By the way, do you realize today is 8/8/08? Hmm..wonder what that could mean?
Anyway, I have a new idea for this week’s gratitude post. This time what I want to do is focus on you. I started blogging in 2006 for a handful of reasons, which I will go into in a moment.
Granted, I have no idea if all of you read my blog posts every time a new one comes out. But one thing I do know is that there are just over 500 of you who subscribe to Adversity University for one reason or another.
I could hypothesize and continue to do what I’m doing. But I realized that would be like trying to grope my way through the dark, hoping I’m doing something right. Instead, why not ask the community?
So after I tell you why I blog, will you tell me how and why you are among my subscribers? You know, I’ll scratch your back, and you scratch mine. Deal?
Rules of Engagement: While I ask that you play nice, I also ask that you just tell me honestly what draws/drew you here, not to stroke my ego for I don’t need nor want that. I just want to know what I’m doing right. I also would like to know how I can improve so that you are more likely to spread the word about Adversity University. Once the word of mouth machinery starts, there’s no stopping it!
As I promised, here are 5 main reasons why I continue to blog two years after I started:
1. I love to write, especially when the inspiration hits me and I end up telling you a story about something that happened to me and what I learned from it. It’s becomes a healing exercise for me. I walk away with a tremendous sense of inner peace and well being after writing a good story/article. Picture Rocky on top of the stairs with both arms outstretched after a good workout – that’s how I feel. (Photo credit: radiospike photography)
2. You wouldn’t believe some of unsolicited comments I’ve received from people. They invariably tell me how much they were uplifted and inspired by my stories/posts. Just when I think maybe my work isn’t making much of an impact, I always seem to get a timely message from someone in some far flung place reminding me that I do make a difference in his/her life and to keep it up. This inspires me to stay the course, even when I sometimes don’t feel like it.
3. It’s a way for me to demonstrate my expertise in dealing with and overcoming adversity, which can lead to professional speaking engagements and life coaching clients. In a way, it’s a soft-selling platform where nothing is yet outrightly for sale but a seed is constantly planted in each of your minds about what I do professionally. Once I get my book published and create DVDs and other products, I will open an online store, which will then transform this blog from a non-monetizing site to one that is.
4. It gives me satisfaction that I can write something and have it published instantly without a nosy editor hovering over my shoulders and telling me what I can or cannot do – it’s a form of freedom, allowing me to express myself without boundaries.
5. And finally, it’s a great way to make new friends, develop business connections and help me do what God brought me here to do: spread the light and give hope/inspiration.
Okay, those are 5 main reasons why I blog. Now it’s your turn. If you are reading this post via RSS or email subscription, simply click on the hyperlink of the title of this post and scroll to the bottom to enter your comments:
- What made you subscribe? Are you a personal friend of mine or did you sign up because the site looked appealing? Was it a story that inspired you? If so, can you remember which one it was? Did you hear me at a speaking engagement? Or are you thinking of hiring me as a speaker/life coach but “wanted to check me out for a bit?” Is it because you perceive I offer something of value? Or are you just curious about what I’ve been up to lately? Is it because you see 500 subscribers and automatically think I must know what I’m talking about? Or did you find me on Twitter, Facebook, in a newspaper article or on TV/YouTube video? What was it? Only you know the answer.
- If you’ve been a subscriber since I began this blog, what made you stick around?
- What would you like to see more of? Less of?
- If you rarely or never left a comment, how come? Is it because you’re shy? Or is it because I have written everything there is to talk about, leaving you no room to say anything? Or are you a lurker with no sense of connection yet? Is it because you think you don’t have anything of value to add? Or perhaps it’s because you’re not aware of how to leave a comment (since you’re receiving RSS and/or email subscriptions)?
Did you know that you don’t even need to have a website or blog in order to leave a comment? You can leave the URL box blank if you don’t have a website to promote! Go ahead, tell me. It’s okay. It’ll be a great learning experience for me, I’m sure! Don’t be shy!
Food for thought: I am GRATEFUL that I have YOU as part of the Adversity University community. Without you, I’d not want to blog anymore!
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!
