For those of you new here, every week, usually on Fridays, I wrap up with a list of people, places and events that I am grateful for. I believe in the power of acknowledgment and recognition because I know how it feels to be on the receiving end.
Consistently maintaining an attitude of gratitude has put me in a state of mind where I continue to attract more of what I’m thankful for - it’s the nature of a benevolent universe to do so.
It’s also about celebrating other people’s successes. I believe that if you’re genuinely happy for the success of others, you are communicating to the universe that you believe that the same kind of success is already on its way to you. Contrast that with someone who’s jealous of other people’s good fortune - what kind of a vibe does that send out? (Hint: It’s self defeating).
Ever since i returned from SOBCon08, yours truly has seen an explosion of opportunities, the likes of which I am exceedingly grateful for this week.
Upcoming Interviews
1. A nationally syndicated columnist from USAToday.com and Gannett News Service contacted me this week asking if I’d be interested in being interviewed about my Wall Street experience and how I made the risky but successful transition into inspirational speaking/life coaching. Her weekly columns are seen by 8 million readers! How could I not be thankful for this extraordinary opportunity to be heard by an even wider audience? More details to follow…..
2. A well known inspirational speaker, author and actor invited me to join a long list of renowned authors and transformational leaders (i.e. Dan Millman, mega-bestselling author of “The Peaceful Warrior”) to hold my first-ever teleseminar at the end of this month where I will be interviewed about my work as an inspirational speaker, writer, blogger, pilot and life coach. Never before have I done a teleconference call because up until now, I didn’t have the means to do it.
All of my telephone calls have been through a relay operator who typed back to me what the other party was saying. I had to rely on the their ability keep up with the conversation; but more often than not, they fell behind, seriously hampering the conversation. (Note: For those of you who are visiting for the first time, if you read my “About” page, you’ll know that I’ve been deaf since birth which means I’ve used the relay telephone system in order to communicate on the phone).
I’m grateful to say that I am no longer using the relay system !
Thanks to new technology, I am now using a webcam, connected to my computer, where I see a live operator right on the screen who uses a combination of sign language and lip movements to interpret the other party’s conversation.
I am now playing an even bigger part in the world of communication and participating in teleconference calls and seminars all over the world, significantly enhancing my storehouse of knowledge. Eventually, I will hold my own teleconference calls/seminars; not to mention offering life coaching services over the phone - imagine that - a deaf guy gabbing on the phone, just like everybody else!
Thank you God!
Fans Turning Into Cheerleaders
Chris Garrett wrote a very interesting post, “How to Turn Visitors Into Raving Fans” where he said, “it helps if you are genuine, approachable and friendly.” I’d like to take that one step further and add that if you are the kind of person who has a way of making other people feel good about themselves, they can’t help but become your biggest fans and cheerleaders.
That’s what happened to me this week - at least three times - check this out:
Michael Werner is a very special friend. He hired me last year to give a motivational talk to his employees down in Florida. Not only did he enjoy my presentation, but he also wrote a raving testimonial letter a piece of which was included on my demo tape (see “Hire Me” above to see that tape). Ever since then, we’ve kept in touch mainly through email, exchanging ideas and tips but in no way in high heck did I expect him to write an honest to goodness open letter to Darren Hardy, the publisher of Success Magazine about me. Check it out here. Michael, I cannot thank you enough for your extraordinary kindness!
Chris Brogan is a rock star in the blogging world. I had the good fortune to meet him at SOBCon08 in Chicago a couple weeks ago. Not only did he give a great presentation (he was down to earth, funny and VERY APPROACHABLE) but we also had quite an enjoyable conversation afterwards to the point where we exchanged business cards and vowed to stay in touch. (Photo Credit: Wendy Piersall)
Stay in touch he did!
About a week later, he announced to the Twitterverse that I was his “new favorite blogger” and gave them a link to the Little White Lies We Tell Ourselves post. As a result of this extraordinarily kind gesture, Adversity University experienced a flood of new traffic, instantly turning that article into one of the most highly viewed posts. It was completely unexpected, which made this even more special. I’m grateful he is a new friend, fan and cheerleader. Thanks Chris!
Lorelle VanFossen is another blogging rock star. In fact, her fans call her the “Queen of Wordpress.” You read about her in one of my gratitude posts a week ago. Remember how she whispered to me, “I love you” when I was on my way out after dinner at Wendy Piersall’s house?
Well, she meant that in a “fan, cheerleader” sort of way. She took this to another level by taking a snipped of a comment I made here about SOBCon08 and posted it to an article she wrote for the influential “Blog Herald” online newspaper, giving me even more exposure.
Thank you Lorelle!
