GROWING OLD GRACEFULLY

I can't decide if this post should be about 

                              COURAGE 
                                                           or 
                                                                              HOW TO SPEAK BEFORE A GROUP.

Yesterday I was the guest speaker before a group of lovely Sunshine Seniors at their monthly luncheon.

That's me speaking before the Sunshine Seniors

All I knew was that they were interested in me talking about the book I had recently published. It's "Springtime In Magnolia", in case any of you missed that. (tongue in cheek)

Back in the '80s and on into the '90s I was used to getting up in front of people and speaking my mind. At one time I was the president of the Extension Homemakers Clubs for my county where I lived. But, where I really found a voice was after I founded a chapter of Mothers Against Drunk Drivers. I spoke before groups then, I was on the state board, nothing fazed me when it came to pushing for better laws and stiffer penalties against drunk drivers.

I am introducing Alabama's Attorney General Don Seigelman at a MADD meeting.

But, that was back when I was young younger and full of ideas and energy. 

So, I was worried concerned about now putting myself back before a crowd.

People tell me all the time how inspired they are by the fact that I just had this book published... at age 80. (80 3/4 if you are counting)

Folks can't imagine themselves or anyone else doing things at that age. People that old should be sitting at home in a rocking chair, fanning with a cardboard fan while watching some old 'I Love Lucy' reruns.

I'd initially written my speech on paper. Then I just jotted down keywords on file cards. I was sure to number those things so I wouldn't lose my place.

So, I got up before the mike and I told them about how I had decided to write this book and some of the process it took to get it finished. And, I told them just enough about the story line to whet their appetite. 

I did have some books for sale with me... just in case.

But, once I got before the listeners I found it so easy to just tell my story. Occasionally I'd glance down for that key word but not often.

After talking about the book for a few minutes, I switched lanes! I started talking about how we make choices in our lives. We can either chose to sit in that rocking chair or we can chose to fulfill our dreams.

And, I ended with this quote from Mark Twain.

I found this on Pinterest (where else?)

The group was so generous with their kind words. Many of them said I had inspired them. I certainly hope so. That seems to be my purpose in life these days... to live life to the fullest and inspire others to do the same.

                                                                                                                  
Oh, by the way, ( BTW if you are really tech hip) I sold a bunch of books!!