderful association and it has been one of two constants in my life since that time.  It has been both a lifesaver and a catalyst for personal and professional growth!

Today, instead of just promoting this organization I’d like to express my deep gratitude for its wonderful, glossy, informative magazine.  I believe this magazine is the unsung hero of our membership even today!  I think Forbes, Smithsonian, Entrepreneur would envy its world-wide distribution and readership.

But don’t  just take my word for it.  Please visit the Toastmaster’s International HQ in Rancho Santa Margarita.   Guided tours are available daily from 9-4 PM.  More information is available at:  www.toastmaster.org. or (949-858-8255).  When I took my family for a visit they were amazed at the plethora of information and help there.  I was both overjoyed and overcome when I saw our beautiful glossy magazine neatly stacked for shipment to countries all over the world, (106 countries to be exact) in Spanish, French, English, German, Italian, Japanese!  It was an awesome sight and I felt proud to be associated not only with a wonderful organization, but also this wonderful magazine.

Whether you aspire to become a professional speaker, or are a manager, supervising others,  in sales or marketing, “The Toastmaster” magazine has worthy information in each issue that will benefit your professional and personal life!  It keeps up with the latest in technology, trends, and language.

Members seem to take this magazine for granted but if you can get your hands on a copy of one you will appreciate and understand why I feel so strongly and positively about it.  In fact, you will be glad you did!

Shirley M. Carolan, ATMG
Writer ● Speaker ● Artist
artistwithaflair@att.net
Phone/Fax: 760-732-0663
http://www.shirleycarolan.com
http://www.angelscross.blogspot.com
http://www.smcarolan.blogspot.comCopyright© 2010 by Shirley M. Carolan. All rights reserved. To reprint any part of this article simply contact Shirley Carolan at artistwithaflair@att.net. Thank you

I want to share these wonderful words with you now because they may spur you on to do a quick analysis of your life today and see if It t is in sync with your vision.

Happiness, or success, means different things to different people and that’s OK. But, little did I realize I would ever equate doing humdrum housework with happiness!! Nay, success!

As many of you know, on August 17, 2009 I broke out in hundreds of brown lesions down my back, half way across my waist, and up over my right breast. I was horrified because I’d never seen anything like it. A week prior, I had felt a “strangling” sensation in my lungs like someone was crushing me to death. On August 14 x-rays gave a different diagnosis. Then on August 18, my doctor finally confirmed I had shingles!

Perhaps you’re bored by hearing this, but nine (9) weeks later I am still suffering the horrible burning/itching and soreness that this disease inflicts 24/7 on its victims. Tomorrow, October 20 I see a nerve specialist to see if he can numb the nerves in my back! I sure hope so because enough is enough!

If you are over 60 I highly urge you to get the “shingles vaccine.” I was offered it earlier this year by my doctor but declined thinking I’d never get that disease! This is one disease you don’t want to get.

Back to my story. Last Thursday, I was determined to do some menial housework like washing my kitchen and bathroom floors! They had not been done since just before my illness and I was ashamed of how dirty they were. (These floors are very tiny, maybe the size of a postage stamp). Nevertheless, it proved a real challenge for me. Also, I had to bend down and lift “stuff” off the floors that I had not been able to put away. Anytime I tried to bend down to pick something up I was in excruciating pain and had to give up!

What would normally take me about 30-45 minutes took me a few hours … I could not keep my oxygen tank on because it was too heavy. Fortunately, I used a product “mop and glow” that did not require any rinsing after applying and also left a nice shine. After cleaning a few squares of linoleum I had to sit down and rest. Hence, it prolonged the project. But my elation upon completion and the sense of true accomplishment were exhilarating!

Now, I go into my kitchen or bathroom and just look at the floors. I am thrilled to see them so clean. And, the beauty is that I did it myself for myself! Nothing can replace the feeling of satisfaction you get when you know you’re not a victim of circumstances! That you can take care of yourself regardless of the situation, even if it may take a little longer..

I forgot to mention that I also vacuumed my living room and dining area same day. Again, I had to take it in stages but it eventually got done.

When somebody comes to visit me now, I am not ashamed if they use the bathroom, or I go into my kitchen and offer them a cup of tea. Ah yes, happiness or success is being able to take care of yourself in your own home when you have the strength and willingness to try.

As summer comes to a roaring end I, too, feel like I’m going up in flames and itching.  I thought shingles was for young people, not senior citizens like me!   I can’t repeat what the last two weeks have been like – agony, the tortures of the damned!  Why try to be poetic about it, it’s been pure hell.

Yes, I’ve been under a bit of stress but this is ridiculous.  Who doesn’t have some stress today?  What started out as excruciating chest pains, like someone was turning my lungs inside out finally evolved into a full blown case of shingles!  Ugly brown blisters that itched and burned simultaneously.