First-Ever Testimonial for New Book
Now that the editing for my first-ever book is now completed, I’ve begun to ask around for testimonials to be included inside the jacket cover and/or on the review page(s). They are starting to come in and I’m excited to announce that Azriela Jaffe, a syndicated columnist and author of twelve books, gave me the following testimonial:
In a world stuffed to the brim with hundreds of thousands of self-help, inspirational books, it is refreshing to enjoy Stephen Hopson’s unique sense of humor, his unbridled optimism, and his insight that comes from not just intellectual knowledge, but really living what he teaches every single day. I wonder if there’s every a day that Stephen Hopson isn’t smiling. If there is, I bet you and I would never see it. Reading his book will add a smile to your day, and if you live by his principles, you’ll probably be smiling more than you were before. Azriela Jaffe, author and speaker
Opportunities for Those Interviewed at Adversity University
Here’s my opportunity tell you how grateful I am for another person’s success (or I should say potential success - you’ll understand in a second).
You remember Wendy Piersall from sparkplugging? She gave us a heart-stopping interview last month. If you haven’t seen it, please drop everything you’re doing and go see Part I and Part II. You’ll be inspired by her stories - they’re amazing.
As a result of that interview, a major overseas organization contacted me with the request that I put the two of them together for a possible strategic partnership. It was no ordinary request. The head of that organization is a major best-selling author, speaker and consultant with a mailing list of over 200,000! I am not mentioning the person’s name because I am waiting for permission to do so but Wendy said I could mention her name.
Congratulations Wendy!
Food for thought: Have you been maintaining an attitude of gratitude lately? Do you have good news to share with us in the community? Go ahead and tell us in the comment section - give us the opportunity to celebrate YOUR SUCCESSES. 
If you liked this post and you want to be notified of the next one, subscribe via Email or Full Text RSS Feed. I would love to have you as part of the community!
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9:39 am on May 16th, 2008 1
WOW Stephen!
What an incredible list of happenings, events, developments, accomplishments. I don’t think it’s possible to be anything other than excited and grateful, for you and with you. Hope this is of what you dream.
Best,
Barbara
10:02 am on May 16th, 2008 2
Barbara:
Thanks a lot - yes, it’s what I dream…moving toward the publication of my first-ever book and reaching out to make a difference somehow. Bit by bit it’s happening. Thanks for your support and note of congratulations.
As you can imagine, none of this is overnight stuff - it’s taken almost a decade for this to finally manifest. I left Corporate America in 1996/1997 and this is just now happening.
10:15 am on May 16th, 2008 3
You’ve got a great project here. I’m grateful for the kind words, and so thrilled that your post got some good traffic. Your site deserves LOTS more attention. I wonder who else should be participating and sharing their great successes with you. There’s advice here, and ideas, and motivation.
What’s not to love?
Looking forward to the next time we see you.
10:23 am on May 16th, 2008 4
Chris:
Hey there! I love this series because by the time I’m finished, I feel even more grateful, mindful of what I have, not what I don’t have.
Thanks so much for thinking my site deserves a lot more attention - I also wonder who else should be participating and sharing their successes with me…hmmmmm…..well, let’s put on our thinking caps together and see who else we can get in here to the university.
Meanwhile I look forward to collaborating with you on some sort of project down the road - it will happen. I just know it. Simply a matter of timing and opportunity. It’s coming.
11:08 am on May 16th, 2008 5
That’s wonderful, Stephen!!
May I say an early congratulations, if that’s not a bit premature?
Nita
11:10 am on May 16th, 2008 6
What a great way to end the week - so many fantastic things and people to celebrate!
Mags | Woo-Woo Wisdoms last blog post..The Fifth Dimension Is Love
11:48 am on May 16th, 2008 7
Mags:
Life is good, right? As long as we keep the focus and keep learning. Thanks for being a part of this Mags. I’m grateful you’re part of our community. It’s fun, uplifting and powerful to have you around.
11:49 am on May 16th, 2008 8
Nita:
Well, certainly, it’s never too early to offer anyone a note of congratulations. Thanks Nita!
1:52 pm on May 16th, 2008 9
A big smile and warm congratulations to you on all your positive happenings! You are clearly grateful, because you are GREAT FULL! Great things are happening all the time, there for us to notice, and to fill ourselves up with them. I’ve learned that in the best of times and the worst of times, there is always something to appreciate. Appreciating what the moment brings is a great place to start. Then we can live will fullness and with heart. Difficult or easy. Big events and small. I’ve learned to grateful, to be great full for it all.
Years ago, a fellow that lived here in my town in southern Oregon by the name of Joe Kogel. He wrote a one-man play based on his encounter with a ‘terminal medical condition’ which, ironically, he survived. He called this poignant and humorous exposition ‘Life or Depth.’ And in it, he speculated that all the great moments get together at conventions somewhere in space/time, and talk about where they’ve been, and who let them in. And these become referrals to the other great moments who then make sure to take a moment to pay a visit to those with open minds, open hearts, open doors and open arms. So taking a lesson from Joe, I treat each moment like it is at least potentially a great one. Because, hey, I want the referrals!