Welcome! You've arrived to a newly renamed blog (formerly called Adversity University) specializing in personal development for spiritual beings having a human experience. To see a speaking demo tape and other information, please click 
1:58 pm on August 8th, 2008 1
I think I enjoy most the posts where I learn something about you specifically as it relates the theme of the blog. I completely got into learning about you and the Instrument Rating. I mean, how cool is that? Bloggers that speak from their own experiences are the ones that appeal to me most.
2:38 pm on August 8th, 2008 2
@ Tom Stine | Spiritual Life Coach:
Thanks Tom for sharing your personal thoughts with me. It’s a huge help knowing what’s on your mind since you have been a strong part of this community.
It’s interesting that you say you come here specifically because you learn about me and my experiences. There are so-called blogging experts out there that say “it’s not about you but about them.” I guess I would agree with that statement if the blogs they were talking about were productivity and/or make-money-from-blogging kind of stuff. You know what I mean?
But still, I love it when bloggers share a bit about themselves because for one thing, it personalizes the writer(s) – makes them seem human like everybody else. I tend to ditch sites that produce strictly “bullet-style, quickie” formats because I don’t usually learn anything about the writer.
I tend to be drawn into well written stories because they grab my heart and inspire me. Bullet style material almost never inspire me because they are usually regurgitation of what we already know. That’s why I tend to incorporate the art of storytelling in my work here.
Tom, I really appreciate your feedback. I look forward to hearing from others in the Adversity University community.
2:40 pm on August 8th, 2008 3
Hiya Hoppy!
I experienced deja’ vu when I first received your flyer upon attending your seminar at a deaf/hoh conference last year. Since then, I have read your blog posts quite daily
Oh, how about adding one more question about you: What are the additional random 8 interesting facts about you?
Btw, I noticed you put up the picture of Tiramisu quite often in many of your gratitude posts. Have you finally pushed your foot forward into a store/restaurant to sample a taste yet?? I recall you mentioning you’ve never had it.
Nita
2:54 pm on August 8th, 2008 4
@ Nita:
Oh my good friend, you made me smile with this one. I guess I have this unconscious desire to taste a sampling of Tiramisu because darn it, it looks delicious! I don’t even know where to look for one.
Oh, so you want me to write 8 additional random things about me? Well, when Karen interviewed me earlier this week, I did add a few extra things that people didn’t know about me (i.e. dislike for heights even though I am a pilot). You want more? My goodness! LOL.
Thanks for your very cool feedback. So for you it began with receiving a flyer about me coming to speak at a conference. I guess what you’re trying to say is you felt a sense of spiritual connection with me and you’ve been with me ever since. That’s great!
You, too, have been around for a LONG time! Thanks for sticking with me. I love it when you comment because you bring humor and light to whatever discussion that might be taking place at Adversity University.
By the way how is it that you and Tom Stine respond to my posts so quickly? I just put this one up a few hours ago. Email subscribers aren’t getting this in their inboxes until tomorrow morning!
3:44 pm on August 8th, 2008 5
Hi Stephen,
Just some info for you.
In feng shui, eight is the number of prosperity. It is in part the reason the Chinese selected this date to start the Olympics. Prosperity not necesarily only monetary in most feng shui traditions.
Doreen Virtue’s Angel Numbers say this about 888. Her stance is when you see a sequence of numbers that somehow feels significant or repetitious, it is an angelic message to you.
“The Universe is abundant and generous, and you’ve learned how to step into the ever-present flow. Great financial prosperity is yours, now and in the future.”
Lastly, any good Italian restaurant or bakery should have tiramisu. It’s actually not hard to make, has relatively few ingredients, that is if you are adventurous or want to share it with frieds or family. It is a dessert that is quite rich, and totally addictive.
5:11 pm on August 8th, 2008 6
Costco definitely has a box of Tiramisu. However, if you want to just taste it, I would recommend an Italian restaurant. You can simply google in your area and see if they have an on-line menu and then make a bee-line over there! Lemme know if you like it or not. Some places tend to put coffee and others, rum. It depends.
