Politics, Chuck Norris and Cody's Wish

It is a day after mid-term elections in the US. I am not writing to share my viewpoints on politics - I am writing to share my hope for the future.

It seems that the majority of people running for office this year focused their campaigns on taking out expensive ads that made their opponent(s) look bad, not on the content of their own character or what they will do to better the world. I had to spend a great deal of time researching the candidates and their history and beliefs in order for me to make my decisions.

As I was researching each candidate, I found myself hoping to find people who had the strength to stand up to a challenge, and despite knowing they wouldn't always be popular, fight for the things that would help us to move forward. (Not an easy job, for sure!) I didn't want to elect those who saw blame in issues, but moreso, those who saw the opportunity in improving them. As I thought about this, I was reminded of a column written by Chuck Norris this summer. Let me tell you why this column has such significant meaning to me.

(Bear with me through this unusual transition)

I am a wish granter for Make A Wish (which means I volunteer time to work with/grant the wishes of Wish Kids. A few years ago, as I met one of my wish children, I immediately fell in awe of his soul. Cody, who had muscular dystrophy, sped over to me in his wheelchair, nearly knocking me over, telling me how excited he was for my arrival. He was smiling from ear-to-ear. He gave me a hug and had the energy of 10 children in one little body.

I spent hours with his family that day and knew that Cody was a very special 9 year old. Whenever I tried to talk about his illness, he said, 'I'm ok, I worry about my mom, not me'. And then he would turn and play with his siblings, as if he hadn't missed a beat. When it finally got to the point in the visit where I asked Cody what his wish was, he pointed to the cowboy hat he had on, his collection of Walker Texas Ranger DVDs and in his best 'Chuck Norris' voice, said, 'I want to meet Chuck Norris'. I smiled as he talked non-stop about his admiration of Chuck and how great it would be to meet him. When I asked, 'Why Chuck?' He responded, 'Because he can overcome anything!'.

Typically we ask children to have a second option, if their first wish isn't able to be granted (especially with a celebrity wish). He said, "I don't have one."

Two and half years later, after multiple check-ins where I asked if he still wanted to wait for Chuck, we received the phone call that Chuck was honored by his request and invited Cody down to his ranch for a day. Unfortunatley, in that two and a half years, Cody's body had severly weakened. He could no longer give me a hug when I walked in the door, and his high energy had decreased to quiet conversation and jokes. But, despite his drastically different outward appearance, his inner being hadn't changed a bit. His kindness, he love for his mother, his attitude in life -all intact and strong. Maybe even stronger than before.

A week later, Cody went to Chuck's ranch to spend a day with him. Chuck and his wife, Gena, could not have been more gracious and giving. While I wasn't along for the wish, I later watched a video that the Norris family had made for Cody. Everytime I watch it, I am filled with tears. Cody, while he couldn't outwardly show his excitement due to his weakness, was filled with absolute joy on that day. He forgot he was sick for a moment and met one of his greatest heros. One of the details I was most worried about was the fact that Cody had asked if he could ride horses with Chuck. At this point, he was so weak, we didn't think it would be possible. But, Chuck hoisted Cody up on a horse with him and wrapped his arms around him as they walked around his ranch on horseback. To see an angel smiling was to see the look on Cody's face when Chuck held him and they rode. While it was painful for him, it was the time of his life. After horseback riding, whenever they walked to a different part of the ranch, Chuck carried Cody.

When Cody arrived home, he was too weak to give hugs anymore on his own. When he wanted to hug me, his mother had to place his arms around me. While in this 'hug', I asked him what the best part of his wish was... he explained. 'My hero carried me when I wan't strong enough to go it alone.' (If you are a spiritual person, this will have double-meaning to you, as it does me).

So how does this relate back to politics?

I have spoken to groups all over the country about various wishes I have granted... In August, I was in Cleveland talking to a corporation about Make A Wish and shared Cody's wish. While I was waiting to speak, I was placed in the same office as the CEO for the Make A Wish Foundation in the area. She and I talked briefly and I told her which story I would be sharing. She said, 'isn't Cody the boy who passed away a month ago.' While it is tradition for a wish granter to learn of a passing, I had not been told and immediately felt a lump in my throat. She mentioned that Chuck had written a nice column about Cody shortly after his passing. A minute before going on stage to present, I read Chuck's column and was filled with tears (not exactly how I wanted to make my entrance!!)

While I do not write this to promote one political belief or another, I do write this to echo Chuck's comments on Cody in the column. He mentions how we need more leaders in office that demonstrate the same character as Cody. He goes on to describe their friendship and Cody's amazing ability to love the world, despite his crippling disease.

Sometimes we get so caught up in this busy and complicated world, that we forget the importance of getting back to basics, being honest, being thoughtful, and starting to change the world, by caring about the world. Caring about others, and believing that we can become what we want to be. Cody was an incredibly strong young man, who never complained about the cards he drew in life, he just wanted to embrace the blessings he had. He didn't blame anyone or anything for his challenges. He just accepted them and moved forward.

