Update: Spring is here. Fitness is in. I've enrolled in a low-impact, light-aerobic fitness class. We perform various stretches for an hour-and-a-half, three times a week.

My instructor is from São Paulo, Brazil. She speaks four languages, is more gorgeous than Denise Austin (sorry Denise), and can run rings around me. She loves ballet and jazz dancing. I wish she had a video.

She enjoys leading her class. I enjoy watching her. Aren't these the seeds of a dynamic learning environment?

Feature Article: Sowing the Seeds

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St. Padraig...

That's the Gaelic name for St. Patrick, Ireland's patron saint who is credited with bringing Christianity to her shores. He sowed the seeds and baptized thousands of converts. Some legends about him include driving out all the snakes in Ireland and teaching about the holy trinity using a shamrock.

Many folks wear green to commemorate this special day. I celebrate by enjoying the traditional corned beef and cabbage dish. My colleague Alexandra Dimarco has sent me an e-card which is delightfully funny and engaging. Enjoy!

Sowing the Seeds

Dear Associate,

It was a big moment for me. A day that I'll never forget. It began with a morning presentation that I wish I had another crack at.

I was the middle person in a panel of presenters. We were each given a fixed amount of time to deliver our speeches. One by one each of the speakers ahead of me finished their messages. Now it was my turn.

The camera began rolling. The people that were supposed to be there were seated. The energy in the room had a tinge of tensity and fraught with high expectations. I was ready to rock and roll.

Unfortunately, I didn't rock or roll. I didn't even get a good stroll. Twenty seconds into the message I choked and couldn't get back on rhythm. If you've never experienced this — it's one of the loneliest feelings in the world. I couldn't continue. I excused myself in utter embarrassment.

Fortunately, it was before a home crowd. My combined communications, leadership and self-development group was über supportive. Many have been where I've just gone and have felt the same sting. They were reliving past disappointments with and through me.

But it gets more interesting...

Because I was scheduled to give the same message that evening at another event. This would be for a different crowd. It would really be demoralizing to choke in front of them.

I arrived early trying to socialize and shake off that morning. I ate a light snack and sat still to go over my notes. Wouldn't you know it? No matter what I did — I was still mentally wrestling with self-doubt.

I recognized a few familiar faces. People I've seen and met at other gatherings. They had no idea what happened to me that morning. They expected to see me rock and roll.

All of a sudden it was time to begin. Introductions were made. Handshakes were given. The applause had died down. It was showtime.

This time I did much better. I was able to hold it together. This time I pulled through. What a relief.

My message contained some emotional content. People were touched on a deep level. Surprisingly a lot of men approached me afterwards with kind comments. This event is one abundant moment I will always treasure.

That experience seemed to indicate: When you've reached your most vulnerable moment — you're also standing at the threshold of your greatest blessings.

Which reminds me of a classic story about a sower who went forth to sow seed:

Some seed fell by the way side and the birds got them. Some fell upon stony ground and without roots, they dried up in the sun. Some fell among the thorns and were choked by the thorns. But some fell on good ground and became fruitful.

The principle I got from this story is: The sower continued sowing. He didn't stop because some seed had perished. He knew if he gave up — he would not have any harvest.

For me that means pressing on. Stay the course. And not allow any setbacks to compromise the abundant harvest.

Life offers no lack of opportunity. It allows everyone a chance to make progress. It greatly rewards those who overcome their obstacles. This is probably the simplest success formula you can always bank on.

Warm regards,