I gave a presentation last night to a group of 20-something up and coming leaders of Calgary who are part of the United Way initiative, BeCause and the Urban Exposure Project. My youngest daughter, who works for United Way, is the coordinator for the project and had asked me some time ago to chat with the group about story-telling, and in particular, the art of finding the focus for your story in a photograph.

These are young, committed philanthropists who see value in understanding social issues that affect our city through exploring social issues through the lens of a camera and the stories they tell.

At the end of the presentation, several of the participants told me how inspiring I was. How much they’d learned. How much they appreciated what I’d shared.

It is wonderful and heart-warming to receive such praise. It is important to honour their feedback as it is a reflection of their openness and willingness to hear and to give. And, I believe any opportunity we have to feel good about ourselves, the work we’ve done, what we’ve created is important!  I believe we have an opportunity to shine in everything we do and it’s important to celebrate those moments that we are told we do! Because when I shine, you shine and when you shine, I shine and in that illumination, we create a brilliant world all around us.

And… here’s the secret. I was inspired by them. I was inspired by their commitment to make a difference, their willingness to be ‘out there’ doing what it takes to understand their world. I was touched by the beauty of their hearts, the wisdom of their souls and the depth of their perceptions. They inspired me.

In giving I receive. 

And what better way to spend an evening than by being inspired?

Someone asked me awhile ago if I got nervous before giving a presentation. Sure, I replied. But nervousness is just my egos fear of not being good enough. My ego likes to keep me believing I can’t do it. I’m not good enough.

I give enough. I do enough. I am enough.

In whatever I do, I want to give my best. I want to create a world of difference. To let my ego hold me back is to undermine my capacity to create what I want more of in my life, and the world.

Think about it. We each have talents and gifts to share with the world. In your sharing — do you want to be self-conscious, nervous, scared? Do you want to go out and crash and burn, or do you want to inspire, motivate, challenge, create better, create more, create connection, create a world of difference?

Focusing on your nervousness, focusing on your fear undermines your ability and capacity to shine.

As I told the group last night, there are two really key elements to story-telling. Intention and fearlessness. Know your intention — in essence, know your heart and let the world around you share in its beauty. Be fearless — don’t let the story in your head hold you back from connecting to the stories of your heart and the stories all around you. Don’t let, “But they won’t…” keep you from asking, “Will you…”  “Can I…” “What if I could/did/do…”

 When we are clear on our intention, when we focus on our capacity to create ‘more’ and step fearlessly into the light of our own brilliance, we shine!

I connected with an inspiring group of young, committed philanthropists last night. I’m excited. In their hearts, in their willingness to give back, to share their time, talents and treasures, I am confident for our future. They are making a world of difference.

Thank you Ross and Jason for spearheading such an amazing group. Thank you Liseanne for organizing and coordinating with such grace and thank you to all who shared and listened and let their presence create such a stellar evening for our brilliance to shine together!