South Walton Life | 30A News, Events and Community Information

Blog

The Next Big Thing 2024 Nov. 4-5

Tickets are Now on Sale for The Walton Area Chamber of Commerce’s “The Next BIG Thing” Annual Conference on November 4-5th at the Hilton Sandestin Beach Golf Resort and Spa

Tickets are now on sale for “The Next BIG Thing,” Walton Area Chamber’s two-day annual conference, presented by Ascension Sacred Heart Emerald Coast and Eglin Federal Credit Union on November 4-5th at the Hilton Sandestin Beach Golf Resort and Spa. Tickets are $200 for Chamber members and $250 for the public, with two-day passes also available for $225 (member) and $275 (public) available at https://www.waltonareachamber.com/the-next-big-thing/.

Attendees will choose from a diverse lineup of breakout sessions throughout the day in Leadership Development, Entrepreneurship and Women in Business.

The conference will commence with special experiences like complimentary headshots by Epic Photo Co., Mingle & Mimosas, and a coffee bar during check-in at 8 a.m., followed by a light breakfast and networking opportunities in the Vendor Hall. The official kickoff will feature welcoming remarks from Walton Area Chamber of Commerce CEO, Megan Harrison. The first day will conclude with a cocktail reception offering light bites, cocktails, and exciting raffle prizes. The conference will continue on the second day with additional elevated breakout sessions, a workshop, a delicious brunch, and more enriching activities.

Keynote Speaker Juanita McDowell will present the topic Mastering Achievement in Business & Life and also lead a session on the timely topic of using AI in business. The United Way Emerald Coast will lead a panel on ways businesses can build their networks and Bobby Parker will host a session on Using Strategic Storytelling to Elevate Your Organization.

Afternoon Keynote Speaker Dr. Rick Goodman will lead sessions on Living a Championship Life: A Game Plan for Success, and Transforming Challenges into Opportunities with his trademarked program The Adaptability Zone.

The Women in Business track will offer numerous timely and essential sessions like Speaker Aerial Payne’s session on Using Canva Pro to Elevate Your Social Media and Brand. Payne will also host an elevated breakout session on Capturing & Scheduling Video Content. Jessica Leavins will tackle the hot topic of burnout in business and Tolliny Rankins will present 28 Ways to a Better You.

Opportunities for entrepreneurs also abound during this conference with speakers, panels and workshops on topics like networking, elevator pitches, and personal entrepreneur stories of challenges, grit, and glory. Speaker Terry Maurer will present a session on Harnessing the Power of Entrepreneurship Through Acquisition.

For a complete speaker schedule visit www.waltonareachamber.com and stay up to date with the latest information by following the Chamber’s Facebook page. The Walton Area Chamber would like to thank Dixon Injury Law (BIG Stage Sponsor), Florida Power and Light (Recharge Station Sponsor), Dunlap & Shipman (Platinum Sponsor), 850 Magazine (Leadership Track Sponsor), the Blue Leopard Agency (Workshop Sponsor), the Florida Small Business Development Center, Emmanuel Sheppard & Condon, and All In Credit Union (Coffee Bar Sponsors), without whom The Next Big Thing would not be possible.

To get involved or inquire about sponsorship, please contact Gabrielle Hamilton at (850) 892-3191 or Gabrielle@WaltonAreaChamber.com.

Views: 3

October 6, 2024
Seagrove Garden Club Begins Year with 9/11 Remembrance

A meeting date of Sept. 11 served as inspiration for the first meeting of the Seagrove Garden Club’s 2024-25 season.

Air Force veteran Steven W. Dalbey recounted his 9/11 experience working at the Pentagon that tragic day for nearly 50 garden club members and guests gathered at Pazzo Italiano restaurant where they greeted the club’s new board, led by president Marie Spafford of Santa Rosa Beach.

