Approx 6 months ago life as I knew it would change forever. I went off work due to surgery, while I was off, my work closed down, and I was permanently laid off. I was nervous, but so excited, it was my time to finally reach out for what I want, this was the greatest gift. Being in an industry for 25 + yrs I was done, I had been aching to change careers, or to move. There was some talk about my family moving to Newfoundland, but it just didn't feel like it was the right time, so I needed a Plan B.
I am so pleased with the turn of events. My efforts have finally been paying off, I am beyond thrilled to say, since April of this year, I attended Lifeclass in Toronto with Oprah, became an OWN Ambassador, traveled to L.A for the OYOU conference, invited to a private lunch with Oprah Winfrey, and recently became the Publicist for Derrick Shirley and It Takes 2. Wow what a 6 months it has been.
Meeting and being involved with the OWN Ambassadors has been a highlight in my life. Not only have I made great connections to some of the most uplifting positive people I know, I am part of a community of like minded people. Whether you need support, resources, or an ear, this group will listen with an open heart and mind. There is no judgements past, just genuine people offering whatever they can to help in any situation. Through this, I have met some of my dearest friends. Their hearts are huge, and their smiles are bright. I am so blessed to be a part of this incredible group. At our recent lunch with Oprah she named us "Carriers of Light" and thanked us for our support with OWN, and our communities.
When I talk or think about my friend/mentor Derrick Shirley, I start feeling inspired. I went to high-school with Derrick, and had been watching his journey this past year. I started thinking of ways I could help with his organization "It Takes 2". In November 2012 his first book "The 400 Pound Male Stripper" was published. I was so excited, I was thinking wow, I went to school with him, I'd been watching his You Tube videos, and his journey has been so inspiring. After purchasing and reading his book, I was even more intrigued, I was thinking what are his ideas and how can I help? Over and over again I kept getting this needing feeling to contact him. What I was seeing and hearing was a vision similar to mine, being aligned with someone who truly wants to make a difference, not only by his words but by his actions, Derrick is all about action.
A few weeks ago I reached out and asked how I could help with It Takes 2, not knowing what his response would be, I was half expecting another door to be shut in my face. For the past 5 years all I've heard was no. With determination, and perseverance I've been knocking on doors, making connections, and calling friends to find my place in the world. Over 5 years ago I changed my story, I started with little steps, and now great big steps are happening. Am I afraid or nervous, of course I am, but I remind myself everyday "Shelley if you are not out of your comfort zone, you will not grow". To my pleasant surprise Derrick has asked me to be the Publicist for himself and It Takes 2. I am so excited and thrilled. I feel like I am right where God has directed me to be. My love for Social Media, planning, interacting and meeting people is perfect, and the fact that I will be able to work throughout the youth leadership program and fulfill my passion by working with Youth At Risk is a bonus.
People come into your life for a reason, a season or a lifetime. When someone is in your life for a REASON, it is usually to meet a need you have expressed. They have come to assist you through a difficult time, to provide you with guidance and support. Some people come into your life for a SEASON, because your turn has come to share, grow or learn. They bring you an experience of peace or make you laugh. They may teach you something you have never done. They usually give you an unbelievable amount of joy. LIFETIME relationships teach you lifetime lessons, things you must build upon in order to have a solid emotional foundation. Your job is to accept the lesson, love the person and put what you have learned to use in all other relationships and areas of your life.
In closing I continued to feel blessed each and everyday. I have been directed by God right where I am today. A wise man once said (DeVon Franklin) "You have spent time sowing, it is now time to change your posture and reap what you've sown". All my life I've wanted to help kids in any capacity, 5 years ago, I made the choice to make it happen, and today, I am overjoyed where my journey has taken me. Never give up, and always believe in yourself! Even if your harshest critic said no more, you need to listen to your inner voice, and to the whisper, that says keep on going.
Much Love to you all,
Shelley
P.S.
We are on a mission to change one youth at a time, at a kilometer at a time, and we need your support. Please visit www.derrickshirley.com to make a donation or to p/u a copy of "The 400 Pound Male Stripper". All proceeds go to the "It Takes 2" foundation. Derrick is riding across Canada in spring of 2013 for "The Ride Of Promise" again all proceeds go to "It Takes 2"
Check out the trailer for "The Ride Of Promise" http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QnvuT832U5Y&feature=g-user-u
A Few of my awesome connections...
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| OWN Ambassadors |
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| Derrick Shirley |
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| The Book Is In - www.derrickshirley.com |
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| The 400 Pound Male Stripper by Derrick Shirley, Author, Speaker, and Psychotherapist |
