The Friday That Changed My Life

Friday was another great day here in San Francisco. The day started a bit gray, but soon the early morning fog burned off and it turned into a beautiful day. I still had the morning to be a tourist, so I spent some time in Union Square and then headed back down to the pier. There is so much to see down there, it was nice to just walk around a bit and enjoy the sun. I will admit that after a few days of walking with the cast, it was getting a bit more tiring.  The boot itself is comfortable, just fairly heavy (compared to a shoe).

This is such a cute statue of sea lions, right outside of the aquarium. For some reason, I chose not to visit the aquarium – I figured I would be spending the next few days inside so I might as well enjoy the sun. I wandered for a while and started to head towards Ghirardelli square.  As I got closer, I noticed an art gallery, The Martin Lawrence Galleries.  I snuck in to take a peek and was amazed. Shahala, the fine art consultant, told me all about the different artists they had on display – including Miro, Picasso, Dali and Erté.  I loved it! What an amazing gallery and such a great find.  After my visit, I was looking for a place for lunch, when I got a text from my business partner Julie, who invited me to join them back uptown.  San Francisco’s transportation system is so amazing, I found a bus stop and less than 1 min later a bus appeared. I paid $2 and believe it or not, this bus was going exactly where I needed to go.  I got across town in 22 min.  I am so impressed with the transportation here.  I could definitely live here.  It is such a wonderful city.  I may not leave my heart here, but certainly a part of it will stay.

Friday evening was the first night of our event, Go Diamond. For those of you who have read my about page, you’ll know that I have been in networking marketing for over 4 years, and with Agel Enterprises for almost a year. Over that period of time, I have attended close to a dozen large events and conventions all over Canada and the US.  Friday night was like nothing I have ever experienced before.  First, it was wonderful to connect with friends from all over the world including Australia, Ireland, Nigeria, Finland, Holland, Mexico, Panama and other parts of the US and Canada (among others).  I really love meeting and connecting with people globally.

What really touched me and changed my life were the stories that were shared by the most successful people in Agel. It is very difficult for me to put into words what went on that evening, but there were moments when I had tears in my eyes and other moments when I had chills. My business partners, Julie Mirr and Tim Berry, both told their stories – not just about business – but about their lives, where they came from, some of the challenges they faced and what their lives are now. It was so intimate and personal, I felt their emotion from the stage.  For me, the most powerful stories were shared by our two leaders, Eric Worre and Randy Gage.  I have heard them speak before, many times.  I have even heard Randy tell his story before (I have his generic audio program and his book, Why You’re Dumb, Sick and Broke).  Something was different about it tonight. Eric’s story, which was very heartbreaking at some moments, really shared with us what he went through in order to get where his is today – and why, after all of the setbacks and defeats, he chose to give it one more go with Agel. For both Eric and Randy, this is their last rodeo.  There are here to build a legacy. And Randy, as I said, I’ve heard him share his story before, yet this time we laughed more and even shared a few tears. My heart is full right now just thinking about it.

Many of you know about some of the ups and downs that I have been through this year. I realize it now (even more so) that this is just part of the journey.  And that it really is worth it.  That I have the chance to be truly free, that Dan and I can be parents to our children, and raise them ourselves (instead of paying others to do so).  I am proud to be a part of Agel and to work with such amazing people. There is a real sense of being a part of something amazing right now and I am so excited to see what 2010 has in store for us. Big things are happening this year, Agel’s 5th anniversary is around the corner and the electricity in the air is almost palpable.

San Francisco II

Here is the full album from Friday, just over a dozen photos. Tomorrow I will share my thoughts and ah-ha moments from the rest of the weekend.

Happy Family Day in Ontario!