Time to Shine Your Light! - Your Writing Mentor

Have you ever had the experience where something was not right with a situation, but you just couldn’t put your finger on what exactly was wrong?

I remember a time where I was driving home after an evening networking meeting. My mind was filled with conversations I’d had, the plans I’d made to follow-up with new colleagues, and the points the speaker had made in her talk. I knew the road home very well, but I had a nagging feeling something was wrong.

Maybe I had a burnt-out headlight? Shouldn’t I have a warning on my dash somewhere? This car tells me if I need to change the oil, or if I don’t have my seatbelt fastened, and if a door is ajar; certainly, it should tell me if I have a burned-out headlight. Nothing is lit up.

As I pulled into my garage, I realized what “something” was wrong. I was shocked to discover that I’d driven home at 9 p.m. without having my headlights ON.

Earlier in the week, I took my car in for an oil change and ended up having some other maintenance performed. Somewhere during the course of that maintenance, they must have changed my settings for my headlights from AUTO to OFF. It never occurred to me to switch on my headlights when I got into the car because I had chosen the AUTO setting when I took possession of the car and never thought about it again. I expected the lights to automatically come on when I was driving my car and needed lights.

Now that I’ve had a little time to think about it, I’m aware of the other areas in my life where I’ve gotten used to the automatic choices I’ve made. Areas where I’ve stopped paying attention and took for granted.

I managed to find my way home that night because of lights on other vehicles and along the roadway. What if I hadn’t known what to expect along the route I took home? How much more difficult it would have been for me to feel my way in the dark.

Consider how challenging it is to find our way in life when we do not shine our light out into the world. Yes, I realize that it is comfortable and less scary staying in the shadows and doing things on Auto-Pilot. What if you shining your light, sharing your gifts, unleashing your story…you being ON…is exactly what someone else is looking for? They have had so many lights turned OFF and now are counting on your light to help them find their way.

Something that has helped me step out of my comfort zone is to be part of a community that fosters and encourages members to shine their light out into the world. No, not just another women’s group. Yes, it is a “women’s group.” Yes, it is a powerful and supportive community of female leaders. Not just another networking group, this is a connection company on a mission to foster personal relationships ahead of any other professional agenda.

When gatherings were suspended recently and stay at home, orders were put in place, in-person networking became impossible. Which meant not only that we couldn’t see family and friends, many of us couldn’t do business because we weren’t out there meeting new people and share our expertise. We lost the in-person opportunities to facilitate the KNOW, LIKE, and TRUST factor in our business.

I’m so grateful I didn’t have to go in search of a community when everything was closing down this past year. Yes, our method of connecting has been redefined. But the level of inclusion and deep commitment to belonging remains intact.

I belong to Polka Dot Powerhouse Connection Company. I have been for over four years when I stumbled upon it, registering for another networking event. I’ve grown in so many ways since jumping into membership at my first meeting. I’ve had the pleasure of meeting many, many amazing women, developed lasting friendships, and been able to hone my skills as a speaker and writing mentor.

When other venues were not available to gather (spiritually, personally, and professionally), I still had a strong foundation to lean into for support. At the same time, we figured out what to do next not only as individuals but also as a group of friends, colleagues, business associates, and compassionate Dot Sisters.

Polka Dot Powerhouse welcomes the participation of women of all ages, races, abilities, backgrounds, religions, and sexual orientations. We seek and value a diverse and inclusive membership, and all women are encouraged to join.

Membership is open to women in both professional and traditional roles, and you do not need to own a business to join.

Many of the meetings are being held virtually right now, so members can register to attend ANY chapter meeting, at ANY location worldwide, at no additional cost.

Act NOW! Here’s your chance to build new relationships and opportunities to shine your light, even in the face of this new pandemic world we are living in. This may be the ticket to help you pivot your business so that you can easily meet new people!