6:30 pm on August 8th, 2008 7
@ Barbara:
Barbara:
I love your analysis of what the triple numbers may mean. I find it rather fascinating. Thanks for enlightening us on this.
There’s an Italian resturant just down the road from where I live – I bet they have Tiramisu.
Thanks for being a visible and active participant at Adversity University. Have a great weekend Barbara.
6:32 pm on August 8th, 2008 8
@ Nita:
I used to belong to Costco when I was in Michigan. I now have a membership at Sam’s Club – I wonder if they have any there? I never thought to look to see if they have any. Thanks for the heads up.
Barbara just mentioned that Italian resturants usually have Tiramisu. The next time I go to one, I’ll be on the lookout.
8:37 pm on August 8th, 2008 9
Just started reading your blog about 3 days ago. I found you either through a guest post or a reference to you on another blog.
I read a couple of your ‘other posts you might like’ and they drew me in. Fifth grade (I love teachers), confessions, fear and 4K, and the power of viz. Since gratitude is my word for 2008(I don’t make resolutions, I pick words), how could I not read your blog.
I think I read a dozen posts before I realized you are deaf. Go Stephen!
I don’t post because, hmm, I guess I hadn’t felt connected yet, maybe a little shy, and busy absorbing.
I guess I’d like to see more on motivational speaking, power of viz, and gratitude.
Keep up the good work. You got me hooked.
8:47 pm on August 8th, 2008 10
@ Debbie:
Hi Debbie!
How sweet it is to hear from a relative newcomer. Welcome! Wow, you didn’t know I was deaf? How cool is that? Well, thank you Debbie for telling me how you found me and what drew you in. It’s very helpful information – sounds like I need to continue to stay on this path with my stories and so forth.
I understand why you might not have posted a comment – that’s okay. I’ve been a “lurker” myself before finally committing to writing a comment or two.
I will keep your suggestions on what you’d like to see more of. In fact, I was actually contemplating a series of videos on the power of visualization but that was before I went through a handful of video camcorders, not finding what I wanted and returning all of them back to the store.
I’m so glad you found Adversity University to be a compelling place to be!
9:46 pm on August 8th, 2008 11
Well, Stephen –
You evidently never heard the slogan, “If it ain’t broke don’t fix it.”
I think that one of your stongest points is that you go out of your way to promote other bloggers.
We don’t forget that. That makes you part of our family.
- and everywhere I go on the web, I see you have taken the time to make a really important comment on so many articles.
.
- It’s lonely out here if no one seems to be reading your words. You make us feel like we have company
- And the fact that you are an inspiration to us. We read what you are doing and you are fearlessly forging ahead – and yet you do this in spite of the fact you were born with a grave disability.
Never gets in your way. You find a way around it.
You give us courage and force us to look at ourselves and say, “Hey! What are you whining about?”
So, my only advice is to not push the envelope. You have lots of time and it is rewarding you for being authentic.
Just carry on with carrying on.
11:41 pm on August 8th, 2008 12
Well, Stephen, I haven’t been a subscriber from the beginning, and I don’t even remember how I found you. However, when I did for the first time, I was struck by who you were, what you offered, and the way your wrote and presented yourself. It was a mix of things that drew me in–not one thing. I also remember seeing one of your videos when I first came here, which I was impressed with.
However, after I started actually participating on the site via comments, you came and commented on my site, which I was totally impressed with. To me, you’re a big-time blogger, so it was like a celebrity visiting my house. It was great. Now, I know you were probably just commenting so that I would then comment on your site–that seems to be how it goes . . . and so the blogosphere goes around.
Anyway, even though you stopped commenting, I’m still loyal, and find your site occasionally inspiring. Sometimes, well, it suffers from a lack of new, original content, but it’s not like all you do is blog. You could talk more about speaking, life coaching, etc.
6:53 am on August 9th, 2008 13
@ Corinne Edwards:
“If it ain’t broken, don’t fix it.”
Hmmm…..sounds familiar.
Well, I never forgot it when people like Phil Gerbyshak of Make It Great! went out of HIS way to promote newbie bloggers like me when I was first starting out. My gratitude for that was so huge that I made a mental note to follow his example. There are bloggers who never link out and I don’t know how they get away with it but that’s not me.