Be compassionate to anyone you know with this illness.  It is not for cissies.  I’ve not felt like cooking or eating so my doctor suggested I buy “Ensure” a drink with lots of vitamins, etc.  If you can take your friend with shingles a home cooked meal, by all means do so.  You will be reaped with eternal gratitude.  Better yet, if you can walk the person’s dog, by all means offer.  My little Shih-Tzu just doesn’t understand.  I try to explain it to her but she just looks at me with those big brown eyes and cocks her head.

Just as I was getting ready for teaching my classes “Journaling for Success” and “The Dynamics of Goal Setting” at the new Oceanside Senior Center I get hit with this.  This week should see a turning point in my battle with shingles! 

Meanwhile, please keep me in your prayers!  Thanks.

How many times have I heard that tenet, or, given it lip service?  Innumerable.  July has turned out to be one of the most exciting months of my life.  Every time I turn around another Aha moment manifests itself.  I know there are no coincidences in the universe but as I’ve changed old habits, beliefs, and values to honor myself more, an article, book, seminar or CD has appeared talking about that very subject.  It’s almost like a validation of my actions.

For example, last week I let go of something and some people who were very dear to me.  Something triggered my taking a closer look at the relationship and I knew it had become  toxic.  I thought it would be painful parting ways but it was not, because I let them go with love.

I realize that everything in the universe is energy and we each vibrate at different energy levels.  Sometimes we try to give a gift to a person vibrating at a different energy level from ours and that person cannot accept the gift because they do not see the value in it… alas, because they do not value themselves. 

While I’ve purposely left names and events unsaid I trust you get the message.  Our feelings are very important and should not be swept under the rug.  Many years ago, in London, England just after WWII I attended a girls’ boarding school.  I can vividly remember a lay teacher (Ms.Kelleher) telling me “I’m not interested in your feelings.  I’m interested in your thoughts!”  I was eleven years old at the time and have never forgotten her or her admonition.  As a result, all my life I’ve stuffed my feelings and downplayed my skills and talents…

Hence, last week’s action on my part is a gigantic leap forward, a true act of faith!  If you’d like to read a wonderful article that came across my computer yesterday, regarding “toxic relationships” by Maria Mar, then please go to David Riklan’s website at www.selfgrowth.com

Meanwhile, I’m still journaling on and celebrating other powerful Aha moments this month that are rapidly changing my life.  I look forward to sharing these insights with you shortly.

By Shirley M. Carolan, ATM-G

It is with much joy and gratitude that I am now recuperating at home after spending 10 days at Scripp’s Memorial Hospital, Encinitas, CA. I was diagnosed with complications and pneumonia necessitating I.V.s and oxygen 24-7.

Without going into all the gory details, I feel like I am a far different woman than I was at the beginning of the month. I am much more pro-active where my health is concerned, which the hospital encourages its patients to be. I kept a daily Journal of everything that transpired… the good, bad and the ugly! Hence, you will see some articles from me that are both humorous and poignant.

The articles will offer tips to folks faced with an emergency hospital stay, what to take with you, who to notify, etc. Also, pointers on “How to Behave When Visiting Someone in the Hospital!” Yes, believe it or not, many folks don’t have a clue how to act when visiting a hospital! Some of my suggestions are being forwarded to the head of Scripps in the hopes that some much needed changes will take place for the betterment of patients!

For now, I am ecstatic for the health that I have. I realize I can handle any difficulty/problem or stress if I have good health. Health to me is more important than money, relationships or talent. I can go anywhere in the world and enjoy new sights, sounds, spices and savor the experiences when I have good health. Without good health, I am nothing… a shadow of my former self, perhaps even dependent on the good will of others to care for me…

Folks, take care of yourselves and be pro-active when it comes to your health… you’ll be glad you did!

Recently I addressed the Women’s Aviara Club in Carlsbad, California.  The original invitation was for March but unfortunately I had a nasty accident where I “kissed the ground” again  and ended up with a fractured nose, and multiple cuts and bruises, resulting in my looking like a giant panda, and having to cancel the engagement.

Last week when I arrived at the speaking engagement  facility I discovered to my horror that I had left all my notes behind!   My first reaction was akin to panic, even though I had rehearsed repeatedly that day, and even days before, what I was going to say.  Next, I told myself to stay calm because I had a good message to deliver, and a nice gift for them. 

As their business meeting progressed, I quickly made some notes of the key points and stories I wanted to cover.  Fortunately, I had arrived early, and had spoken to several women before things got underway and who warmed up to me when I told them who I was.  When they heard the title of my speech was “Life Is A Firewalk” they were even more intrigued.

Once I was introduced by the president, Nancy Conti, (an introduction I had written earlier for her) my adrenalin, and 27 years ooastmasters International experience kicked in!  I was able to tie in how my first firewalk, in 1989, with Tony Robbins changed my life!  I was 56 years old at the time.  I explained how we all have a “firewalk” to overcome in our lives, whether that be the loss of a relationship, family member, job, home, pet, etc.  That then becomes our “story.” 

