by Lynn Sanders | Jun 1, 2018 | DMM Blog
The power of love transcends time and space.
It’s invisible. Intangible. Yet a very real connection that exists between us all…. even beyond our mortal lives.
I want to share my letters from Leo Buscaglia because they represent more than just words on a page. They represent integrity, character and a loving perspective of seeing the connection among us. Something our world needs right now.
When I wrote my third letter, I had asked Leo for one of his favorite recipes, which would be used for my dad’s fundraising cookbook to help Vietnam veterans.
Before the days of computers, my dad, Dr. Gil Bogen, Chief of Staff at a local V.A. Hospital and founder of a nonprofit, Vetline-Hotline, decided to create a cookbook, that would serve as a source of funding for Vietnam vets affilicted by Agent Orange. (Agent Orange was a herbicide used by our U.S. military, which contained the toxic substance dioxin.) My dad wrote letters for recipe requests to a wide array of famous people: from legendary Bob Hope to the Queen of England. I offered to contact Leo. Sure enough, Leo responded. (Even though the cookbook project never happened, we four kids learned a great lesson in going after a goal.)
Leo’s third letter…
June 20th, 1983
Dear Lynn,
Please excuse the long delay in getting back to you. Between my writing and traveling schedule, and the mountains of mail to answer since my TV appearances, I’ve gotten a bit behind! It’s getting more and more difficult to answer letters as I would like. I hope that you understand.
I am happy to assist in your father’s very worthwhile project and am including the photographed photo and recipe (it’s easy and delicious!) as you requested. Please wish him all my best!
I hope that since your letter, your life has settled down a bit and that your husband’s back is well mended by now.
Again, thank you so much for writing and caring.
Warmly,
Leo
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A few months passed. Something stirred within me to write to Leo again.
Leo’s fourth letter…
Now, thirty years later, I don’t know why I wrote to Leo again. I think it was because it felt so thrilling to read his words. I loved holding his personal nuggets of wisdom in my hand. Despite his international fame, this very busy man cared enough to personally answer me back! How amazing! He signed each letter in blue ink, with a bold, “Leo.” Each envelope was stamped with a colorful design. One envelope had a pink heart surrounded by a profusion of pink hearts; another bore an oak leaf, and a third depicted a clump of trees. Each graphic touch demonstrated his attention to detail. He cared to make each letter special.
I’d like to share this final letter because it’s a gracious example of how to gently disengage from a correspondence. Even his “goodbye” to me was beautiful.
**************************************************************************************************
October 20, 1983
Dear Lynn,
It was such a pleasure to hear from you again and to know that you received the recipe for your father’s collection. I think it’s a good one, even though it’s not Italian!
And I am delighted to know that you are taking risks and making some important changes in your life. I guarantee you’ll be more for it!
I hope your stay in Los Angeles was a good one; if you called USC, I’m sure you were told of my 2 ½-year leave of absence. Perhaps we will meet another time.
It has been good hearing from you – though at times, my mail has been almost overpowering. I do want you to know that, at least for the next year, my personal correspondence will have to come to an abrupt end. Happily, I shall be off to parts unknown for most of 1984. I need a time for me when I can get totally away. Since I know you care, I’m sure you will understand.
Continue to live in love and share your warmth and beauty with the many who need it.
Warmly,
Leo
***********************************************************************************
What a loving man! He cared enough about a stranger — me — to gently let me know he wouldn’t be able to write for awhile. That loving personality was the reason why people stood in long lines after his public speeches, just to get a hug from him.
In closing, I’d like to share Leo’s advice from his book, “Living, Loving & Learning.”
(p.258) “We’re more alike than we are different. All of us feel that. We need to have those bridges built between you and me, because we need each other. And the real you of you can only really grow with all of the bridges intact of me, of someone else, of the person next to you. All of us feeling the same thing.”
(p.262) “Choose the way of life. Choose the way of love. Choose the way of caring. Choose the way of hope. Choose the way of belief in tomorrow. Choose the way of trusting. Choose the way of goodness. It’s up to you.”
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Brief bio of Leo Buscaglia from “The Sons Of Italy Blog.”
Leo published his first book, LOVE, in 1972. He went on to publish thirteen more books on love, living and learning. His books were translated into more than 20 languages and 5 of his books were on The New York Times Bestsellers List simultaneously. His taped lectures were aired on PBS and he was invited to speak on talk shows around the world. He was often stopped by fans while he was walking down the street and readily doled out hugs to anyone who asked. Leo continued to tour and give lectures until his death in 1998.
