Make a Wish - Born To Talk

When was the last time you made a wish? Did you blow out the candles on your birthday cake? Or, did you see a dandelion and decide that was your perfect opportunity.Here’s what I learned about the dandelion. For many people, it’s just a visual appeal that stops you in your tracks. That’s what happened to me. But for others, it has everything to do with luck, romance and consequences.

If you are superstitious, you make a wish and blow the seeds off the dandelion flower, in hopes, like birthday candles, your wish comes true.

If you’re romantic, some believe that plucking the white petals is like the old saying, “He loves me, he loves me not,” blowing dried seeds off the dandelion into the air with romantic information.

But of course there are consequences, ask any one that has them in their lawn. Many people see the dandelion as a weed that needs to be eliminated.

Status Quo…The existing state of affairs. Or in this case a statice plant.I’ve been thinking a lot about “Status Quo” and how that pertains to my life today. The current state of things continues to change rapidly in my life. Do you find that to be true in yours?

As I view life often through a lens; it heightens my appreciation of what is right before me. It may just be the reflection in the fountain at LMU.Or the pink and orange sunrise on a crisp morning.My latest activity that I am finding very fulfilling is Toastmasters International. Have you heard of this organization?

The history of Toastmasters is very interesting. It began under the guidance of Ralph C. Smedley at a YMCA in Bloomington, Illinois. They had their first unofficial meeting in 1905. The club got its name because it was a popular term that referred to a person who gave toasts at banquets and other occasions. Participants took turns leading and speaking at each meeting. The older and more experienced men evaluated short speeches and the younger men were invited to join in the evaluations.

Mr. Smedley’s YMCA career eventually took him west to Santa Ana, California. It was in 1924 when Toastmasters held its first official meeting, with the Santa Ana Toastmasters club Number 1.

As a retired Westchester Family YMCA Membership Director, I was surprised to learn about this connection.

I can see the correlation with Toastmasters and my Born To Talk Radio Show adventure. I hope to become a better writer, a better listener and a better speaker.

Whether you wish upon a star, a candle or that seedy dandelion, I think it’s important to know about your own journey. What does your road map look like? Are you ready to make a few wishes for your future? It is a new year, a new day and a chance for a new opportunity.

When you see a dandelion that looks like this…Remember that change is just another part of living and I am ready to embrace it.