"This is NOt the Life I Ordered" is a great inspirational book
http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_ss_gw/104-4675443-9415958?initialSearch=1&url=search-alias%3Daps&field-keywords=this+is+not+the+life+i+ordered&Go.x=15&Go.y=10

When I was attending the AeA/Stanford Executive Institute, they co-organised with the ATW (Association of Women in Technology) a "TechWomen in Leadership Brunch". The speakers at this brunch were Senator Jackie Speier and Jan Yanehiro, co-authors of the book mentioned above.

Words cannot describe what I felt after that very inspiring talk. I was blown away! What these women had been through and what a Joie de vivre they have is incredible! So many words of inspiration and I will try to share with you some that resonated with me.

Senator Spier shared how she lived by these quotations as she goes through all those trying moments in her life (and trust me she has many) " Each of us is called to do something. If we won't do it, it won't get done". "When you let your own light shine, our presence automatically liberates others"

Jan Yanehiro, reminded us to ban the naysayers in our lives and listen to our inner voice. She shared many quotes with us e.g.
"Life is not measured by milestones, but by moments"...Rose Kennedy
"If you want to see the rainbow, you have to put up with the rain"...Dolly Parton
"Success is never final and failure is never fatal"...Dolly Parton

Both of them reminded us to surround ourselves with supportive friends, and to have "kitchen table" groups. These are the friends who will be there in your good times and bad.

They ended the talk by distributing chocolates, and quoted quote no.50 in the book
"Life should not be a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in an attractive and well preserved body, rather to skid sideways, chocolate in one hand, Martini in the other, body thoroughly used up, totally worn out, and screaming "Woo-hoo...what a ride"

Sorry you missed this talk, well you can catch the next one at the Good Samaritan Hospital Auditorium, Saturday, September 22nd, 10-11am.