My editor, Deb, has a wicked, sometimes downright evil, sense of humor. For instance, she suggested that I write a blog on the difficulty I’m having coming up with my “elevator speech.” You know, the under-10 seconds blurb that’s concise and clear and clever and hits the mark every time.
“The process has been pure torture and I still don’t think I have it. Why would I want to write about it?” I wail to deaf ears. She gives me “the look.”
Being a good minion, I promise her I’ll try. So here goes.
“What,” I ask myself, “is making this so difficult for me?” Several things come to mind: my ideas are too broad; I don’t want to “sell” myself; sounds too “foo foo” or “woo woo”; no one will ever get it; it’s not catchy; it’s too long; I can’t remember it… and the list goes on.
The “be professional” voice in my head wants to have an influence. After all, 30 years of hard labor in the corporate world should count for something.
“Remember to include what you do, how you do it and the benefit.” Yes, master. “Keep it short, keep it simple, stand up straight, don’t slouch, and get that gum out of your mouth!” Yes and yes, oh wise one.
The “other” voice is telling me to relax and let it flow naturally. No hype, no games. Simply state what you feel, what your heart is whispering to you. You’re good enough and qualified and you’re the only one who hasn’t noticed you’ve been at this for years. The people who need to find you will find you. I close my eyes, breathe, and wham! my head kicks into gear again.
You get the picture? Back and forth, back and forth, right brain, left brain, head to heart and back again.
“You know, Marguerite,” Deb says after I share with her the mental gymnastics I’d been going through for weeks and the pages of rewrites, “you can always change it later.” Reprieve, salvation, and breakthrough! The obvious becomes obvious! Isn’t that always the way? I was so caught up in being “perfect” and getting it “right” that I wasn’t willing to trust my heart until Deb reminded me that the elevator speech is going to evolve. A crack, a shaft of light, fear dispelled, thank God!
So from my heart to yours, here is what I would say if asked here and now, “So what do you do, Marguerite?”
“I love my life and have the best job in the world! I’ve learned through time and experience that happiness is a choice. I’m committed to helping others learn to make that choice, so I share the concepts, principles, and practices that empower me to live so freely and joyfully.”
That is the truth, so help me God.
Post Script: In the interest of full disclosure, I’m never sure what will come out of my mouth when asked so don’t hold me to this!
Gary says
Excellent! Perfectly concise but I would be my life you couldn’t stop there. 🙂
Marguerite LaDue says
HA! You’re a smarty pants! Guess you know me way too well :-))
Jean M Hopeman says
I love this piece. Your struggle to be concise, precise in defining who you are. I love angel Deb telling you that it can be changed and it will evolve. Yes, it is good to sit back and reflect on “why am I on this planet?”
Marguerite LaDue says
Thanks Jean! It’s just a crazy thing trying to fit oneself into a box, into a specific identity. I actually do not have a title for myself as I find it too limiting (that’s a whole other story!). I now am very clear on why I am here – it is simply to love, to be the clearest channel I can possibly be so that love can flow through me and out into the world. In order to do that I must be mindful and always vigilant on the thoughts that darken my mind and hide the light – that’s the real work! I love you. xoxoox
Ken Brown says
A wonderful direct piece of writing and feeling- Ken
Marguerite LaDue says
I’m never sure what I will write. I try to simply be honest with myself and the internal jousting that occurs in my mind and then I challenge myself to see if I can express it in a simple and clear manner. I so appreciate you reading my blog and always being so thoughtful to comment. Thank you.
Malvina Simon says
There’s no click “like,” If there was I would post a HEART!
You know as well as I do that going with your heart is your best way because it is you…
I’ve never liked the question “what do you do?”
I prefer to ask or be asked “what do you hope for, what do you dream?”
