Cheers for new Palm City group!

[for2itous]

Linda! Just wanted to wish you the best in your second meeting!

"Everyone has inside of him a piece of good news. The good news is that you don't know how great you can be! How much you can love! What you can accomplish! And what your potential is!" Anne Frank

Happy Birthday! Love, Helene

[Linda M.]

Helene -- Thanks for the B-day wish! You have seen the potential in me and also in yourself -- your confidence in writing your words are what propelled me to Miraval! You have no idea how much that means to me. Thank you. You are and will be a part of whatever happens through the meetings and my work! I treasure your loving support.

[Linda M.]

If anyone is in our area of Florida, we have a group of 4 or 5 so far! We will be having our first meeting in September, so if you are interested let us know! Hurray for us!

[Linda M.]

We had our first meeting last night! It was great! There were 5 of us and we met at a local bookstore at the cafe! It was amazing how easily we all began chatting and shared things we wanted to change, things we knew needed to change, 5 of our biggest accomplishments, etc! Very exciting and happiness for our souls! Take care, LM

[Nancy B]

Linda,

Congratulations and welcome to the fun of being part of a Life Makeover Group! We'll look forward to hearing how you're doing. Your posting give others the courage to start their own groups too.

[Linda M.]

Nancy -- Thank you for your warm welcome and support! This is actually my second group. My first group is comprised of friends and people I have met when shopping!!! The gal who sold me my shoes, the gal who sold me my bedroom furniture, etc! There were 29 at our first get together!!! The energy is so wonderful when you fill the room with positive thoughts and affirmations! I'm excited about both groups and the changes we will see not only in ourselves, but in our community as a result of us!!!! Thanks a lot, Linda M

[Nancy B]

Linda,

OK, the suspense is too much... How did you start a group with the people you met shopping???

How neat!!!

[Linda M.]

I spend a lot of time alone because I have my business at my home, so when I go out it is a big adventure to me! I'm not a shopper, so when I'm on a designated search, I need help with finding products, etc. When I went for shoes, I explained what I needed and the sales lady saved me a lot of time by bringing me exactly what I needed for the variety of activities I'd be particpating in on my upcoming trip. When I got back from the trip, I stopped by the store and told her how pleased I was with the shoes. Told her that instead of telling my story about my trip 29 times, I was renting a conference room and invited her to come hear about my trip. She gave me her home number and when I had everything set up, I called her and she came.
The lady who sold me my bed also knew my purchase was a big deal to me since it was my first bedroom set I'd ever bought myself new! She took a lot of time with me -- she says I came in 10 times !!!! And when they delivered the wrong items, she helped get it straightened out. When I was recently in the newspaper, she recognized my picture and name and since they included my number, she called me to tell me how proud she was of me and to tell me what was going on in her life. I invited her to my talk, and she came.
I have known some of the people in my group for 20 years. They initially came to hear about my trip to Miraval and the Retreat with Cheryl, but then the group had such positive energy they decided right then at the first meeting that they wanted to keep that energy going! They all know me mostly from my experience with horses and horse shows and other aspects of my life. I was truly amazed that 29 of the people I invited came!!! There were quite a few men present and as a matter of fact, one of the men is going to speak on his Native American ways at our next meeting on Sept. 18th! He is Apache! We are all interested in changing our lives in a more positive way!!!! Dumping the negative and filling it with positive attitudes!
By the way, I was one of the four recipients of a scholarship to Miraval and Cheryl's retreat in June. All this came about, because of seeing Cheryl on Oprah and pursuing the possibility that I could attend the retreat. When I read about the scholarships, I asked my friend, Helene, in Pennsylvania, to nominate me! She's the one that started all this! She's the one that posted this thread about our Palm City Group! It is amazing to be a part of such a wave of strength across the country! Thanks for asking, look forward to more chats, Linda M

[Nancy B]

Linda,

WOW! I love what you wrote:
"We are all interested in changing our lives in a more positive way!!!! Dumping the negative and filling it with positive attitudes! "

That is what makes a good Life Makeover Group tick!

Just reading your e-mail jazzed me. You're not just a part of the wave of strength and support across the world, you're a beautiful example of how positive energy and gifts of love just keep on giving. Thanks for sharing!

[for2itous]

I think this George Bernard quote sums up what makes Linda McLendon tick.....

I'm not a teacher: only a fellow-traveler of whom you asked the way.
I pointed ahead--ahead of myself and you.

You can see this in her eyes- Helene

[Linda M.]