Commenting on other blogs is one way I keep in touch with others even though I can’t always comment every time – there’s only so much time in my day to do this but at least I make an attempt to show my gratitude to them and let them know how important their work is.
Yes, I will “just carry on with carrying on.” That reminds me of a phrase uttered by a good friend from NYC who used to say “Just keep on keeping on.” True.
7:15 am on August 9th, 2008 14
@ Ryan:
It’s good “hear” your voice again. Most people, myself included, don’t always remember how we found one another in the blogosphere but every once in a while I do.
Which video was it that you saw when you first came here? Was it the one on the “About” page? If so, that’s my demo tape that I now use to show potential speaking clients what I can do for their organizations.
I didn’t know I was being perceived as a celebrity of sorts – thank you for the compliments – from a cosmic point of view, I am just a messenger doing God’s work. Whether you realize it or not, so are you. You write well and I see you have a new layout in development – much more aesthetically pleasing than the original one, in my opinion. Let me know when it’s fully functional.
I appreciate your honesty about the need for new, original content. What’s interesting is that there’s absolutely nothing in the world that’s “new” – it’s all how it’s presented. In other words, we have different ways of presenting the same information.
My goal has been to make my work original by simply sharing my own stories because no one else has experienced them, technically making it “new and original” like the incident with the “James Bond Lady” and the “Fifth Grade Teacher Who Said Three Words.” While the lessons might sound familiar (i.e. accept yourself, reach out and make a difference to others with your words, etc), the stories are from my repertoire of life experiences. Same with you, Ryan.
Did you know that the most common reason people stop themselves from writing a book or starting a blog because of the fear that what they have to say isn’t original enough? For years I struggled with the same fear – yes Ryan, me.
But the moment I realized that my personal experiences are one of a kind, I began to open up a bit more with less fear. It is one reason why I’ve managed to write an entire manuscript for my first book (which took 7 years) and why I’ve been blogging for the last two.
Thank you very much for caring enough to share your thoughts. I will take your suggestions and take into consideration the idea of talking more about speaking and life coaching. What exactly do you want to know about speaking and life coaching?
And finally, I’ll definitely keep in mind fresh and original content. Have a great weekend!
9:01 am on August 9th, 2008 15
Stephen, after reading your reply, it struck me again which posts on your site were the most motivating for me. The posts where you talk about personal struggles and share experiences from your life are the ones that I still remember. Like when your teacher (was it the fourth grade one?) boldly validated you, or the one about you just starting out with trying to earn your pilots license, or the hilarious one about your tongue swelling from the “mouth wash.” Those are timeless. I’m guessing your book will be chalk full of these and more, and maybe you don’t want to spoil the reader, but stories like these are inspiring and stick with a person for a long time.
I don’t remember which video it was that I first saw. Probably your demo one. I remember it was the first time I realized you were deaf (I think because you said it in the video), and I had a connection there because I had a roommate in college who was deaf, and any sign language I know I owe to him. Anyway, once I learned you were deaf, I was like, holy cow, this guy has accomplished more than I ever hope to, and he has more standing in his way (or so I perceive) than I do! I better get moving!
About speaking and life coaching: It would be nice to, again, hear more stories, but to also get a more personal life coaching lessons, as it were, via blog posts or videos. If that makes sense…. You’re right though; nothing is “new” except your own unique experiences.
9:53 am on August 9th, 2008 16
Stephen,
I can’t recall the exact site that led me to you, perhaps Wings of the Heart. It was a night when I was just following wherever the words led me and I landed on your site. I think I read half of the content that night and sent a personal note to you about how inspired I was.
I’ve been following you for about a year and my comments echo much of what has already been said. You have a warm and wonderful spirit that comes through in your writing. The way you live your life, totally engaged and reaching for new heights, how you have gone on to do everything you wanted to do, despite the fact that you are deaf. You are living life full throttle and see only opportunities. It’s so refreshing and inspiring to see you in action and hear of your journey. It made me “step up my own game.” I love your stories and how you share your experiences and shine the spotlight on others as well.
