This Month's Question:
What's the most meaningful conversation you've ever had?

Let me know...

Summer is in full swing. My lovely little island is at its busiest, and the ocean is its warmest. The sun is shining, a cool breeze is blowing, and I'm very grateful that my refrigerator has been repaired. An icy Arnold Palmer (it's a drink--half iced tea, half lemonade--not a golfer) sits beside my computer as I type, and I hope the season is treating you well.

World-Changing Conversation

I know what you're thinking·

"Here we are, in the middle of summer. I'm hot, I'm sticky, I'm irritable, and here's Barbara telling me that I can change the world by having a conversation! Really·the heat must have fried her brain·"

You're absolutely right. (About the world-changing conversations, not about the fried brain.) I'm not talking about changing the big world; I'm talking about changing your world. Here are some examples:

  • During a group discussion on motivation, one woman learns a new way of celebrating everyday accomplishments. She easily integrates this into her daily life, and is soon achieving goals she thought were months and years away.

  • A coach suggests to a client, "Why don't you turn your pager off during your train ride home?" Lo and behold, the client finds that she's arriving home much less stressed and much more ready to spend quality time with her family.

  • An entrepreneur joins a group of other entrepreneurs in the same industry. After a few weekly meetings, she learns that she is much further along in her business planning and growth than many of her colleagues. She stops beating herself up for what she hasn't yet accomplished, and appreciates herself for what she has. Focusing on the positive allows her to attract even more new business and opportunities.

Bill Moyers once said:


The main reason I seek the ideas of others is for help--the diagnosis and treatment of my own isolation and the enlargement of my understanding.


The premise is simple:  the right conversation can kick-start the next greatest phase of your life.

I don't mean meaningless, "talk to anyone you meet about anything" conversations. I'm talking about meaningful conversations about subjects that have value to you. A small group of folks discussing an issue that is important to all of them. Meaningful conversations bring many benefits·

  • If you've been working on something by yourself for a long time, you might really benefit from the insights and experiences of others who have been where you are.

  • If you've been trying to make progress on an issue, or create a larger change in the world, and are frustrated by a lack of movement, seeking input and sharing ideas with others can help spread the word faster.

  • If you are feeling isolated and alone, it can help just to know there are others out there in the same situation.

Who has time to find other people who want to discuss issues that are important to me? I do. In fact, many people have asked me to do just that.

So I've created a couple of venues for you to engage in world-changing conversations.

SOS Online Community
The SOS Online Community is a place where you can drop in, check out a few conversations, share your thoughts, learn from others and have fun. It's a great place to have a world-changing conversation, on your own schedule.

Check it out at www.seasonsofsuccess.com/forum. If none of the topics strike your fancy, start a new one!

SOS for Women in Transition
This group, which will be starting in September, will focus on the challenges women face when dealing with transition. If you (or someone you know) need some extra support as you move into the next greatest phase of your life, this group is for you! We'll meet via teleconference for three one-hour sessions a month, plus the group will have its own private area in the SOS Online Community for between-session discussions. Group costs $99 per month, with a minimum commitment of three months. Space will be limited to 4-6 participants, and session days/times will be determined by the group. Drop me a line if you'd like to sign up, or if you'd like more information.

Regardless of how you do it, I encourage you to start engaging in meaningful conversation today. You can certainly change your world·and who knows what will happen from there?

Get Involved, Get in Touch
 The mission of SOS Monthly is to inspire and empower you to lead the big life you deserve. Comments, feedback and ideas for stories are always welcome. All story ideas, comments and suggestions are most welcome.  Send your input to newsletter@seasonsofsuccess.com.

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©2004 Barbara Bellissimo. All rights reserved.