Have you been keeping up with my Words Leave a Mark series?

No? First, catch up.

Introduction

Part 1: the diva

Part 2: the roadblock

Part 3: the discovery

Part 4: the opportunity

Here’s what I’ve learned about words.

Words may sting, but sometimes what we consider to be negative, simply turns out to be a tally mark on the road to rediscovering ourselves.

Deep, huh?

Sometimes you have have to walk through the darkness to get to the light. ~someone said that

Even hurtful words can ultimately lead one from dark to light.

I left Chicago as a Coach.

I arrived in Beaver, PA as a Coach. Yet, I wasn’t coaching . . . at least, not yet.

Those years in Chicago taught me that I had a natural ability for teaching, mentoring, leading and directing. That is not to say I’d always executed those skills properly, but they were present, and were about to be stretched and honed in a new, unexpected career path.

Our move to Beaver served as a catalyst for many new adventures. And for once, I forgot about the diva label:

Maybe the word diva needed to leave a mark on that 17-year old girl?

Maybe, just maybe, the word that was meant to put me in my place, was actually necessary in my development as an independent contractor and entrepreneur.

Could it possibly be that this teacher, who once upon a time so effortlessly called me a diva, did me a service?

Mind. Blown.

Truly, the word had rolled off her tongue, perhaps with no forethought. I often wonder if it was intentional. After all, haven’t I also been guilty of allowing my tongue to flap without thought?

I have no idea as to this teacher’s intentions when she labeled me in front of the class.

I only know that I am here now.

Here. Now.

And, frankly, sprinkling a bit of “diva” into my pursuits has helped me to endure a business where it is easy for one to adopt frustration, blame and disillusionment which lead to quitting.

Perseverance and consistency produce the ability to bounce back, take sharp corners, reinvent oneself, lean-in to a roller coaster existence, problem-solve and ignore the critics.

Better known as grit.

Divas have grit.

So, thank you. Oddly enough, thank you.

Now, and I say this respectfully . . . please step aside.

You are blocking my light.

All is forgiven.