And you’ve created a wonderful community here. I feel at “home” when I’m reading the blog and when I read the comments I feel as if I know those people. Its a way of being connected and feeling connected. You help people feel good about life, about themselves and give us a boost each day you send out your encouraging words.
You are definitely following your “calling” and you do it so well. And you are geniune and authentic and it comes through what you are writing. You’re a true inspiration and have a gift to write. Thank you for sharing and for living your life boldly. It inspires the same in us.
Sharmaine
10:14 am on August 9th, 2008 17
@ Ryan:
Actually it was my fifth grade teacher –
Her name was Mrs. Jordan. She sure was bold in validating me, wasn’t she? I never forgot it. Now I pay it forward by using the power of words. Amazing how words can be used for good or bad!
Oh yes, the swelling of the mouth from the mouthwash, just before the speech. Good Lord! I never knew you liked that one. Thanks for telling me.
Yes, all of these stories will go into my first book: Obstacle Illlusions: A Journey of Epic Proportions. I’m pretty excited. A publisher will manifest soon. And it will be one that embodies integrity and fair mindedness.
Thanks for the additional tips about what you meant about “life coaching/speaking” posts/videos. I have made a note of those recommendations. You rock my brother! We have more in common then we both realized, just from this exchange back and forth. How cool is that?
10:21 am on August 9th, 2008 18
@ Sharmaine:
I love stories about how we are “mysteriously led” to a particular destination, not knowing how it all happened but being grateful for it all the same. The universe has never failed to awe me in how it connects people in a seemingly random fashion but in reality, it’s all in right divine order. Like you and me for instance.
We are kindred souls, aren’t we? It was no accident you came into my life at the moment you did. You’ve given me courage to go on in my darkest hours of blogging. You’ve lifted me up more times than I’ve lifted myself up with the power of your words and thoughts. Thanks.
Yes, I see many opportunities. I see the good in others and that’s why I want to one day create a foundation promoting peace. There’s even good in so-called “evil people.” We just need to be compassionate and help them bring it out. Once that happens, life is never the same for the giver and receiver.
I’m glad my journey has helped you step up your own game.
I “get you” when you talk about the community here. I continue to be astounded at the quality of visitors, commentators and subscribers here. With the exception of the backlash I got from a small group of pilots about the flight that almost killed me, I’ve almost never received negative, viscous, stab-in-the-back attacks. The Law of Attraction is definitely at work here.
Thanks for your input as well. I am looking forward to airing our interview next week when your site is up and running for others to check out.
10:54 am on August 9th, 2008 19
Stephen,
I discovered your blog through our shared family of bloggers, in particular Patricia Singleton.
Like Tom, I feel most engaged by your personal story — your videos clued me in to what it is you do, and what makes you truly unique, as a motivational speaker.
I also really like your interview series.
Although I subscribe by email a long time ago, I honestly just started receiving your posts this month (a technical glitch perhaps?) I do prefer to follow by RSS, for the following reason:
For me, personally, I always feel overwhelmed and lagging behind in reading and commenting on all the blogs that I would ideally care about or like to follow. Again, this is just my reading habits, I find it difficult to keep up with frequent posts (and by frequent, I mean more than weekly).
I am “guilty” as a writer of publishing more lengthy posts than I personally care to be on the receiving end of (another reason why I balance the length with frequency). So, I’m a pot who prefers kettles.
I feel you really hit the nail on the head when you asked “if you covered so much there was nothing left to say.” I do often feel that way, or there are multiple topics in a post sometimes that leaves me unclear about where to jump in. I find it easiest to respond when the author leaves off with a clear indication of where my part of the conversation is required…
Like with the Prompts/Questions at the end of this post!
Hope that helps,
Slade
11:34 am on August 9th, 2008 20
@ Slade | Shift Your Spirits:
Yes, I know Patricia Singleton well. We’ve never met but she’s been a long time supporter here – she’ll be commenting here shortly.
I see that the videos have been a good source of information for people who want to know more about me. Thanks for the heads up on that. Good to know. I spent thousands to have that demo tape created – looks like it’s paying off in spades.
