RISE Lots to Think About

Almost 1 week past the RISE event and I haven't blogged about it because so much happened at the jam-packed event. How do I fit my impressions into 1-2 paragraphs?

I will focus on the events that really touched me and have remained with me all week.

I carried my personal mantra for the event...
What is mine will find me.
I am glad I carried this gem with me. It serves to keep me grounded.

I also carried Maya Angelou's book, A Letter to my Daughter to read on the plane, so I feel she had a huge impact on me during the event. She is a huge inspiration to me. I have thought about her words... "Lean on no one, and bow to nothing but God" whoah... can I lean just a little? Seriously... what those words call forth in me is STRENGTH and POWER.

I took to heart Ellie Drake's challenge to "Become an Olympic Champion at Letting Go. I am excellent at letting go. Only problem is sometimes I pick "IT" back up again. Letting go means LEAVE IT BEHIND QUIICKLY and I'm working on this Ellie.

My heart opens when I think of the powerful words of Peggy O'Neil who told us to "Look for the Diamond Inside You". Surely God has planted diamonds in us all!

I had a major Aha moment on Friday when the panel (Claudia Jordan, Rolando and others said "Rejection happens... get over it! (This was encouraging for me to hear as I sometimes erroneously believe I am the only one who deals with issue!)

Talent Show Thoughts: I want to congratulate everyone who stepped up to audition on Thursday night. Every sister in the room on Thursday night had talent and FEARLESS courage. Although everyone did not get the opportunity to perform I encourage you to NOT give up on your gifts. Keep stepping up! You INSPIRE!

John Assarof reminded me again of the importance of holding a BIG BELIEF and a POSITIVE EXPECTANT attitude.

The evening of the Awards Show as we "dined among the stars" I had the opportunity to share my CD Fearless with a few Braveheart sisters. Imagine my surprise when motivational giant Les Brown walked up to me and requested a copy of my CD. My jaw dropped and I gladly autographed a copy of my Fearless CD for him. Under my breath I said... what is mine will find me!

Last but certainly not least I was so glad to meet the many Bravehearted women who have inspired me on the blogs for so many months. Braveheart Women are beautiful, smart, powerful, courageous, kind, supportive, love in action, creative, community-builders, funny and GOOD DANCERS.

I welcome your comments! Love to you all!

Claudia Carawan

www.claudiacarawan.com