Air Force veteran Steven Dalbey, with a photo of the damaged Pentagon, recounts the chaos of Sept. 11, 2001, after an airliner crashed into the Pentagon at the Seagrove Garden Club September meeting

Workers were aware that two planes had slammed into the World Trade Center towers in New York when, at 9:37 a.m., the Pentagon building shook, Dalbey said. He knew immediately that the shaking was unlike previous minor earthquakes and likely an act of terrorism. He ordered an evacuation of his office. Entering the corridor to leave, he remembers smelling smoke and jet fuel. Among the thousands killed that day were 125 Pentagon workers and 64 passengers on the hijacked airliner.

Despite the chaos as New York and Washington D.C., reeled from the attack, Dalbey said Secretary of Defense Donald Rumsfeld ordered Pentagon employees to return to their desks the very next day to show the strength of the U.S. military even as a fire continued to smolder in parts of the building. Dalbey also spoke at length about how many U.S. government agencies responded to the terrorist attack to better prepare and confront future threats, leading to the creation of the Department of Homeland Security in 2002.

In October, club members will see a different type of inspirational program, with a holiday decoration demonstration from floral designer Kirby Holt, owner of Blossoms in Chipley. In the new year, members will learn about healthy food options from Michelle Frickey, owner of For the Health of It. Other meeting topics in 2025 include the medical benefits of honey, a plant exchange and presentation from the Florida Native Plant Society and a tour of gardens at Watersound Origins.

In addition to an annual holiday fundraiser, members voted in September to resume Charity of the Month activity where members bring specific items to be donated to local groups. Members are encouraged to bring boxes of diapers to the next meeting which will be held Oct. 9 at Watersound Fountains. The club is also known locally for its weekly Flower Shuttle effort where members repurpose donated flowers into small arrangements that are delivered to numerous facilities in Santa Rosa Beach.

“As the new president of Seagrove Garden Club, I have high hopes for our members and new members to participate in giving back to our community through the gift of flowers. Repurposing flowers from events brightens the day of many recipients at senior living facilities, cancer treatment centers, the hospital and a rehabilitation facility,” Spafford said. “SGC is a great organization to meet new people and to give back.”

Rose Spafford, Seagrove Garden Club president, welcomes club members to the group’s first meeting of the 2024-25 season

The garden club was established in 1963. Since becoming a tax-exempt organization in 2019, Seagrove Garden Club has raised more than $75,000 to support dozens of local charities in Walton, Bay and Okaloosa counties, especially those that assist children and families. For more information on Seagrove Garden Club activities and membership, please visit the Facebook page.

Seagrove Garden Club members Suzanne Smart, left, Carolyn Dzelzkalns and Joyce Clark dress in patriotic colors and sport rose boutonnieres created by member Judye Harris

Views: 3

October 6, 2024
Camp Helen State Park Welcomes Fall

By Rachel C. Willis

It’s pumpkin season! There’s no better place to pick out the perfect orange gourd this fall than Camp Helen State Park, home of Lake Powell, the largest coastal dune lake in the northern hemisphere. Each fall, they host the largest pumpkin patch on the Emerald Coast, along with Americana Concerts in the winter, movie nights, an egg hunt in the spring and other fundraisers and events throughout the year.

The Friends of Camp Helen is the official CSO (Citizen Support Organization) for Camp Helen State Park. As a 501(c)3, the primary initiatives of the FOCH are preserving, maintaining, and improving the park through volunteer projects, community events and fundraising. There are thirteen community members serving on the Board of Directors at present.

While kayak/SUP rentals generate operational revenue for the organization, the annual pumpkin patch is their primary fundraiser, with Americana Concerts being second.

The money raised one Fall funded the accessibility mats on the path to the beach.

Currently, the park needs multiple historical structural repairs/restorations, a new tractor, a new cart, as well as other repairs and equipment, while the FOCH needs to replace its kayak fleet.

With the money from fundraisers and partnerships with sponsors such as Visit Panama City Beach and Good Pedals Bike Rentals, they provide FREE community events, such as an Easter Egg Scavenger Hunt and movie nights in the park.