Our “story” becomes how we live our lives!  The stories I selected to share were powerful and personal:  the women in jail that I taught and got permission from the Sheriff’s Dept., ROP, and the San Mateo County Bd. Of Education, to teach some Tony Robbins skills.  How we can live in two different time zones simultaneously, as I did when my family and I emigrated from England to the United States but I left one foot back in England and only had one foot here!  How living in the past can zap our energy and impede us from living life fully!  I think you get the message.

I did not hold back anything that I felt would serve the goal of showing these women how to overcome any adversity that life throws us.  I explained how  “Journalling” has helped me to overcome many adversities, including loss of a job, a fractured back, and an escalating mortgage all in the same year!  I shared who my heroes are and why I enjoy teaching “Journaling for Success” workshops.

Right in the middle of my presentation a woman yelled out “You’re a National Treasure!”  Now I know I’m only 75 years old but I’ve never been called a “National Treasure!”  This woman inadvertently made my day!  They loved it when they found out I had a website and two blogs, they I’m an avid oil painter and pet lover.  As a result, I am mulling over my priorities.  Have I missed my calling?

Shirley M. Carolan, ATMG
Speaker ● Writer ●  Artist
artistwithaflair@att.net
Phone/Fax: 760-732-0663

http://www.shirleycarolan.com
http://www.angelscross.blogspot.com
http://www.smcarolan.blogspot.com

Copyright© 2008 by Shirley M. Carolan. All rights reserved. To reprint any part of this article simply contact Shirley Carolan at artistwithaflair@att.net. Thank you.

If you are wondering  how to spend your free October evenings, why not attend the wonderful  Oceanside Music Festival, starting on October 11 and running  through  October 24, 2008!  How fortunate we are to have this beautiful Festival now in its 7^th year on our doorstep!   It is sponsored by the Oceanside Cultural Arts Foundation.

The Festival has something for everyone’s taste, from opera to diixieland jazz to beautiful classical and liturgical music!  What’s more the Festival will have performances at several, convenient Oceanside locations.

The Festival kicks off with the Gala Scholarship Reception at the Sunshine Brooks Theater on October 11, followed by the San Diego Opera Ensemble in “Rumplestiltskin,” at  the Truax Theatre, El Camino High School on October 12.  On October 14 there is the High School Showcase at the same theatre.  Things heat up on October 18 with the Cuban salsa group at the Sunshine Brooks Theatre, followed on  Sunday, October 19 with the Pacific Concert Band, performing “Peter and the Wolf” at Mission San Luis Rey.  On October 24 there will be a “Distinctly American” vocal and  jazz theme at the Sunshine Brooks Theatre, wrapping up on Sunday, October 26 with a Festival of classical and liturgical/music  at St. Mary’s Star of the Sea!  Wow, did I not say there was something for everyone’s taste!

Tickets are reasonably priced.  You can purchase them individually or buy the complete set at a great discount!

Keep in mind that all profits go to support local arts and artists. The funds raised at the Gala Scholarship Reception, as well as additional donations, will be used to establish scholarships for local high school seniors who demonstrate excellence in music, and plan to continue their musical careers.  This is tax deductible to you.  What a great win-win situation!

For more information, please call 760/433-3632

Looking forward to seeing you at one of the concerts! 

This year I will not be sorry to see summer come to a close.  I never thought I’d ever say that but for me, this year, it’s true.  August was a very busy month and took up a lot of time and energy doing press releases for several professional organizations to which I belong. 

Also, I started a paper newsletter for my Carlsbad Tick Talk Toastmaster Club, coming up with a title, the “Tick Talk Tatler.”  Designing, and laying out columns reflecting the diversity of our club has also been a challenge.   I’ve initiated a column entitled “Toastmasters on the Go!” to honor those Toastmasters who are using their public speaking. writing and leadership skills beyond the club level.  However, I think the challenge and time expended will pay off for our club in attracting new members, and rewarding current ones.  It’s really a great public relations tool and a labor of love!

The Labor Day weekend will see the first annual Village Faire Art Festival, co-sponsored by the Carlsbad Oceanside Art League, of which I am VP of Public Relations.  I wrote several newspaper press releases on this event as well as delivering flyers to various businesses around town.  It promises to be a popular attraction because there is something for every age group.  Families are particularly welcome.  There will be a live model and live drawing and painting demonstrations.  Folks can buy art supplies at a small fee and participate in the fun.

Artists, using a variety of media, e.g., paints, watercolors, oils, acrylics, sculpture and photography will demonstrate their work and skills.  I will be sharing a booth with another artist and displaying some of my oil paintings on Saturday, August 30.

There will be live music throughout.  It is open to the public and is free.  So, come on down to the Carlsbad Village Faire Shopping Center at 300 Carlsbad Village Drive, Carlsbad, from 10 AM to 4 PM both days and enjoy a fun Labor Day Weekend!