Thanks, Helene! Hi Everyone! We had our 2nd meeting of my group of friends tonight. There were only 10 this time, but WOW! We continued on the quest of finding our passion -- the youngest person was 15, the oldest 75 or 76! We had an amazing time! Wish each of you could have been there to hear the exchange of ideas and the brainstorming! We are all so connected! I encourage each of you to become a part of a group like ours -- we truly support each other in many ways! We are a blended group of varying ages and backgrounds, but joined together in becoming a unit that cares about each other! We had a terrific night!

Blessings to all, Linda M

[Caroline]

Hi Linda,
Your efforts with your local LMG group sound sooo wonderful. I am trying to get a local LMG going in Somerset County,
New Jersey and would like to hear more details of the time line and efforts you put into getting your group kicked off. It would be great if you shared even more of the story....was it weeks/ months of interaction with your shopping network friends or ??? What inspired you to take the initiative to set up the group? What information did you share with the people you invited to attend? How did you bring the subject up?.....etc.

Look forward to hearing about your journey,

[Linda M.]

Hi Caroline ! Thanks for asking. I was one of the recipients of a scholarship to Cheryl's Retreat at Miraval, Arizona in June. Even before I left for the amazing experience, I had decided to share my trip with my friends. When I came home, I rented a conference room at the Holiday Inn, arranged for snacks and beverages, and invited 35 people (friends, people I know from shopping, people from my horse show days etc). Amazingly, 29 people attended our first meeting. I made a video of the desert and Miraval (without any people in it - actually at 5:30AM) and I showed it to bring the energy of the desert to the room. I talked about my passion and how it brought me to this day -- I had made photocopies of old photographs and passed them out as the story unfolded (I had a friend help me). I used my notes from the retreat and shared Cheryl's philosophy and energy as best I could. To break it up, I used Cheryl's Self-Care Cards and had people pick a card. Then I drew a card from another set and whoever matched received a door prize. I bought about 6-7 little gifts (picture frame, candy dish, garden stone, stuffed dog etc). Then we went back to finishing up the story. Since most of the people knew me (some for 20 years), they interjected little things about me as my story went along!!! At the end, everyone told how they knew me! Sold me my shoes, sold me my bed, competed against me at horse shows, daughter was in my 4-H Club, etc. Everyone had such a good time, they decided right then (without prompting from me) that they wanted to get together again and thus my first LMG was formed. THEN I decided to post Palm City to Cheryl's Community Board and my second LMG was started from people who responded via e-mail. We now have 6 members in LMG#2 -- 5 of us have met as complete strangers at Barnes & Noble Book Sellers at the Cafe. I wondered how they would find me, so told them I'd put up a sign LMG at my table. I came in went straight to the bookshelf and pulled one of Cheryl's books off and headed toward the Cafe and before I could even get there two women seeing the book came rushing up and said are you Linda -- they were so excited and so it began. The best part was that this was so effortless -- all I had to do was answer a few e-mails and show up! I started by following the guidelines and using Chery's book asked 1) What changes would you like to make? 2) Something needs to change but your not quite sure -- what is it? 3) What are your strong qualities? 4) Your FIVE most important accomplishments? 5) How have you grown over the past year? It was amazing how much we accomplished and how close we felt! We will meet again Oct 7 with our new member joining us! Hope this helps! I'll be glad to answer any questions!!! Good Luck! Linda M

[Linda M.]

Guess I scared everyone off because the thread got really quiet after my last post!!!!! I joined the teleconference call tonight (9/29) and as always Cheryl's topic -- Synchronicity -- was so true to what is happening in my life right now. I was approached by a small local foundation about my program for special needs children and adults. They asked me to write a grant request even though it was not in line with their usual funding -- they normally fund educational opportunities -- I did some research and wrote what I thought was a good request -- Two board members came out shortly thereafter for an on-site visit -- they were to meet with the board and "convince them" -- tonight I received a phone call that my program is being awarded the grant! They even told me to write it for a certain amount, but to expect half or less of what I requested. Honestly, I was so shocked when they told me the program is getting the full amount requested! Wow! Cheryl said there is a benevolent (charitable) force of energy operating in everyone's house. It sure is working in mine! I can't wait to see who shows up now to enjoy the benefits of my work!!!! Hurray for all of us!

[Caroline]

Hi Linda,

I was also on the telecon last night, heard your news and was soooo thrilled for you and those that particpate in your programs.
It was also especially nice to put a voice to your name and writing. You are inspiring to me, so please keep writing!

[Donna M.]

Linda,

All that is going on in your life since Miraval continues to amaze and inspire me. The universe is truly smiling down upon you!!