The Friends of Camp Helen’s ninth Annual Pumpkin Patch officially opened Saturday, September 28 at 9 a.m. and will remain open daily from 9 a.m.-4 p.m. throughout October.

For the first time ever, customers can purchase native plants such as dune sunflowers, Indian blanket flowers, Blazing Stars, Milkweed, Butterfly Bush, and Muhly Grass, in addition to pumpkins, an assortment of gourds, and Camp Helen branded merchandise.

Environmental partners as well as Seacoast High School students and Girl Scout Troop #10303 coordinate the activities and volunteers from the community manage the patch.

The youth volunteers create games and crafts and help guests in the patch. Under the direction and supervision of their science teacher, Annette Railey, the Seacoast kids create and lead activities and games, while the Girl Scouts manage crafts. The younger volunteers also enjoy helping customers take their pumpkins and plants to their vehicles.

Prior to the 1940s there was nothing in the way of development along this stretch of beach, for miles in either direction. William Comer purchased the 183.5-acre property from Mrs. Hicks in 1945 and turned it into Avondale Mills- Camp Helen, creating a vacation retreat for the employees of the mills. Sadly, a fire in 1986 at the Avondale Mill in Sylacauga shut the mill down and subsequently Camp Helen. It had been an extremely popular destination. For four decades while the land was operating as a vacation retreat, tens of thousands of people visited Camp Helen and fell in love with Panama City Beach and the Emerald Coast. Families subsequently decided to purchase their own piece of property so that they could build their own “beach vacation cottage.” This spurred the growth and development of this area and adjacent communities as the “vacation destination” that it is known as today.

With all the growth in the area, the Friends of Camp Helen CSO believes in the importance of educating the public about the natural resources and wildlife that make up the unique ecosystem surrounding Lake Powell, the largest coastal dune lake in the Northern Hemisphere.

Executive Director Courtney Harper explains, “With interpretive programs and hands-on learning, we hope to inspire others to spend time here and fall in love with Camp Helen as much as we have. The more people we teach, the more they can teach and motivate others to preserve what is left of our precious ecosystem.”

Each Saturday, from 11 a.m.-3 p.m. kids and their families can learn more about the park and how to take care of the resources from environmental community partners, including Panama City Beach Turtle Watch, Choctawhatchee Basin Alliance, Shorebird program, Bay County Audubon, Beach Mosquito, Bay Breeze Bait and Tackle, master gardeners, Gulf World Marine Institute, Emerald and Forgotten Coast Adventures, and more.

Some programs will have touch tanks with live species and other displays, while others will lead wildlife crafts. The trail bingo game (located in the Visitor’s Center) helps families explore the park while learning more about the natural resources.

Master Gardeners will also be available to help plan Fall gardens when purchasing native plants in the patch. Guests can learn about the different pollinators for the plants. There will be educational material on birds, butterflies, and bees.

Every Saturday will also feature games, glitter tattoos, and a QR code-led scavenger hunt throughout the park to learn about the history at Camp Helen, highlighting several structures on the National Register of Historic Places.

With evidence of Civil War salt sheds and Indigenous people, Camp Helen and Lake Powell boast a rich history in addition to sensitive natural resources and wildlife habitats, creating a fun atmosphere to explore and learn.

Kayak rentals remain open for reservations and walk ins, fishing clinics continue every Saturday, and Gelato Love food truck is returning Saturdays and Sundays in the patch. Kayaks and fishing are bookable online at www.friendsofcamphelen.org.

All activities in the patch are FREE and all proceeds from pumpkins, plants, and merchandise benefit the Friends of Camp Helen for park improvements and community events.

Harper reminds everyone, “When you purchase your pumpkin from our patch, ALL of the money stays inside Camp Helen so we can continue these programs supporting the park and community.”

*Admission to Camp Helen State Park is $4 per vehicle and $2 per bicycle/pedestrian.