If you'd like to read what Chuck had to say about Cody, you can find his column by clicking here.

We need more 'Codys' in the world - in leadership, in friendship, and in life. I hope you will think of this story the next time you decide who you choose to follow as a leader, and how you decide to get through life's challenges. It's about moving forward and finding opportunity, not blame.

...and while Cody shared that Chuck was his hero, my guess is that Cody is also Chuck's.

Want to help raise money to fund a wish like Cody's? Julie started her own fundraising effort for wishes called, 'Julie's Wish'- to check it out, please click here.

What Happens When You Get What You Want...

"As soon as you trust yourself, you will know how to live".

Johann Wolfgang von Goethe

Each week, I never know what I am going to write about. I wait for the message to show up, through a conversation I had with a friend, an experience I saw first-hand or some other form of inspiration that shows up on my doorstep. If there is ever a week that goes by that I don't post something, it is because I didn't feel any special message I felt authentic about sharing. I won't write just to write - I have to feel like there is something I am inspired to let the world know about and hope that there is someone, somewhere, that needed those words at that very moment.

This week, my message comes from the most unsuspecting conversation. I had my high school reunion this week and a group of us met on Sunday (most were still sleeping off the previous two days of reunion celebrating) and played a round of golf. The group had great chemistry, and seemed to laugh more than play.

Throughout the day, we would all swap carts so we could talk to those who we hadn't spent time with yet. Each time we did, I seemed to learn something interesting or inspiring from each person. One person helped me improve my golf game and talked about a new project he is taking on through his business; one talked about 'how to know when you are in the right relationship'; one talked of a recent heart break but a positive mindset; another talked about his time in the middle east fighting for our country; another talked about her goals for 2009. I felt like the theme 'everyone has a story' rang true. Every single person had an interesting story to tell. When I got to the next cartmate, I simply said, 'so tell me about you'. His response is what I choose to write about today.

He started off by saying he had to loose everything, to get what he wanted. Puzzled, I asked him to explain. He mentioned that he used to have a great job, great life, everything was.... great... but he really wanted to meet the right girl. He prayed and asked for God to bring her into his life. Ironically, God did. My friend met the most amazing girl whom he fell in love with immediately. His prayer had been answered.

While one prayer was answered, the other areas of his life that had been so great, crumbled slightly. He lost his job, he moved in with his dad to help him for a while... life as he knew it changed dramatically. I paused and then reacted by telling him how sorry I was to hear this.

But, his response was what left me in awe.

He said, 'don't be sorry, my prayer was answered. I got what I wanted. I asked for God to bring me the love of my life and He has. This other stuff is just stuff. I am rebuilding my life now and slowly but surely, all of the pieces are coming together. But most importantly, I got what I asked for... The rest will just fall in place.'

I was so inspired by his attitude. He knew exactly what he wanted and despite losing other things in his life, he was grateful that God had answered his prayer and he knew it would all work out. He had his priorities in order, he trusted himself and he knew he would be ok. He focused on what he had in his life vs. what he didn't have...

How many times have we had a wonderful opportunity to seize, but we spend so much time staring at what we wish we had or what we lost, that we miss out on what is right in front of us? I've had this trip me up many times.

You have to know what you want, what you are ok with not having and trust yourself that knowing these things will get you through the good and tough times.

I challenge you this week, to focus on what you want, understand what you can live without, and then trust yourself to move forward with these priorities. There are few times in life when all pins line up in a row for us, but if we can be clear on the ones that matter the most , we will know how to stay grateful and positive, even when going through a difficult time.

And my friend... he's getting ready to move to Europe to be with the love of his life. Not too bad of an outcome, I'd say.

Don't be afraid to ask for what you want. Just be ready for it when it comes!

Brick Walls Are There On Purpose

''Brick Walls' are there to stop the people that don't want it badly enough.'

- Randy Pausch

A few years ago, I had what I felt would be my first big break. A talent scout from NYC called me and told me he would pay for me to fly to Dallas to teach at a fitness show. The 'gig' consisted of me teaching on stage 3 times during a 2 day show, in which 90,000 people were expected to attend. He said his agency picks 1-2 'up-and-comers' in the fitness industry to support and rally behind. His agency had come across my portfolio and they had selected me. I checked out their website and the show's website and it seemed legitimate, and so I signed on.

I couldn't have been more excited. This was the start of what I had dreamed of... I went shopping and bought 5 new fitness outfits, packed my best business suits (he told me I would be going to dinners with agents and other 'important' people), I took my computers, video cameras, full inventory of my fitness videos, posters etc.