The interview series was a way for me to bring together people that might not otherwise know about one another. I enjoy bantering with the person being interviewed as if I were in the studio with them, live. It’s makes for a fun, entertaining post from a writer’s point of view. As I’m responding (via red font), I imagine as if it were all happening for real. In fact, I once received an email from someone asking me if these interviews actually took place in the physical on some campus! Yes sir! How cool is that?
I’m very conscious of not covering all the bases in my blog posts because I want the community here to engage in a discussion amongst themselves and with me. It’s been hard work to foster a community sense but that also seems to be working as well. I’m so grateful for this!
And now maybe the spirit world can also somehow participate? I am looking forward to our interview in the coming weeks.
11:57 am on August 9th, 2008 21
Stephen, even though it seems longer, it has been about a year since I first subscribed to your blog. Deb Estep recommended your blog to me. Then through reading your blog, I discovered Corinne Edwards through her comments here. You and Corinne inspire me so much to fully live my life.
I love your stories. Your writing style is similar to mine in using personal stories to make your points in your articles. Your gratitude articles each Friday have even inspired a few articles of my own by reminding me that I have so much to be grateful for. We all do. Expressing gratitude can change your whole attitude toward life and other people.
You are authentic in your writing and that is important to me. I agree with Corinne about “If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it.”
12:18 pm on August 9th, 2008 22
@ Patricia – Spiritual Journey Of A Lightworker:
Okay, I hear you guys – “if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it.”
Cool.
Thanks for letting me know how you discovered this place. It’s interesting to find out where people came from and how they ended up here.
I’m glad to know the stories I’ve written have touched you, sometimes inspiring you to write your own articles. Isn’t that how it works? We all seem to inspire each other somehow.
12:32 pm on August 9th, 2008 23
You know this already, Stephen, but Mary-Lynn and I became fans after meeting you at SOBCon 08. It took less than ten seconds of conversation, there on the boat on Opening Night, to know you were someone special.
That’s why we became followers and subscribed to your feed. We continue to follow because you’re a compelling writer. I especially like your Gratitude posts. I also love your interviews, because you have that child-like curiosity that comes through, plus you’re a person who loves people.
Keep up the good work!
2:15 pm on August 9th, 2008 24
PS
I forgot to mention that you were the VERY FIRST comment I ever got on my blog that did not come from my sister.
I could not believe it! Someone really read what I wrote?
PPS
I met Patricia through your blog – just like she met me also!
We also have become great friends!
2:21 pm on August 9th, 2008 25
@ George Krueger:
I was humbled and grateful that the two of you would pull me to the side and invite me to an interview just as we were all on our way out at the end of SOBCon08. I felt quite comfortable in your presence – both of you had this calming sense of presence that comforted me without you really trying to. Know what I mean? You had a kind face that truly capped the highlights of that weekend.
Thank you for letting me specifically know what you enjoy the most. Very interesting. Gratitude posts? Hmm..cool. Okay so I know that’s working too, thanks.
Yes, I have that child-like curiosity that comes through in just about everything that I do – speaking, writing, flying – it permeates the fiber of my very being and maybe that’s why I continue to attract the right kind of people around me?
for the record here, I must tell everyone here that being interviewed you at BIGG SUCCESS (not a typo people) was not only so much fun but it gave me an opportunity to get to know George and Mary-Lynn. It is through these kind hearted people that I’ve been led to some pretty exciting opportunities for 2009 and beyond. Thank you!
2:32 pm on August 9th, 2008 26
@ Corinne Edwards:
Really? I didn’t know that. Well, they say first impressions have the potential to make a lasting impression. I guess you could say that’s what happened with my first comment. How cool is that?
You meeting Patricia through my blog and me meeting others through you has become a rather fun and mysterious journey – like the universe brought all of us together for some reason.
10:38 am on August 10th, 2008 27
Dear Stephen,
I had to hunt back on Phil Gerbyshak’s blog to see when it was I met you.
You had made a guest post on Phil’s site on October 22, 2007.
