I’m Writing This Blog Because………..

I recently attended a lecture entitled “8 Ways to Great’ by Doug Hirschhorn, a peak performance coach who appears regularly on CNBC.  Dr. Doug, as he likes to be called, explained the 8 steps needed to help people find their way to ‘great’. At the end of the lecture Dr. Doug gave out his email address, encouraging people to contact him with questions.

Dr. Doug Hirschhorn http://www.drdoug.com/

It sounded like a nice offer but I knew I’d never do it. When Dr. Doug added that only 1% of his audience typically take him up on his offer, I knew right away that I’d show him I was different. As soon as I got home I sent an email explaining how I had been a stay-at-home mother with two children and  had relocated several times for my husband’s job, including moves to Argentina and Japan. I told him now that my son is 24 and my daughter is 19, I had time on my hands but felt that something was missing.

Grown-Up Children

I knew there was more to life than pilates and pedicures and needed to find something worthwhile, something that mattered. Sure I had organized fundraising events, served numerous meals at the New England Shelter for Homeless Veterans in Boston, participated in a Prison Book Program but told Dr. Doug I wanted to find my way to ‘great’ and didn’t have a clue what that ‘great’ was. I needed help.

He advised me to make three lists. The first, a list of things I enjoy doing.  The second,  a list of things I don’t enjoy doing. The third, a list of things I haven’t tried but thought I might enjoy.  We planned to meet the next day to discuss my  lists. I told Dr. Doug that when I had tried skydiving a few years earlier, to prove to the world I was not a chicken, I kept my eyes closed during the entire free-fall, until the parachute opened. “If I ever jump again,” I explained, “It would only be to keep my eyes open the whole time.”  The exhilarating but frightening experience made me wonder why anyone in their right mind would ever jump out of a plane.  Dr. Doug, sensing I harbored a hidden passion for the subject, advised me to start a blog to explore the question. Writing a blog is something I had never done but thought I just might enjoy. “Start posting jump stories and photos without getting hung up on how the blog looks,” he advised. He assured me  if I followed my passions, I would find my way to my own personal great.

So far, Dr. Doug has been right. Since our  February meeting, I  did a tandem jump with one of the US Army’s Golden Knights and managed to keep my eyes wide open the entire time.

It's much better with eyes wide open. If I ever jump again, my goal will be to smile.

I met the Golden Knights a year ago when former President Bush #41, a summertime neighbor of mine, asked me to show them around Kennebunkport, ME in search of the perfect drop zone for his 85th birthday jump.

Golden Knights SSG David Wherley, SFC Michael Elliott and SGM Michael Eitniear in Kennebunkport, Maine on the search for the perfect drop zone.

After considering three locations, the lawn at St. Ann’s Church in Kennebunkport was chosen.

Former President Bush #41 and SFC Michael Elliott approaching the drop zone at St. Ann's church. Photo courtesy of CA Smith Photography

President Bush at drop zone. Photo courtesy of CA Smith Photography

The Golden Knights with President Bush #41 and #43 at drop zone. Photo courtesy of CASmith Photography.

The Golden Knights have been kind enough to invite me to their upcoming tandem events so I may interview skydivers for the blog.  At the same time, touched by the stories of soldiers and their experiences in the war in Iraq and Afghanistan, I have enjoyed posting reports on my blog about  non-profit groups that benefit members of the military such as Any Soldier which encourgages Americans to write morale-boosting letters addressed to “Any Soldier” and Operation Shower  which throws baby showers for the wives of deployed military.  I have also enjoyed sharing the stories of  a few good soldiers like Captain Jon Cope (Coping with OYFS), SFC Michael Elliott (A Knight to Remember) and Sgt. Matthew Slaydon (Blessed by Misfortune).

That's me!

The American writer, William Arthur Ward wrote: “Flatter me and I may not believe you. Criticize me and I may not like you. Ignore me and I may not forgive you. Encourage me and I will not forget you.”  I am forever grateful to Dr. Doug for his encouragement.