Now I Know That I Can Do Anything!

I just had the most amazing, incredible weekend in Chicago at an event called Women on Fire. It was an event designed to boost self-esteem, to help discover your passions in life and how to work toward those passions, and to build support among women. I will write more later on about the specifics as I need time to ask permission to use links and pics, but first I want to tell you about an incredible opportunity I had. It was truly a defining moment in my life.

One of the two wonderful speakers we had at this event was the fantastic Stedman Graham. Yes that Stedman, better known as Oprah’s boyfriend. However, I will never look at him as Oprah’s sweetheart again, but as Stedman, masterful speaker, real individual, and the man with a warm, wonderful spirit; the kind of man you would want as your big brother or mentor. He is just that genuine.

As you all know, I have been selling Tahitian Noni products for several months. When a young boy in my life who has been helped immeasurably by using the Noni juice and vitamins heard that Stedman was going to be at this event, he told me that I had to tell him about Noni. I told him that one does not just walk up to a celebrity and do that. He even told me that I should raise my hand, interrupt the speech, and tell him that I needed to talk to him afterward. Again, I told him that just wasn’t appropriate.

On the first day of the Women on Fire event, Stedman gave his talk, and we were all inspired. I was delighted when we were told that we could all have our photographs taken with him! Let me tell you, he is one tall fellow! As I awaited my turn, I realized that I would have the chance to hand him my business card.

A little background on myself: I have in the past been painfully shy. I still have moments of shyness and insecurity. Believe me, all of those insecurities were boiling up inside me at that moment, but when I thought about having to go back to this child and tell him I missed the opportunity to tell Stedman about Noni, it propelled me forward despite my fears. When I stepped up to be photographed, I pulled my card out from my pocket, took my spot between Stedman and my former babysitter Debbie Phillips (founder of the event), and told him, “I hope its not inappropriate, but I’d like to give you my business card.” He said, “It’s not inappropriate. I’ll take your card!” Then I told him, “This is the best stuff on earth!” (Boy, that just sounded like a popular tea commercial.) “Chauncey Billups, Terrell Owens, and Danny Glover all use it!”

Wow, I did it! Despite all my shyness, my doubts, my insecurities, and worry that I couldn’t do that, I did it!

Even though one of the biggest messages of the whole event was that we can do whatever we set out to do, this step of faith and even bigger fear of having to go back and tell this child that I failed, made it possible for me to do what I needed to do.

And now I know that I can do whatever I need to do. I can approach anybody and talk to them about Tahitian Noni or any other subject.

Because I? Handed my business card to Stedman Graham!

PS~ This post is not meant to imply that Mr. Graham uses or endorses Tahitian Noni products.

PSS~ I'm so glad I plucked my chin hairs before meeting him face to face!