"Enjoy life…this isn’t a dress rehearsal!"

This quote most accurately reflects how I spent the latter part of last week.  My, did it feel fantastic!

I was given the opportunity to bring my passion for singing to two very different audiences on Thursday and Friday nights.   None of them was expecting me– that lady from the news– to stand up before them and sing.

First,  I was able to make it to the Evening of Jazz Show at St. Ambrose Episcopal Church in Raleigh.  Bobby Moody’s quartet knew I was only a possibility, and so they did not publish my name in the program.  Once he learned that I wanted to sing he worked me into the show.  I am so grateful for that. The musicians all nodded when he proffered Sade’s Smooth Operator, and it was on from there. I sang, laughed, danced, and talked to the audience– making light of the fact I was singing pop music and dancing in a church of all places!

Friday, I emceed a World Aids Day Program in Durham on the campus of North Carolina Central University.  I was expected to make introductions and move the program along.  Here’s the thing:  I told myself from the very beginning that if I saw the slightest opening for a chance to sing something moving and inspiring to the group assembled at the Miller Morgan building, I was going to go for it.

Opportunity knocked.  A minister was supposed to take the stage for closing reflections, but for some reason he wasn’t there.  I still don’t know why.  That moment called for spiritual words, inspiration– something to button up the evening of rap, songs, step dances, personal testimonies.

I made a statement about everybody needing to do  his or her part in the fight against aids, and then sang, "To God be the Glory".   I am starting to really love this song, and was humbled by the standing ovation I received from those who gathered to commemorate the 20th Anniversary of World Aids Day.

I was on cloud nine when I finished the song..  completely happy.  It is my hope that those who attended left lifted, too.

"They may become harder to achieve, but your dreams can’t stop because you’ve hit a certain age."

– Dara Torres

In Act 2 of Life,  I will be in front of people– talking and singing— soothing and motivating audiences.

I’ll get my first real crack at this on Friday, December 12th.

I’ve been invited to speak and sing at a Retreat for medical assistants at Duke University in Durham.

My topic will center on the issue of "Finding Your True North".

I came to that decision after hearing actress Helen Hunt talk about her role as spokesperson for the food company called "True North".

Hunt says she has agreed to do this, because of the core values of the company which markets a contemporary brand of 100% natural nut snacks.

"True North", as a concept, is based on what is most important to you, your most cherished values, your passions and motivations, the sources of satisfaction in your life.

What’s more, it is a singular passion in life that can leave a legacy, empower others or simply make the world a more interesting place to live.

That’s is exactly what I have discovered for myself– finally–  after 51 years on the planet:   Singing and sharing the joy and happiness it brings to my life. That’s some of what I’m going to share with gusto with the medical assistants– the moment of finding that spark… doing that which makes your life more interesting.

After sharing with the group how I discovered my "True North", I will sing a few of my favorite songs.  They will include:  Peel Me A Grape, I can’t make you love me,  My Baby Just Cares For Me,  God Bless the Child, and The Girl from Ipanema.

My bottom line in sharing the concept of True North, I believe, will be emphasizing the importance of "Being Who You Are".  That is easier said that done, but is key to finding joy in yourself.  To me, that means acting the same whether you are in a personal or a professional setting.

That’s how I am committing to rolling- in all areas of my life.  So far, it’s brought out of the best of me.

If I can influence at least a few of the retreat participants to begin some self evaluation about finding the joy in themselves (whatever that looks like)… then I will feel that I’ve made a difference.

That will be a take away that matters.