I have plenty of good news to share. But you know, I’ll not do it here, I’ll do it elsewhere. Because more importantly, I just want to share in your good news at the moment! So again, congratulations Stephen! And great blog. Change is inevitable. Progress is not. You clearly understand that it is YOU who makes the difference!
best wishes,
Rick
1:59 pm on May 16th, 2008 10
Rick:
What a most generous statement from someone who is commenting for the first time at Adversity University! Welcome Rick (Dr. K)! It’s great to have you here.
That man, Joe, certainly left behind a lesson about those moments, often fleeting, that come and go. It’s up to us to capture them as we move forward. Isn’t that why they say “Stop and smell the roses?”
8:18 am on May 17th, 2008 11
Stephen,
What an incredible time you’re having and it could not be happening to a better person. You are reaping a harvest of all the good seeds you have planted day in and day out for all of those years. This is just the beginning…a sampling of all the wonderful things that are headed your way. Life could not help but clear the pathway for a beautiful spirit like you with your message of courage, inspiration, and hope.
It’s happening…you’re becoming a household name! You’re an instrument of God bearing great tidings for all and you’ve built a wonderful community of people who feel connected in a special way. Make way for millions!!!!
Bravo!
Sharmaine
8:48 am on May 17th, 2008 12
Sharmaine:
I am feeling your powerful energy - thank you for sending it my way and for continuing to believe in where I am heading.
There is a wonderful book I’m reading called “Step Into the Spotlight” and there was one thing (actually many but for purposes of this discussion, this will suffice) that jumped out at me. It was very simple yet powerful.
The author posed the question: “Are you ready?”
I immediately thought about all the things that have been put in place over the years and culminating in the finished demo video that’s now on the website and this blog along with hard copies of the DVD. I have a press kit ready to go out to those who ask for it. It took forever for those things to be created but they are now in place.
There’s a saying that I’m fond of repeating and it goes along something like “When the opportunity comes, you better be ready.”
So the question is: “Are you ready?” That’s the million dollar question. I think about it all the time. Hopefully I am.
And hopefully you and hundreds of other subscribers are ready too because we’re all in on this together. We are all on a journey towards whatever we came here to do and the key is to prepare ourselves for it.
My question to visitors and readers: ARE YOU READY?
11:18 am on May 17th, 2008 13
I love seeing all this unfolding for you, what an incredible journey this blog is going on as a result!
1:47 pm on May 17th, 2008 14
Karen, thanks a lot. I’m glad we got to meet this year. It gave us an opportunity to get acquainted at just the right time.
This blog has definitely been on an interesting journey for sure. It’ll be interesting to see where we go next. I’m continually growing, learning and expanding.
1:55 pm on May 17th, 2008 15
Stephen, all of these great opportunities are happening to you because you have opened yourself up to them by believing that they can happen. You deserve everything good that is coming your way, not because of what you have done but because of who you are. Thanks for taking all of us along on your journey. Yes, I am ready for whatever wonderful things and people that life brings into my world. You are one of those wonderful, inspiring, caring people.
Patricia - Spiritual Journey Of A Lightworkers last blog post..Tag—You’re It—Another Meme
2:16 pm on May 17th, 2008 16
Patricia:
Bless you for coming on this journey with me. I continue to be amazed, grateful and humbled by the kind of subscribers and readers who arrive here by law of attraction.
I’ve received nothing but great compliments and support, which gives me strength to keep going whenever I let a moment of doubt linger inside my head.
I appreciate how you are enjoying the virtual trip alongside me. There will be a lot more coming so hang on!
3:45 pm on May 17th, 2008 17
Just in case you haven’t noticed, every one of these so called “lucky” happenings is a result of your talent for communication.
For more clarity, Stephen’s readers, take a look at my guest post on http://www.divinepurposeunleashed.com instead of your CommentLuv.
Stephen and I had a great interaction back and forth in the commnet section!
9:34 am on May 18th, 2008 18
Hi Stephen,
ARE YOU READY? …“We are all on a journey towards whatever we came here to do and the key is to prepare ourselves for it.”
It’s great that you are benefiting from ‘being ready’!
Joan
Joan Reinbolds last blog post..Laughter Yoga
3:35 pm on May 18th, 2008 19
Hello there Joan:
Yes, I am ready - at least I think I am. What about yourself?
3:17 pm on May 19th, 2008 20
Hello Stephen,
That is really really great. I’m piqued with curiosity to your seminars you will be holding. I’ve been trying to plan or organize an online conference. I’d love to talk to you more about this - brainstorm and all.
You’ve got some really really great Cheerleaders! I’m glad you are having some great success.
10:31 pm on May 19th, 2008 21
Stephen,
I believe in my success, and therefore I think I’m ready for it!
(A variation of Descartes, lol)
Joan Reinbolds last blog post..Laughter Yoga
6:47 am on May 20th, 2008 22
Joan:
You go girl! That’s the attitude.