Hi Everyone ~

"Ultimate Possibilities for Women 2" Seminar was a big success. Thank you to all the participants who attended.

My next public events will be in the fall. They will be in the Vancouver area. Stay tuned for dates and locations.

Have a great week!

I love helping you "step out of the ordinary."

Barb Langlois

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Article ~

"The only limitations we have are those we create ourselves."
~ Unknown

What's Your Excuse?

by Barb Langlois

Do you find excuses can become a way of life, if we let them? I sure do. I have to consciously patrol my excuses but I still, sometimes, find myself making excuses. For example, I may say to myself “I’m feeling kind of tired so I’ll work on my new workshop tomorrow,” or “the kids weren’t very well behaved this morning and I’m frustrated so I’m not in the mood to write” (as if they’re responsible for my moods!), or “I’ve never done ____ before and I’m not sure what to do, so I’ll wait” (still not sure what I’m waiting for but I’m waiting). Excuses are usually a cover up for something that runs a little deeper in each and every one of us. They serve as a protective barrier and keep us from doing certain things or taking certain risks.

I don’t watch much television but the other night, I was fortunate enough to have my son tell me Dr. Wayne Dyer had a tv special on PBS, based on his latest book “Excuses Begone.” On this show, if any of you saw it you’ll know what I’m about to describe next, Dr. Dyer introduced a young man by the name of Dan Caro. Dan Caro is a man who was born in 1979 and one morning when he was 2 1/2 years old, his mom was getting ready to mow the lawn. She poured the gasoline into the lawn mower and then moved the gas can back into the garage. A little later on, Dan was looking for a toy and went into the garage. For some unknown reason, gas had leaked out and nearby a pilot light was burning. Within seconds, a huge explosion occurred with a flash fire and little Dan’s life was changed, forever. He received 3rd degree burns to over 70% of his body. As health professionals, you know that is not very compatible with life, however since I’m writing this article you’ve probably already concluded, Dan survived. You’re right, he did. Through some incredibly strong inner desire, little Dan decided to live. By the time he turned 12, he had returned to the OR over 80 times for skin grafting and reconstructive surgeries.

On the TV program, Dr. Dyer introduced Dan and then Dan took the stage. Now this is a man who could choose to use many excuses in his life: his face has been reconstructed, he has a nodule for an ear and both hands are now stumps, but Dan is not a man of excuses. He is a pure delight to listen to. He said “I always knew I looked different than everyone else, but I didn’t want to be treated differently. I just had to work harder than everyone else. When I was 5 years old and in kindergarten, everyone was learning how to tie their shoes. I had many surgeries on my arms and I didn’t have very good control of my arms. I don’t have hands or fingers but the doctors reconstructed a pincher on my right hand to serve as a thumb. I didn’t have the strength or ability to pull my laces, but I kept trying.” No excuses just determination.

“One day when I was 12, we were getting ready for P.E. and I felt this divine inspiration within me. It was an incredible feeling. I bent down to tie my shoes and for the first time in my life, I had the strength and ability to TIE MY SHOES, BY MYSELF!” Five years to learn to tie his shoes! Can you believe it? Dan then said, “I consider learning to tie my shoes, the greatest accomplishment of my life!” What’s your greatest accomplishment?

This man’s story does not end with him learning to tie his shoes, it just begins. Music was always a big part of Dan’s life and even before he was burned, music was in his soul. Now though, with no hands or fingers what could Dan really do in music? Answer: play the drums. And that he does – unbelievably well. He is now a very well known drummer, playing with some very well known New Orleans jazz bands. When he plays, you can see and feel his passion. It’s quite something to witness on TV, I can’t imagine in person.

Excuses can become a way of life, or not. I try very hard to keep my excuses in check but I must admit they come floating out, every once in a while. What about you – have excuses become a good reliable friend? No-one deserves to use excuses more than Dan Caro and he sees that statement as funny. He said he sees his burn as the greatest gift in his life because now he can inspire others and has so many opportunities. I have to say, I totally admire the man. He followed his passion and is living his dream. No Excuses. Can you say the same thing?

Check out www.DanCaro.com and watch the 11-minute video clip on Dan’s life. Your excuses will begone!

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