Thanks for reading my article. If you like it, please share it with your friends. As Leo reminds his audiences, “Your greatest responsibility is to become everything that you are…”
by Lynn Sanders | Jun 1, 2018 | DMM Blog
We stand at the precipice of a new year: 2017. As Ralph Waldo Emerson said,“What lies behind us and what lies before us are small matters compared to what lies within us. And when we bring what is within us out into the world, miracles happen.”
How do we expand our inner selves to live at our highest potential?
As I contemplate how to grow both personally and professionally, I know I need to focus more. I’ve been diving deep into a variety of self-improvement books, often re-reading them to absorb their wisdom. I’d like to share some insights.
In my last blog, I mentioned connecting with a heart-centered, internationally best-selling author and speaker, Teresa de Grosbois. She provides valuable tips in her book, “Mass Influence: The Habits of the Highly Influential.” You can learn a great deal from her TedX presentation: https://youtu.be/il8fY__WCq8. Here is a brief synopsis from Teresa’s program, which highlights two important habits that you can practice to build your influence.
HABIT #1: BE AUTHENTIC
If you want to become influential, you must be authentic.
According to Teresa, you’re authentic when “your inside voice says the same thing as your outside voice.” We all deal with inner voices. They’re often created during childhood, and can become self-limiting beliefs.
Can these voices get in the way when we reach for our dreams? You bet. Can they interfere with our leadership abilities? Of course. Can we overcome self-limiting voices like, “I’m not good enough… or I’m not smart enough?” The good news is YES!
Since every thought is a choice, we can choose to overcome our negative voices.
Dispelling Negative Beliefs
* First, be aware of your inner voices. Teresa suggests journaling your thoughts. Write down how your self-limiting beliefs both hinder you and help you. Consider what action you can take to work through your fears.
* Write positive affirmations about yourself and speak them aloud every day.
* Meditate about your self-limiting beliefs while playing a CD track of laughter. By combining the sound of laughter with your negative thoughts, you’re imprinting the sound of laughter over your limiting beliefs… and demonstrating to yourself how irrational those thoughts are.
* Check out the online teaching of NLP (Neuro-linguistic Programming.) You can use this tapping technique that involves self-hypnosis to consciously create positive thoughts. I highly recommend watching the videos from Brad Yates. Here’s one on overcoming the “Not good enough” inner voice. See: https://youtu.be/47Dmy5U9jDE
Habit #2: Give Influence To Others.
“Influential people need others to give influence to them,” explains Teresa. “It’s in the act of giving influence to another person that you become more influential. When you want more respect, you give respect.”
Think about all the wonderful opportunities around you right NOW to give influence. Everyone can benefit from a tremendous resource at Readers Legacy!
In this amazing community, we can give influence to each other easily. We can comment, like and share posts. We can connect with those who share our interests. We can promote the writing, images and videos of members, and even get rewarded for taking action. That’s incredible, right?
Each time we show recognition, we’re gifting a virtual “pat on the back” to someone we authentically appreciate. It’s a way of paying the highest respect to each other.
So, without further ado… (drumroll, please).. I want to publicly acknowledge my gratitude to Carolyn Owens. She is a talented friend, Master Business coach, top authority on leadership, a thoughtful writer and influential Readers Legacy member. Carolyn introduced me to Readers Legacy, and spent precious time sharing its benefits with me. If it weren’t for her, I wouldn’t know this delightful community. Carolyn is someone you want to meet…an authentic, caring leader. Thank you, Carolyn!
Thanks also to Ken Dunn, Founder & CEO of Readers Legacy, who is making so much possible for all of us. Ken, thanks for creating such a dynamic, online site. I’m grateful for your complimentary 15-minute consultation. I really appreciated it.
Finally, a big thanks to Bill Bergfeld, Director of Subscriber Services at Readers Legacy. Bill has been so thoughtful to me and generous in his time. I’m sure he has done the same for many others on a regular basis. Thanks so much, Bill!
Now, are you ready to build your influence in the new year? If so, I invite you to take Teresa’s 30-day challenge. Here’s the assignment: “For the next thirty days, gift out influence thirty times to people you authentically feel deserve it.” What might happen at the end of thirty days? Can you imagine how you’ll expand your impact as we launch into a new year? Together, I believe we all can create a positive ripple effect to transform our world.
“Influence is like breathing,” says Teresa. “Once you master the skill, it simply becomes the way you live.”
So, let’s celebrate each other.
