So, it's only Tuesday and already it has been a volatile week in the land of Peace And Joy. Yesterday I learned that a very exciting coaching engagement for the summer is not going to reach fruition with the client I had in mind, however, it could happen with some other client and for an even longer period, so I'm keeping it all in perspective... But it definitely qualified as a disappointment. On the flipside, today I visited a good friend and her twin 2 year old girls who came to me with arms extended when I said, "Can I have a hug?" which is something that even my nieces don't always do! And I got to join them for a walk along the Battery Park esplanade...which is very pleasant and the whole experience made me feel I was on holiday.

Ah, the up's and down's of life. I continue to accumulate evidence that disappointment is an inescapable part of a life well-lived. And that's the idea, isn't it? I'm someone who likes to say things like, "If you're gonna go, go!" and, the more sophisticated quote, "One cannot discover new seas without consenting to lose sight of the shore." If you're really going for it, really trying to grow into your destiny, and not just "phoning it in," disappointment is part of the cost of doing business. 

In that wonderful 1989 movie, Say Anything, Lloyd Dobler pursues the brainy but very attractive Diane Court. His friends warn him that she is out of his league and that he is likely to get hurt. To their warnings, he exclaims, "I want to get hurt!" That's the spirit, Lloyd. Go get 'em.

It's been quite a week. Shock and dismay about Whitney Houston's death is morphing into a grim acceptance. Much closer to home, there have been some health concerns in my inner circle. So, last night I found myself engaged in a full-on marathon of Dr. Oz Show episodes and I've emerged in excellent spirits! Today happens to be a pretty sunny, mild day by February standards in New York. I can say, "Today is the first day of the rest of my life," without chuckling. I intend to drink water like it is my job. And return to the erstwhile habit of weighing myself each morning. I ordered specialty beluga lentils in (serious) bulk from my friends at Amazon, and that purchase will make it much easier for me to up my daily protein intake. I also purchased sunflower seeds, as it seems they are an excellent source of selenium which helps fight exhaustion, and I have been exhausted lately. Must go to bed earlier and wake up earlier as well. 

It seems, according to Timothy Ferriss, author of The Four Hour Body, that cold showers kickstart one's metabolism. I love a challenge, but that's one I'll save for tomorrow. 

Peace, joy, and perfect health,

Lauren

Many thanks to Metropolitan Business Academy for hosting me yesterday as part of its Black History Month celebration! Just as I anticipated, it was a pleasure to meet and chat with bright, young leaders and the school's very dedicated and supportive teachers and staff. It's a bustling school in a bright, modern, well appointed building, serving the greater New Haven area. 

I'll have some video of the speech up on the site soon. What an exciting experience to share a few insights and well wishes with these young leaders who will enter college in the next year or two (I spoke to juniors and seniors). After my hosts took me on a tour and I had a chance to pop my head into a few classes, I was ready to enroll, but alas, it was time to return to New York! Thank you, Metro!

I'm very much looking forward to my trip to New Haven this Thursday. I'll be speaking to students at the Metropolitan Business Academy as part of their Black History Month celebration. I spoke with the school's assistant principal today and asked him if he was excited. What I meant to say was that I'm bursting with excitement! My parents met in New Haven. They both participated in a summer program at Yale University while they were in college. Many moons later, here comes Lauren to spread peace and joy!

I'm grateful for the opportunity to speak with these students who I might otherwise never have met, and I hope to be of service to them. I do believe I can highlight a few principles from my life that will improve some aspect of their life experience. I'm also grateful--in advance--for the chance to really engage with some young leaders! One of my favorite quotes is this: "Attention is the most basic form of love; through it we bless and are blessed." That's a John Tarrant quote. This Thursday morning, all my attention will be focused on how I can best engage, challenge, and inspire the young men and women of Metropolitan Business Academy.

Until then!

Lauren