Views: 1

October 6, 2024
COUPONS October-November 2024

Views: 1

October 5, 2024
Emerald Coast Energy: It’s Not Easy Being Green

By Chris Balzer

“It’s not easy being green,” once sung a very wise Frog. What does “Being Green” mean? Being green covers many different elements: reducing, reusing and recycling; not littering; living sustainably; conserving energy; conserving materials; going zero-waste; fair-trade and ethical production; being carbon neutral; organic crop growing; being chemical-free; going off the grid… It makes sense why Kermit said it’s not easy being green and can be overwhelming.

To me, being green is respecting our environment by keeping it clean, using our resources the right way without wasting them and take actions to reduce our carbon footprint. Taking simple steps, like turning off the lights in rooms and turning off the faucet when brushing your teeth can and does make a difference. To move the needle further towards being green we have been taking some aggressive actions listed above to make change. In the late 1970s, we were alerted that our ozone layer had a hole, and that hole was growing. The ozone layer is 9 to 19 miles in the atmosphere and protects our planet from the sun’s harsh UV rays. This layer protects ecosystems, plants, animals and us. There is good news. In October 2019, NOAA (National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration) reported that our ozone layer hole is the smallest recorded. What?! Yes, the ozone is actually shrinking because of the changes we made along with ideal weather conditions. The ozone hole does fluctuate regularly. Scientists expect the ozone hole to shrink to the size it was in 1980 by 2070.

Being energy efficient is going green. Everything has a carbon footprint or can be linked to carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions. One way we can be green is by buying local, using fewer resources to get the product or service to you. At ECES we focus on homes which on average produce 7.5 tons of CO2 emissions. By taking actions to increase energy efficiency, you increase your comfort and reduce your CO2 footprint. These actions include properly air sealing your home. These unintended gaps and cracks cause poor air quality and loose energy costing you money. Having the right insulation is important. If your home was built in or before 2004, your attic’s home may be under-insulated. New construction codes now has increased the required attic insulation R value by 61% to R-30. Radiant Barriers are becoming a vital component to energy efficiency. By adding a radiant barrier along with additional insulation in the attic which reflects 97% of radiant heat and can reduce your attic’s temperature by 30 to 40 degrees in the summer making your duct work and insulation more efficient. This saves money and increases your comfort. Another way to become more energy efficient is through our windows. Replacing windows can be expensive. There are virtually clear window films which reflect 94% of radiant heat and almost all of the harsh UV rays, increasing comfort and the life of furniture and flooring. These films won’t change the architecture and are great for sunrooms, store fronts or restaurants. Another area to consider is the crawl space under our home. These areas go unmonitored and traditionally use a batt insulation and netting which unfortunately fails over time causing energy loss.

There are many ways we can become more energy efficient, be Green, increase comfort and save money. It takes awareness and a professional with tools and knowledge to identify these areas and educate on ways to become more energy efficient and be Green like Kermit.

Chris Balzer is Founder and President of Emerald Coast Energy Solutions (ECES) a Smile Provider Company. We provide smiles to our customers after installing our high energy efficient products, increasing comfort and lowering energy bills. For more information on how to save this summer and become energy efficient schedule an inspection by calling (850) 588-2870, visit www.trusteces.com or email wecare@trusteces.com and Beat the Heat.

Views: 1

October 5, 2024
How to Practice for Success

Successful Practice Habits

Developing effective practice habits is crucial for music students to make steady progress and achieve their musical goals. Here are some key strategies to help music students establish a productive practice routine:

Set a Regular Schedule

Consistency is key when it comes to practicing music. Establish a daily practice schedule and stick to it as much as possible. Even short, regular practice sessions are more beneficial than sporadic longer ones. Choose a time when you’re typically alert and free from distractions.

Create an Optimal Practice Environment

Choose a specific area in your home for practice. Keep your instrument, music stand, and other necessary materials readily accessible. Eliminate potential distractions by turning off electronic devices or finding a quiet space.

Warm Up Properly

Always start your practice session with a proper warm-up. This could include long tones, scales, or simple exercises to loosen up your muscles and prepare your mind for focused practice.