Be the light that shines out in the darkness.
Speak well of those you truly appreciate. The universe will thank you… and so will I!
by Lynn Sanders | Jun 1, 2018 | DMM Blog
“Stories make us more alive, more human, more courageous, more loving.”Madeleine L’Engle.
Do you realize how much power your story has? Stories get remembered. They distinguish you from everyone else. They have the potential to move people, connecting you with your audience. Your leadership is based on your personal story. It’s who you are.
So, you may be wondering… what’s next? How do I get my stories noticed?
What’s the best way to attract followers from my stories?
How do I market my stories for results? Here are a few tips…(with stories, of course!)
Tip #1: To Get Noticed: Use compelling words. Write as you speak. Make it conversational. Choose words that stand out. Use colorful verbs, just as you’d add spices to your food. A compelling subject line is especially important in an email or press release. If your words don’t’ evoke curiosity, chances are that no one will want to read your message.
“It has been said that next to hunger and thirst, our most basic human need is for storytelling.” -Khalil Gibran
My story: While doing publicity for the A.G. Bell Montessori School, one of the fathers decided to enroll in the second grade with his deaf daughter. It was a fascinating story! He wanted to learn Cued Speech, a method that makes all phonemes of speech visible, using eight hand shapes for consonants and four positions around the mouth for all vowels. Cued Speech allows deaf children to learn the same vocabulary, sentence structure and grammar as their hearing peers. What better way to learn than by practicing every day? When I wrote the press release, my subject line was: “42-year-old Father Returns To Second Grade!” Did this story get picked up by the media? You bet it did!
Tip #2: To Attract Followers: Be authentic. Select words that reflect who you are to those you want to reach. Your perfect clients will mirror your values, traits and characteristics. Your ideal story must convey your benefits and move our emotions. Think about what makes a movie or play great. Its powerful story gets inside your heart, and makes you cry or laugh out loud.
My story: We’re recording a WGN-TV commercial with the famous singer, Lou Rawls. The TV studio execs are nervous about one section of the music, where Lou’s voice does a little backsliding. (It’s his style!) They ask Lou to sing the notes straight on. Lou says, “If you want it milquetoast, I’ll give it to you milquetoast.” (singing notes without his swinging inflection.) Lou sings it per their direction, and the song sounds flat and ordinary. Our composer speaks up. “You hired Lou Rawls because you wanted his style. Why not let him do what he does best?” The execs agree and the recorded song is a hit! “Chicago’s Very Own, Channel 9” played for many years. I still have the lead sheet with my lyrics framed over my desk, with Lou’s message, “Lynn, it’s great — hang on in there.” I’ll never forget that day.
“After nourishment, shelter and companionship, stories are the thing we need most in the world.” -Phillip Pullman
Tip #3: To Market Your Stories: Jump into the social media world. Whether you like it or not, the world of social media is the key to building your influence. The masses are not getting their news through newspapers and magazines. (Other than celebrity gossip!)
According to an Adweek study done in 2014, almost 9 in 10 companies across the United States are using social media for their marketing. That figure was predicted to rise from 88% to 89.5% by 2016.
To get started, choose at least two different social media sites to post your news and connect with followers. Be sure to comment, “like” or repost someone else’s messages. There is an 80/20 rule you can follow. (Just like GoRead). Spend 80% of your time recognizing others, and only 20% on talking about yourself.
My story: My goal was BIG! It seemed impossible. To become a best-selling author on Amazon over CyberMonday. But I decided to take action. I enlisted several people to help promote my children’s book, “Dancing With Tex: The Remarkable Friendship To Save The Whooping Cranes” through social media. We connected, shared and engaged with au audience who cared about the environment, children’s literacy and endangered species. Lo and behold, my book DID make it to the best-seller status! Wonder of wonders! Social media works!
BONUS TIP #4: Take action!
What’s the most important thing you can do now?
Build a team of people you can trust, plan a strategy around your stories and take action. There’s a saying, “Plan your work and work your plan.” It’s really true. You’ll get more done with a plan.
Challenges will always happen. But if you’re willing to persevere, I believe you can surmount any obstacle.
Marketing your stories for success takes courage. Step out of your writers cave with faith, belief and perseverance. You CAN do it! Once your stories are written and published, they need to be discovered. The world is waiting for you!.
P.S. I invite you to join our Difference Makers Media community on Facebook and post news about your stories and causes. We’d love to interview you, and bring your stories to life!
by Lynn Sanders | Jun 1, 2018 | DMM Blog
“Each friend represents a world in us, a world possibly not born until they arrive, and it is only by this meeting that a new world is born.” Anais Nin
There’s nothing like having friends.