XXXOOO
Marguerite LaDue says
Yes a heart! And it’s always the way to go. Courage is simply the act of letting our heart lead, something so natural and simple yet foreign and frightful to so many. I hope that in my writing and sharing my experiences that it will encourage others to really trust what they feel is right for them regardless of what others may be saying or doing. It’s so freeing and so empowering and so rewarding.
Asking what one hopes or dreams for unlocks another part of our mind and if allowed to play can inspire us to wonderful new heights. Great question Mal. Thanks for sharing. I love you. xoxoxo
Sabrina Tanner says
Your statement says it right. And I appreciate your mission!
Marguerite LaDue says
Well thank you dear one! That makes me happy :-)) xoxoxo
Stef Hughes says
Thank you for the great reminder that we always have the choice to change up what we don’t like about ourselves while we are “growing up”.
Marguerite LaDue says
Oh for sure! I can’t tell you how many times I’ve reinvented myself :-)) The choice is always ours and it’s knowing we have the power of decision that truly empowers one. That’s the secret!! Thanks for reading Stef I hope you are doing well. Much love to you xoxoxo
Susan says
This is your truth and this is perfect (for now).
Marguerite LaDue says
HA! Perfect!! I couldn’t have said it better. xoxoxo
Kathy Bradley says
Lovely! I enjoy your blog. We met briefly when we both landed in this region. The “evolving” is the best part. Keep sharing.
Marguerite LaDue says
Hi Kathy! Thanks so much for writing. I hope you are enjoying Sonoma as much as I am. I’ve found my home for sure. Yes “evolving” is the best part – it’s the not knowing and yet being open and allowing life to come however it may that I find the most exciting. And every single time, and I mean every single time, when I’ve let go I’ve been given more than I could have possibly imagined. I’m now addicted and wouldn’t want to live any other way. Keep shining!
Keith liimatta says
Marguerite,
It’s clear to me with all the friends you have and how much you mean to them that following your heart is truly the right path. Nice article!
Keith xxxooo
Marguerite LaDue says
Thanks honey! It’s the gift that keeps on giving! xoxoxo
Jay says
Thank you for sharing and being so authentically human, Marquerite! I was reminded by your struggle that when I find myself caught in “voice wars” of the head, to create pause in the chaos. To make space to step back and observe, without judgement, what is really going on. Only when the mind slows down can we identify, as you did, each voice and what it is saying and then ask, ” Is this a voice of fear making itself known to me? or is it my heart seeing clearly?” And then, patiently we pause again to listen, receive an answer in the gut and voila! the obvious becomes obvious, as you say. What a great practice to use each and every day to help us live more freely, joyfully and self-aware. Thank you!
Marguerite LaDue says
What you described dear Jay is what is known in A Course in Miracles circles as “the little willingness”. And clearly this “little” willingness is a big deal as it opens up the door to another way. But of course your awareness and desire for peace drives your willingness. Kudos to you! I love you much. xoxoxo
Rodger Fedigan says
Its always the hardest, to define who you are and what you do.
You did a beautiful job, I know cause I am still trying.
Marguerite LaDue says
Thank you Rodger! The problem is that defining ourselves really puts us in a box and what we are in truth is unlimited. If you notice I don’t really define who I am, rather I state what I do. The bottom line is very simple – I’m love (as are you) and I love. Period. End of story. So be that light we talked about today – be a happy “bum” as you say – and you’ll be doing more good than being somebody doing something :-)) Thanks for writing in.
Billy says
We are constantly evolving through our experiences and encounters. You cannot completely control all the influences based on your choices so there no way to be completely at peace and or in harmony with yourself. Joy is fleeting and limited. Love you!
Marguerite LaDue says
Ah my dear cousin I agree with some but not all of your statement. Yes we are constantly evolving through our experiences and encounters and no we cannot control all the influences but we can always control how we respond, or think about these influences and therein lies the secret to being at peace and in harmony more consistently. It really is our choice. In truth joy is our birthright and unlimited. At least that’s been my experience! Thanks for reading and commenting. I love you xoxoxo