Vibrancy & Success
Friday, September 23, 2011 at 10:16AM 
@2011 Photo by Linda SamuelsWhen I captured the image of these luscious, lively eggplants at a local farmer’s market, excitement rushed through my body. Their deep violet hue drew me close. In thinking about the pursuit of success, a similar feeling of vibrancy exists when we take action towards our goals.
Last week I attended the annual ICD conference with organizing colleagues and related professionals. We went to learn and connect. The focus of the conference was how we think, act and feel about possessions. As an organizer, these ideas are at the core of the work we do with our clients. There were many presenters including psychologist, Dr. April Lane Benson, Ph.D. who spoke about overshopping, artist Corinne May Botz who shared her work on the Secret Lives of Objects and counselor Carol Berns, Psy. D. who talked about grief and bereavement.
The learning was stimulating, but so was having the chance to meet face to face with my colleagues. Taking time to reflect, converse, and learn separately from my daily routine allows me to grow personally and professionally.
We are very much like the eggplants that were planted from seed and cared for. When we take ourselves away from our normal schedules to travel, meet new people and exchange ideas our beings get nurtured. It is essential to our success.
Allow yourself to step into new environments, be open to learning and slow down enough to appreciate what surrounds you. There is a good chance you will experience that surge of energy that comes from stepping outside of your “normal.” Let vibrancy shine as you move towards the success you seek.
Please join the conversation. What gives you energy and makes you feel vibrant?
Linda Samuels, CPO-CD
® is a compassionate, enthusiastic professional organizer, author & blogger who facilitates change in others' lives. She lives with her husband and daughters in a small, colorful home with a purple front door.
Reader Comments (6)
"Slow down to appreciate what surrounds you".
A powerful reflection! How often do we do this? How much do we miss!
Thanks for sharing!
Thank you, Ellen for joining the conversation and sharing your thoughts. The idea of being present and aware changes our experience of life if we allow ourself that gift. One of the joys of attending the ICD was having the chance to share some face time with you.
I meet with a group of local virtual assistants once a month. Once in a while I don't really feel like going, but I always come away energized. I feel sorry for people who don't understand the benefits of networking with their peers.
I bet the "The Secret Lives of Objects" was an interesting session!
Janet- It's especially important when we're solopreneurs to make time to gather and exchange ideas with our colleagues. Like you, I also meet regularly with organizing professionals. As you said, it's energizing, not to mention fun.
You're right that Corinne Botz's session on "The Secret Life of Objects" was incredible. If you click on the link above (her name), you can read about the project.
Thanks so much for joining the conversation. I'm looking forward to your monthly Professional Organizers Blog Carnival. It's always fabulous to read great advice and tips from all the other organizers. Each month you have a different topic. November 2011 was clutter. For all those that want to know more, here's the link: http://organizedassistant.com/2011/11/08/professional-organizers-blog-carnival-for-november-2011-clutter/
I LOVE that picture and how you related that to success...taking actions toward your goals! Cute blog banner/header, too!
Tracy- Thank you for stopping by to join in the conversation and share your positive words. The iPhone is a great tool for allowing me to instantly capture images that that delight my eyes or inspire other thoughts. At the time I took the photo, it was the color and light that pulled me in. But as I searched for what I wanted to write about on that day, the particular image of the intensely colored eggplants helped me to make the connection to nurturing, growth and success.