Set Specific Goals

Before each practice session, define clear, achievable goals. These could be mastering a particular section of a piece, improving a specific technique, or memorizing scales. Having concrete objectives gives your practice purpose and direction. Review your teacher’s personalized lesson plan weekly.

Break Down Challenging Sections

When faced with difficult passages, break them down into smaller, manageable parts. Practice these sections slowly and gradually increase the tempo as you gain proficiency. This approach allows for more focused and effective practice.

Use a Metronome

A metronome is an invaluable tool for developing a strong sense of rhythm and timing. Incorporate it into your practice routine, especially when working on challenging rhythmic passages or trying to increase your playing speed. A variety of metronome phone or iPad apps are available for download. I like to use Pro Metronome.

Practice Mindfully

Avoid mindless repetition. Instead, focus intently on each note, rhythm, and expression as you practice. Mindful practice fosters better musical understanding and helps develop a deeper connection with your instrument.

Vary Your Practice Routine

To keep your practice sessions engaging and effective, incorporate variety. Alternate between technical exercises, sight-reading, repertoire work, and creative activities like improvisation or composition.

Record and Listen to Yourself

Regularly record your practice sessions using your cell phone or other device. Listening back to these recordings can help you identify areas that need improvement.

Seek Feedback

If you’re taking lessons, communicate with your teacher about your practice routine and any challenges you’re facing. They can provide ideas and advice to improve your practice habits.

Practice Slowly

When learning a new song or working on difficult parts, practice at a slow tempo, and try to focus on accuracy and proper technique before gradually increasing the speed.

Conclude your practice session by playing something you enjoy or have already mastered. This leaves you with a positive feeling and motivates you to return to practice the next day. By incorporating these strategies into their practice routine, music students can develop good habits that lead to consistent improvement and musical growth. Remember, effective practice is about quality, not just quantity. With dedication and smart practice techniques, students can make significant strides in their musical journey.

Located in Santa Rosa Beach, Florida, Studio 237 Music offers private lessons on piano, drums, ukulele, classical, acoustic or electric guitar, bass guitar and voice lessons. For more information and/or schedule lessons, call Ray or Lisa Cyr at (850) 231-3199 or text at (850) 797-3546. Check out our Website at www.Studio237Music.com. Email us at studio237music@gmail.com.

Views: 1

October 5, 2024
South Walton Live Music Scene

Old Florida Fish House Weekdays

For over a decade, Old Florida Fish House has proudly featured local live music. Catch artists playing inside the coveted bar and lounge area as well as in the large outdoor dining space situated among the palm and oak trees under the twinkling lights next to Eastern Lake. Visit www.oldfloridafishhouse.com.

FOOW Live Music Fridays and Sunday Brunch

Enjoy live music on Fridays and for Sunday Brunch at FOOW – Fish Out of Water. The Gulf front restaurant invites you to delicious dining paired with live music. Visit foow30a.com.

AJ’s Grayton Brunch, Live Music & Sunday Funday

AJ’s is the place to be to celebrate all things Sunday Funday in Grayton Beach! Come for brunch, stay for the music and dancing. Every Sunday from 11 a.m. til 3 p.m., AJ’s brunch is not to be missed. Complete your meal with a mimosa or go all in with their famous Build Your Own Bloody Mary bar. Enjoy live music with Will & Linda 12-4 p.m. and Pickled Pickers on the Main Stage at 5 p.m. Check ajsgrayton.com for other live music throughout the week.

Shunk Gulley

Shunk Gulley is a premier location on 30A for live music, bringing in artists from around the Gulf Coast and beyond. Whether you just want to relax to indie guitar players or upbeat party songs, the talented musicians know the vibe of the area. Visit www.shunkgulley.com.