That feeling of closeness between kindred spirits is simply delightful. That’s why most of us loved the TV series, “Friends.” It was popular because you could sense the underlying, REAL friendship between the characters on the program. Their spirit of having fun together was mesmerizing. We couldn’t wait to watch another episode.
Millions tuned in regularly, because we really cared about Joey, Monica, Ross, Phoebe, Rachel and Chandler. We knew all about them. It didn’t matter if the plot was fictional. The point was – the TV “Friends” were our virtual friends! (Of course, it was a one-sided relationship because the actors didn’t actually talk with us. We just listened to them.)
Now, with the world getting closer through the internet, we have many opportunities to become friends with people through our computer screen. We call them, “virtual friends.”
What does being a virtual friend mean?
Virtual friendship IS a real friendship. It’s friendship with those you’ve never met in person. Google says: “True virtual friends are never in the same physical presence of one another.”
But what happens when your friendship grows so strong that you want to meet in person? I have to admit. It gets even better! There is nothing like a real hug. Virtual friends can still become in-person friends, who you just get to see more often through a computer screen.
Two members of the Go Read community have been virtual friends of mine for a long time: @Roland Takaoka and @Burt Kempner. Both live on opposite sides of the country – California and Florida. Both are talented professionals. And both are people I care very much about.
At this point, I’ve been lucky enough to meet Roland and his wife twice. I hope to meet Burt and his wife at some point in the future. (Yes I do, Burt!)
A short story of my virtual friendship with Roland.
Our Meeting
Roland reached out to me after watching one of my live Google Hangout On Air programs. He liked my show, “The Difference Makers, and we found it easy to talk.
Using a live video format called a “Google chat” (or “Google hangout”), we could see and hear each other, so it was almost like being together in person. I don’t exactly remember when it happened, but Roland volunteered to work with me as a technical “wingman” for my online “Difference Makers” shows.
It’s almost impossible to interview a guest and keep track of the audience’s written comments simultaneously. With Roland helping me, I was able to have an interactive show that ran smoothly. I could have no better friend.
For almost every program, Roland was there. Preparing for thirty minutes before each program. Making sure the sound and lighting was just perfect. Helping my guest feel comfortable. Monitoring comments from our live audience. Soon, my husband Joel got to meet Roland through the computer. Then, we both met Roland’s wife Barbara, and we all quickly became friends.
Highlights of our virtual friendship …
- A caring, giving relationship
- Being trustworthy and kind
- Willing to support each other
When The Opportunity Arose… Guess Who We Visited?
Joel and I wanted to take a quick getaway last year, and we decided to visit California. Can you guess who we saw? Our virtual friends, Roland and Barbara!
What a joyful reunion! We knew each other so well. We couldn’t stop talking. And laughing. And giving each other hugs.
Here we are at The Mission Restaurant in San Diego.
Before we knew it, another year flew by…
Over the past year, our virtual friendship has benefitted from that personal experience. We’ve collaborated in business and supported each other as friends. When Joel and I considered a brief vacation getaway, we decided to see Roland and Barbara again.
On February 4th, 2017, Roland invited me to be a guest on his “Saturday Morning Marketing Smarties” show. For the first time, we were talking from the same room!
The program was focused on, “Virtual Friendships Turning Real.” Roland’s virtual friend, Bill Graham from Belize, volunteered to be the wingman, handling the audience comments. Roland was the host, I was the guest, and we had a wonderful time. How exciting it was to be sitting in chairs side by side.
Here we are before the broadcast…
What can virtual friendships mean for you?
Virtual friendships, like any friendship, must be based on trust. It’s important to have integrity. Keep your word when you make a promise. Stay in touch. Once trust is established, a virtual friendship will reap the same joyful rewards as you’d receive from any good friend.
Vaudeville performer Will Rogers is credited with saying, “A stranger is a friend I haven’t met yet.” Isn’t that a positive way to look at people?
Let’s consider making strangers into new friends. All it takes is a smile. A kind word. A thoughtful action. We all share the same earth, air and water. We’re one humankind. If more people understood that oneness, our world could be a more peaceful place.
I invite you to discover the invisible bonds between us.
Together, we can gain new perspectives as we learn about each other, building relationships from our heart. A virtual friendship can start with the simple words,“What can I do to serve you?”
