I'm B-a-a-ck

Remember heading off to summer camp? - Sports and crafts - old and new friends - cabin antics - campfire fun - and a break from summer chores. Or was it our parents who got the break?

So who says camp is just for kids? I'd like to invite you to a "Summer Camp for Business Owners".

Over the past couple of months a number of people have told me that balance is one of the most difficult issues they deal with. How about you? Do you feel like a lion tamer in the middle of a three-ring circus without your whip? Or a tight rope walker with holes in your safety net and no balance bar? Summer camp, from the comfort of your home or office, will make you the master of the ring.

Watch your email for all the details of this unique "Summer Camp for Business Owners".

Ann Griffiths
_______________________________________

IN THIS ISSUE
Part 1 - I'm B-a-a-ck
Part 2 - Showcase - Olympic Style
Part 3 - Personal Reflections
_______________________________________

Part 1 - I'm B-a-a-ck
In the beginning of her new book "My Life So Far", Jane Fonda says that Christopher Columbus "didn't know where he was headed when he left, didn't know where he was when he got there, and didn't know where he'd been when he got back."

I laughed when I read that. Then I got to thinking - there are two ways to look at this play on words.

1. WOW - What an adventure
Just think - to have the courage to step out on a journey and not know where you'll end up. Personally, I get excited when I think of how much fun that could be.

There's something about taking on a new adventure - like leaving a secure corporate position to start your own business or saying good-bye to familiar surroundings to live in a new city or foreign country. Yes - it takes courage. And it takes faith - faith in who you are and who you are meant to be.

Columbus may not have been sure of where he would end up but he definitely had a passion and vision for what he was meant to achieve. How about you? What's your vision?

2. How sad
At first, good ol' Christopher was probably disappointed when he realized he hadn't reached Asia. Once he got over the initial let down (and disgruntled crew) he didn't drag himself back to Spain in defeat. Instead, he sailed into his home port to a world that probably thought he had disappeared off the edge of the earth. With the victorious news of his New World discovery, he announced, "I'm b-a-a-ck."

When each of us looks at our own situation, we have a choice. We can moan, "Oh, man, I don't know why I even bothered." Result? We miss out on what really is there for us to celebrate. Or, we can say, "Hey, look at this. Wow, isn't this great. I didn't end up where I thought I would and the road had a few bumps but, hey, look what happened. What's next?"

I'm curious -
What adventure is waiting for you? What's keeping you from it? Feel free to email me at coach@smartstrategiesinc.com

Part 2 - Showcase - Olympic Style
Meet an Olympic success story. On April 23rd, the much-talked-about 2010 Winter Olympic logo by Elena Rivera, owner and creative director of Rivera Design, was unveiled. Chosen by a panel of international judges, from 1600 entries, the design is a contemporary interpretation of the uniquely Canadian Inukshuk, affectionately named Illanaaq (Inuit for 'friend') by its designers.

Media coverage around the winning emblem has been exhaustive. Online opinions have gone 'round the world many times. And offline conversations have debated the pros and cons.

My opinion? You're a winner, Elena!

You gave us an image that "welcomes the people of the world with open arms." AND you stayed focused on your own dream with courage. You are a gold-medal winner.

"Working with Ann has been pure joy. Her entire focus is on me and my progress. As my business now faces a new era of growth and momentum, her integrity, confidentiality, and business experience continues to be important to me. I recommend Ann for anyone looking to reach the next level of business."

- E. Rivera, President, Rivera Design Group

If you need an accomplished speaker, Elena is now available to present "Olympic Success by Design - inspiration, process, & branding." To contact Elena or view design from her award-winning company, go to www.riveradesign.com

Part 3 - Personal Reflections
A friend sent me an email that said, "May is the month of full-blown growth". What a great description for a beautiful month.

In addition to Mothers' Day, May is when I was born, and when we welcomed Calista, our last grandchild, into the world four years ago. Now, on top of all that, I found out it's the month of growth. No wonder I love May so much.

One of my values is growth. I love to learn, read, and explore new things - soaking in knowledge and wisdom to stimulate my intellectual, spiritual, and emotional growth. It's at the core of who I am.

What kind of personal and business growth do you expect in this month of full-blown growth?

Ann

PS - As part of my business focus, I'm now ready to get back on the speaking circuit. So if you or anyone you know is looking for an experienced keynote or workshop speaker please let me know. coach@smartstrategiesinc.com

Ann Griffiths works with people in business to help them gain clarity, grow beyond obstacles and self-imposed limitations, and succeed in achieving the results they want. To explore how you can get the results you want in your personal and business life, email Ann at coach@smartstrategiesinc.com