The Bay

Come out to The Bay with family and friends every Wednesday night starting at 5 p.m. for dinner, cold drinks and a bonfire with various musicians on the beach of the Choctawhatchee Bay. It’s a midweek tradition in South Walton. Sunday Pickin’ @ The Bay features The Sand Ole’ Opry with Mike Whitty & Friends on stage from 4-8 p.m. Mike brings in new musicians to play every week.

Wednesday nights:

Oct. 9: Sugarcane Jane

Oct. 16: Tanner Gray

Oct. 23: John Mark Turner, Dave P and Friends

Oct. 30: The Sunshine Wranglers

Sounds of Seaside Concert Series

Enjoy an evening of live music in the Seaside Amphitheater on Wednesdays. Sounds of SEASIDE features musicians ready to entertain the whole family. Bring a chair or blanket, snacks and drinks, and enjoy the show. Free and open to all ages. Visit seasidefl.com for more details.

Oct. 9: Boukou Groove

Oct. 16: Max McCann

Oct. 23: Fred Domulot

Oct. 30: Max McCann

Baytowne Wednesday Night Concert Series

Live music concerts take place in the Baytowne Events Plaza every Wednesday night from 7-9 p.m. Various local and regional artists perform throughout the year – check the lineup. Bring your lawn chairs and blankets. Free and open to the public.

Oct. 9: Casey Kearney

Oct. 16: Six Piece Suits

Oct. 23: Below Alabama

Oct. 30: Forrest Williams Band

Views: 1

October 5, 2024
Legacy Five in Concert 2024 Press Release

Award-Winning Gospel Group Legacy Five To Play Benefit Concert on October 11th at Good News Church for Caring and Sharing of South Walton

Tickets are now on sale!

Tickets are now on sale for Legacy Five, a Dove award-winning Southern Gospel group performing at 7 p.m. on Friday, October 11 at Good News Church. This very special concert will benefit Caring & Sharing of South Walton and is graciously sponsored by The Crawford Family.

The rich four and five-part harmony that Legacy Five has become noted for is the result of a masterful weaving together of five unique and versatile talents.

Tickets are $15 and doors open at 6:30 p.m. for general admission. VIP tickets are $100 and include preferred seating plus a Meet and Greet at 6 p.m. Doors open at 5:30 p.m. for VIP ticket holders. Tickets are available at https://legacyfive2025.eventbrite.com.

“Caring & Sharing is a blessing to many in Walton County,” says Jennifer Crawford, Sponsor and long-time supporter of Caring & Sharing. “Sharing a night of Dove Award-winning, Legacy Five music to raise funds seemed like a night of joy and we are so thrilled to bring back this amazing opportunity to the community.”

“Having Legacy Five come back for a second year to perform for our community is such a huge blessing and all thanks to The Crawford Family,” says Carly Barnes, Executive Director of Caring & Sharing of South Walton. “All proceeds from the concert will directly enable us to further meet the growing needs of our neighbors.”

To contribute to the concert, volunteer, or to donate directly to Caring and Sharing visit www.servesowal.com. All proceeds benefit Caring and Sharing of South Walton.

Sponsorship opportunities are still available. Email Carly@caringandsharingsowal.org. All proceeds benefit Caring & Sharing of South Walton.

Views: 1

October 5, 2024
Sts. Markella and Demetrios Greek Orthodox Church Announces Upcoming Greek Festival

The parishioners of Saints Markella and Demetrios Greek Orthodox Church are preparing to welcome visitors from far and wide to the annual Greek Festival, from October 18 -20. Once again, the event will be held on the beautiful grounds of the Church at 104 Bryn Mawr Boulevard, from 4 – 8:00 p.m. on Friday, October 18, and from 11a.m. to 8 p.m. on Saturday, October 19, and 11:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Sunday, October 20.

Though the Church is the home to parishioners of many different ethnic backgrounds, this remains a marvelous opportunity for the community of the Panhandle to enjoy the sights, sounds, and flavors of Greece. There will be music, Greek dancing, vendors’ booths, and – of course – some of the most delicious Greek food (prepared by loving hands) for your enjoyment. Not to be missed are the scrumptious desserts, best enjoyed with a Greek coffee. There will also be activities for children. All are welcome to attend. The Church tours this year will also give you an opportunity to view the newly completed interior dome icons.