Upon arrival, I found that the fitness show had not been promoted, and while there were a lot of vendors, there weren't any people in attendance. The vendors were livid, the 'talent' (the group I was in) that was to perform was annoyed, and the people producing the event couldn't be found. I decided to make the best of what seemed to be a 'bad' situation, and I set up my video camera, got on stage, turned up the microphone, and just started doing what I came to do. I pulled everyone at the show out on to the floor and started teaching and bringing some energy into the room. While it was a small turnout, I took advantage of the experience and had a lot of fun. God bless the older couple that hung out at the front of the stage the entire time I was up there, as if I was a rockstar and they were pumping their fists and hooping and hollering for me the entire 40 minutes. We all need those people to get us through. Where ever you are, my groupy couple - thank you. You kept me going.

When I finished, I found that anyone who had come out on the floor to workout with me, flocked to me for my video and autograph. While it wasn't what I had been promised (by any means), the experience on day 1 was fun and I was happy with myself for seeing how I could take lemons and make lemonade.

On day two, half of the vendors didn't return, and most of the talent flew home (some the big names that arrived were threatening to sue!). The show seemed even more 'shanty' than the day before. But again, I got on stage and did what I came to do. My life motto has been to make a difference to the lives of others - so whether that is 3 people or 300,000. They all count.

Afterwards, I had the same small flow of 'fans' asking for videos and autographs. I had kept my DVDs in my car as I would be going to the airport after I finished and so all of my luggage was in my rental car. I went out to my rental car to get a few videos and I had an eerie feeling. Something didn't feel right. I had parked in the secure, covered lot attached to the Dallas Convention Center. I had parked close to the doors I had walked into - and hadn't thought much about it. When I got to my rental car, I found it had been broken into and all of my inventory, cameras, computers, clothing, jewelry.... gone.

I called the police and they came and said my car had been parked from the 1 angle in the garage that the security cameras couldn't reach. They said that it was common for thieves to camp out in garages on Sundays, as they know this is the last day of a show and most people working a show will have their luggage... an ideal day to steal out of cars. So- I just so happened to park in the wrong spot, at the wrong time, and - all of my stuff was gone. I went back inside and told the other vendors (in case they wanted to check their cars) and they came up with all of these conspiracy theories on how the whole weekend had been a scam and my car had been broken into by the same scam artists that got us to come to the show in the first place.

Deciding not to spend time in this negative thought, I left the show, got into my rental car, bagless, and drove to the airport. I remember feeling numb. I wanted to cry, but I also couldn't believe what had happened. Not only had it not been my 'big break' in terms of getting discovered, but it was a 'big break' to my possessions - everything I had for my business (that I had built over two years) and my favorite jewelry, clothing etc, was gone. Somehow, I remained calm, saying over and over again, 'it's just stuff, Julie... it's just stuff.'

It wasn't until I got to the airport check-in and the friendly airline woman asked me if I had any bags to check, that I started to cry. She had to be so surprised - I may have been the first person on Earth who broke down in tears at the asking of that question. But, I quickly pulled myself together, smiled and told her I had just 'had a moment' but was now fine.

During my flight home, I thought about what happened... Was this a sign? Was I a fool to think I was going to get that big break? I would now have to start over again with my business. The idea felt a bit exhausting and I had no idea where I would get the money to do that... I had spent my savings over the past 2 years starting my company, buying my equipment, contracting with video production companies, shooting my videos, hiring distribution centers to fill my orders, working with graphic designers to build my brand and make my posters, DVD covers, banners, website logos etc. It felt like it was all gone.

Was this a way of God telling me I was off track and shouldn't pursue this dream? Was I forcing something that wasn't meant to be?

I asked myself those questions a good portion of the flight back. And you know, the funny thing is, every time I asked one of those questions, my soul, my heart and my head all immediately answered in unison, 'Nope. You're fine. Just keep going. This is what you were meant to do. It's just a stumble, not an ending'. I actually heard myself say, 'I know this event will make my business even better'.

Two years later, I have shot 8 more videos, am on tap to shoot 5 more in the near future, am writing a book, have shot commercials for products and events, am a spokeperson and ambassador for various health philanthropies and fitness initiatives and have been in over 15 other fitness shows and conferences that were actually legitimate.

As I look back, I realize, that the 'Dallas' pitfall helped me to see how committed I was to my dream. If I was wishy-washy about it, I would have quit and moved on to another passion or idea. But I knew, without waiver, that this is what I am supposed to do in my life. Showing others how fabulous fitness can feel is what I am here for... if anything, the pitfall just made me want it more. (And don't get me wrong, while my business has taken off, I still have a long ways to go to reach my goals and dreams for it. But, I know what I want, and I know it is possible.)

So, I challenge you, to see the small hurdles and missteps in your life as blessings. They help you to decide how bad you really want something. Those brick walls are there to be overcome. You just have to decide you are up for the challenge. And, then... enjoy the journey and all of the bumps and turns along the way.

And, when you get the chance, find a way to be that rockstar groupy in the front row, pumping your fists and hooping and hollering for someone else who is on their journey. My groupy couple kept me on that stage. They have no idea what their energy did for me that day. So, go give your hoops and hollers to someone. You will make all the difference.