Let us savor the gift we give ourselves… the gift of friendship that can touch our souls forever!
Lynn Sanders extends a big “Thank You!” to @Ken Dunn for creating GoRead, the fastest-growing community of readers, writers and authors, and @Bill Bergfeld, for taking so much time to explain the technical details behind this marvelous site.
You can get connected with Lynn on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn and Google+. Feel free to subscribe to her free story marketing tips at: https://differencemakersmedia.com.
by Lynn Sanders | Jun 1, 2018 | DMM Blog
It was a day I won’t forget. On Saturday morning, January 21st, 2017, I woke up early and joined 250,000 people in The Women’s March in Chicago. Being a part of that march felt historic, and I’d like to share my experience with you.
You may wonder, why did I participate? I’m not a typical protestor. I haven’t often taken my views to the streets. I shy away from confrontation. Still, I felt compelled to participate. It represented an important way to share my numerous concerns about our new administration.
Despite some anxiety about potential violence, I pushed my worries aside. Here was an opportunity to voice my concerns about protecting women’s rights, healthcare, LGBTQ, immigration, and environmental rights. I’ve been worried that so many basic rights we’ve taken for granted are now in jeopardy. Since I’d be joining members from my synagogue, Congregation Hakafa, I felt more secure. At least I’d have company.
BEFORE THE MARCH
At 7:30 am, I hurriedly made a simple sign, “Rights For All Americans,” and dashed out the door. I drove to our local “L” (“elevated”) station, purchased my tickets and parking token, and made my way to the upper platform. No one could never have anticipated the crowds would swell to such enormous proportions.
After entering the Wilmette train (first stop), I was lucky to get a seat. It would soon be jammed with people, elbow to elbow. I texted my two brothers and sister in different states, and their responses showed me they didn’t understand. “What good will it do?” they texted back. “Be careful,” wrote my sister. They didn’t get it. At one point, someone had a medical emergency, and the train stopped as people started shouting for a doctor. A typical trip to Chicago takes about 45 minutes. On this day, it took almost two hours! But it didn’t matter. We were united by a passion for human rights.
AT THE MARCH
I’ve lived in Chicago my entire life, and I’ve NEVER seen so many people on the street. People snapped photos right and left. Children walked beside their moms and dads. Many wore knitted pink caps with cat ears, nicknamed “pussy hats” – a symbol of the march that poked fun at the derisive remarks made by this new President. After waiting 90 minutes in Grant Park, we finally started moving. Police guards nodded. Helicopters flew overhead. We chanted, waved signs and silently prayed for a more humane world.
To me, it doesn’t matter whether you’re Democrat or Republican. What matters is our government is supposed to be FOR the people, BY the people. The public display of discontent will hopefully make a difference. I don’t know. But at least it’s something positive I can do.
Why I marched…
- To Be Heard. We chanted, “Love not hate – makes America great.”
”Tell me what democracy looks like… THIS is what democracy looks like!”
The march allowed everyone to present a strong message to our government. “Human Rights = Women’s Rights.” We oppose Trump’s nominees for Cabinet, who have their own special interests in mind.
- Social Justice. We all deserve respect, kindness and justice. No matter what anyone’s race, religion, or sexual preference, we all deserve equal rights. To have equal access to voting. To live without walls. To treat immigrants fairly.
- Protect Our Environment. In order to survive, we need clean water, air and land. If our government decides to abandon regulations over pollution controls, the harm to our environment, animals and people could be irreparable.
- Healthcare Access. If we take away our current Obamacare for those with pre-existing conditions, what will happen to millions of people? We all deserve healthcare.
AFTER THE MARCH
No one could have realized ahead of time how many people would show up!
USA Today reported that more than 1 MILLION people joined marches in over 600 sister cities around the country and world. In Washington, DC, an estimated 500,000 people marched. CNBC reports that 300 million women from around the world, including London, Berlin and Tokyo. Even the people in Antarctica marched!
As far as I know, nothing in that proportion has ever happened in our country before! That’s why – no matter whether you’re in favor or marches of not, the significance of this massive protest must be acknowledged.
In the short time since President Trump has taken office, millions of people have already been stripped of their rights. The latest news states: “He plans to gut the Office on Violence against Women. He is going to sign an order to ban refugees and Muslims from entering the country. He is threatening to strip funds from sanctuary cities who welcome immigrants. (And do we need to pay billions to build a wall?)
If we are to keep our liberties as “one nation, under G-d, with liberty and justice for all,” I feel we must – we must — continue to let our voices be heard!