Please come and bring your friends to the Church grounds. The setting will allow you to think for a while that you have been transported to Greece, sitting under a canopy, enjoying delicious food with family and friends, while music and dancers provide you with enchanting entertainment. It is an event not to be missed.

For more information, please contact, please check our website: website – https://www.greekfestfwb.com/ or contact the Church Office at (850) 244-0822.

Views: 3

October 5, 2024
Discernment
By Kirk McCarley

Best-selling author Jacob Morgan wrote that we become who surrounds us.

“If you surround yourself with negative people, you’ll become negative. But if you surround yourself with successful, growth-minded people, you’ll become successful too.

I experienced this firsthand. For years, I surrounded myself with those who didn’t support or encourage me and who brought me down instead of supporting my dreams. And over time, I realized that my mindset was changing to match theirs.

I realized I had to make a change. I got rid of a lot of people in my circle and chose to surround myself with positive people who encouraged my new ideas, personally and professionally. And it made all the difference in my goals and growth.

The habits of the people you surround yourself with rub off on you. Who you surround yourself with reflects who you are and who you can become.”

In the book of Galatians, Paul encourages alignment with the characteristics of the fruit of the Spirit: love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. How do you identify those possessing these traits?

First, start with trial and error. I was introduced to a person, and we considered a business relationship. We had a couple of discussions to get to know one another. During our second meeting, I discerned a feeling in my gut that this prospective relationship was not going to be mutually beneficial for either of us. The hoped-for synergy simply didn’t exist. We each felt that way, respected our instincts, and verbalized it. The moral is that the honest conversation did not sever our connection: in fact, we agreed to collaborate on a different project down the road. Your gut is worth trusting.

Second, does their presence and example seem to help unlock your potential instead of holding you back? For the past year I have been engaged in a book project, with that piece on schedule to come out later this fall. Earlier, the editor had returned my first manuscript with literally hundreds of grammatical corrections and suggestions. My initial reaction was defensive, but after stepping back to more carefully review and rationalize I eventually came to agree with probably 99% of her recommendations. Though it may have hurt a little bit, she made my publication stronger and more coherent. More importantly, she did it respectfully. Should I have another project down the road, I will use her services again.

There are other questions to consider when discerning relationships:
1. Does this person help make you a better version of yourself?
2. Do they build you up or tear you down?
3. Do they help you see things from a different perspective without tempting you to forfeit your values?
4. How do their values align with yours?
5. Does there seem to be a balance of giving and receiving? That does not necessarily equate to who talks the most and least. Could it be that by allowing them time to speak and be heard, they benefit, while you also absorb pieces of valuable wisdom and insight?
One of my best bosses was a gifted orator. In fact, given a 60-minute discussion, his words likely absorbed 58 minutes of our time together. Yet from those orations, I learned and applied many of his philosophies. I was further amazed that at the conclusion of those discussions, he was often able to almost magically “read” my reactions, thoughts, and opinions. I still wonder how he did that.

Barbara Huson, a wealth coach, suggests that we surround ourselves with five types of people:
1. People who firmly believe in you.
2. Trusted friends who have your back.
3. People who have been “there” and can show you the way.
4. Messengers, those who have information useful to you.
5. Naysayers, because they will challenge you to achieve beyond what you may think is possible.
It’s never too late to become an even better version of ourselves. Who do you want to become? Then surround yourself with people who will help you get there.

A graduate of the University of North Texas, Kirk McCarley is a Certified Professional Coach as well as a Professional in Human Resources (PHR) and SHRM-CP Certified. He also is a Production Assistant for both college football and basketball for ESPN and leads group cycling classes as a Certified Spinning instructor. Contact kirk@theseedsowercoach.com, theseedsowercoach.com, or call 314-677-8779.

Views: 3
October 5, 2024