Doing the Extraordinary
If you passionately believe in something and its purpose aligns with your values, then all things are possible. Sometimes, we feel our goals and dreams are unattainable because we’re unprepared to accomplish the impossible: to live an extraordinary life. But if we want it badly enough, more than we want anything else, more than a fear of failure, then we have the power to achieve it.
That’s what leaping has taught me. Coaching and reaching for the extraordinary is not just good for business, it adds tremendous depth and meaning to your life.
As a coach, I absolutely believe in winning the “big game.” And the game is your life. It takes place every day, every moment. As my mother “Dead Rita” would say, “Look your best every day; it could be the most important day of your life and you have to be ready.”
Looking your best is not about the reflection in the mirror. It’s about what you say to yourself, believe about yourself, and do for yourself to reach your goals. Coaching allows you to excel at the game and be poised to leap when the opportunity arises.
My Leap: A Book
It took me years to get up the guts to write a book. I’m so glad I did. My book, Dead Rita’s Wisdom, is all about hope, joy and encouragement. Written about my mother, Rita Mae Hoering, it features the wisdom and courage she shared with me her entire life. She always encouraged me to leap with abandon and joy, which I do. And every time I “stick” a landing, I think of her.
The book will appeal to you if you know anyone, living or dead, whose wisdom has been a candle that lights your way. Writing it was a huge leap for me. I hope it leads you to take a leap of your own. For more information about the book click here.
My Leap: Rwanda
Rita Ngarambe is why Rwanda is in my circle of concern and influence. Rita asked me to come to Rwanda and speak about hope. And from meeting this woman who has the same name as my mother (the most influential person in my life), the Itafari Foundation was born. Its purpose: to improve the lives of Rwandans who survived the genocide in 1994 and to empower all Rwandans to become equal citizens of the world.
I first visited Rwanda in June 2005. I came back inspired and determined to make a difference for genocide survivors and for children born since 1994. Two friends from Portland, Karen Freelander and Bethe McChesney, were also moved to impact the lives of Rwandans, as well as our donors, our friends and ourselves. Together we formed Itafari, a nonprofit group that assists Rwandans and helps them strengthen their independence and improve their lives. I now know this leap was meant to be. You can read more about our work at the Itafari Blog.