I've been feeling a bit stagnant, but am in the process of joining a LMG (Hi, Caroline) to help to hold me accountable so I walk my talk as well as you do. Keep on posting...I can feel your electricity and enthusiasm!!

Donna

[Linda M.]

Your support, enthusiasm and energy keeps me on track! I have (for a very long time) lived in synchronicity! I always felt like the odd swan in a gaggle of geese or something! It has been so uplifting to realize there are other swans swimming with me!!! Last night on the telecon the voices from Hong Kong, Austria, Australia and every corner of the US gave me a "rebirth" of sorts! Knowing people all over the world are of like mind inspires me! Isn't that amazing! I wanted to sit in Cheryl's shoes for that moment and realize the impact she is having on not just this "community", but the community of the universe at large. I remember being at Miraval and hearing her say when she was little she wanted to make a difference in the world! Wow! When I was flying to Az to be at Miraval, I read the tomato exercise in her book and decided to tell the Universe something hard. I knew there would be no kids there and so I asked for twins!!! How hard was that? Twin adults at Miraval. The last day, two of the participants (who I adore and admire) said to each other "You are my twin!!!!!" It was one of those goose bump moments! Over 40 years ago, I received a calendar of thoroughbred horses. I dreamed of someday having horses. A few years ago, a woman came to my therapeutic riding program after she had a brain tumor removed. She wanted to feel true movement to help her learn to walk and have a life again. She knew about horses from her uncle, a famous thoroughbred artist. The same man who painted the pictures that were reproduced in the calendar that her great uncle gave to me 40 years before. Coincidence? Synchronicity? I couldn't believe it when I discovered the connection. I went to my old cedar chest and pulled out a scrap book and there tucked inside was the calendar -- 1956 -- Allen F. Brewer, Jr. -- pasted on the opposite side of the scrapbook was a newspaper clipping -- a little boy with two artificial legs and an artificial arm -- "Keeping a Promise to his mother, Richard Matlock 4, walks on his new, artificial legs"! I sat in the middle of the bed with these items in my arms crying my eyes out! The stage had been set so many years ago! My passion was deep inside of me and had so many twists and turns to take before I could manifest it through my work! As Cheryl said last night, people come in and go out and teach us. The lessons learned were the ladder to my life now. The two passionate parts of my life were blended so that I can do this work -- special needs people and horses! It feels like a miracle to me! Yes, it isn't always easy, but when the funding comes you know that others believe in your work. The door then opens to enable you to watch Elijah sit up, Lauren say Mommy for the first time, or Thomas take his first walk independently. Thank you for supporting me! I think of the Universe and the people I come in contact with as being right there at my elbow so that if I falter there is someone to grab me and steady my walk! As we say to my horses at the beginning of each ride, "Walk on!" Hugs, Linda

[Caroline]

Linda,

Our group, here in Somerset County New Jersey is just getting started. Can you share some of the details on how you run your group? Does everyone speak? Do you use time limits as recommended by Cheryls tips for LMG's? Do you have agendas for your meetings? How long do your get-togethers run? ...and/ or any other things you do to optimize the results for your group.

I would appreciate your time sharing with me.

[Linda M.]

We are about to have our second meeting on Tues. The first meeting ran about 1 1/2 hours. I organized the first meeting, so I was the facilitator. I read the guidelines and followed their lead. I used something from Cheryl's newsletter that week. Then I decided since this was the beginning of a new journey for all of us I would use Chapter 1 of Cheryl's Life Makeovers book -- The Journey Begins -- That gave me all I needed to get the people talking: 1) What changes would you like to make?
2) What is something that needs to be changed but your not quite sure what? 3) What are your strong qualities? 4) Five most important accomplishments. 6) Three wasy you have grown over the past year! Everyone was great about not taking too long. It was amazing how fast everyone jumped in. I hope this is helpful and if you have any other questions, please let me know! Warm regards, Linda M

[Linda M.]

There were four enthusiastic people at our 2nd Meeting. Two of the gals brought their Treasure Maps! They were amazing! What creativity and the excitement of possibilities. My favorite items on their maps were 1) The baby -- Sue wants another child and her toddler pointed to the baby picture and said, "That's my baby sister." She asked him what her name was and he said, "I don't know yet!" 2) The actual picture of Delphine's house with a perfect swimming pool pasted on top! It looked like it belonged there! Other items included money pasted all over and a check written to herself for $3,000,000!!! What a fabulous idea! Sue is going to school to be a teacher and had a red school house and other school items! I can't wait to begin to put one together for myself! Wow!