Expressing Gratitude the Old Fashioned Way
http://tinyurl.com/link-to-guest-post
You wrote…
‘Why not become extraordinary, stand out from the crowd and send these people handwritten notes, thanking them for something they did for you? It will cause a few raised eyebrows, guaranteed.’
I thanked you for the post and ended it asking
for your snail mail address.
I was SHOCKED to learn that we live in the VERY same county in OHIO.!!! That very week that we first emailed, you invited me to a local blogger meeting
and we met in person.
Stephen you are an absolute inspiration.
This big ole world just shrinks down in size when I come to your Adversity University Blog. I’ve loved meeting the folks you’ve interviewed and my world has been enriched by meeting other folks who gather here at A.U.B.
You never fail to present the same authenticity in your writing that you embody in person.!!!
XO XO
Debs_E
2:51 pm on August 10th, 2008 28
Hi Again Stephen,
After having read all the comments, I thought maybe I’d tell you how I feel and a reason or two why I am here.
First, I first read here when you interviewed Albert at Urban Monk last year. It was however months later that I was struck by something else on your site. I’m actually not sure what triggered it, but it was one of those genuine moments that are inescapable, some sort of connective thing said that spoke to me at a very deep level. That is when I wrote you a note to say how I was effected and affected by that moment.
As far as the rest, what I’d like to see, etc., I have definite opinions about. And they are mostly, it’s none of my business! This is your writing, your site, your desire and how you want to connect with others. Honestly, you and I are often on very different pages. But that does not stop me from reading here, nor taking away some things at some times. Or even feeling I would contribute via a comment now and then.
Lastly, giving advice/opinion about what another does, even when asked for, very often is something I fail at, or would just rather not do. If you want a sounding board to listen or my take on something as it applies to me, an example from my life that matches up with your experience, or verifiable facts I have access to, that I can do.
The rest I leave to you. I presume it to be in the right hands. The same hands that created this space.
9:56 pm on August 10th, 2008 29
@ Barbara:
I’m so glad you felt compelled to come forward to share your thoughts and feelings about what being a part of Adversity University has done for you.
I had to smile when you said that while you have “definite opinions about what you’d like to see and know, it’s none of your business.”
You know, it’s quite alright if we are on different pages because that’s what diversity is all about. My view has always been that even if we’re not on the same page, we can at least give one another the respect and acknowledgment for whatever views we have. It’s okay not to agree with me and vice versa – it’s actually healthy as long as whatever difference of opinion we have doesn’t degenerate into the realm of what immature people tend to do, which is name calling, deliberately being nasty and provocative, just to get a reaction. We’re both beyond that, aren’t we?
There’s a saying and one I strongly believe in and that is: “Jump in, absorb what fits you and leave the rest.” It’s what I do when I visit other blogs and websites. I adopt what I feel is right in my heart and leave the rest.
Thank you for your vote of confidence and for the level of trust you have placed in me to do what is “right” – whatever that might be. I appreciate your input!
1:57 pm on August 11th, 2008 30
Stephen,
I met you at a seminar on marketing and business adversity that you presented with Jim Cermak back in May of this year. Your presentation and special attitude towards adversity inspired me to do more in my life and so I subscribed to your blog which continues to entertain and inform me weekly about things that I need to spend more time thinking about. I enjoy your writing style and sometimes feel like you are witing directly to me personally – just like today with the Rock Theme – I hope you like my photo with the statue
I think that your interviews are quite entertaining and I enjoy the responses that your selected interviewees make to the dramatic questions that you ask. I know that my biggest reason for not responding has been making or should I say taking the time out to respond – and maybe I found that I did not know how to respond until today. So maybe a great topic for your upcoming blogs could be making and taking the time to respond to important things in life… thanks for being out there Stephen!
5:00 pm on August 13th, 2008 31
Hi Stephen,
I have to head out to lunch but I felt you’ve given so much, that I want to contribute and give back some feedback:
I can’t remember exactly, but somebody linked to a blog post you wrote, and I enjoyed it so I signed up. I’ve been a lurker for awhile, this is the first time I’m commenting.
I’ve stuck around because your blog posts often inspire me =)
I enjoy the way your blog is personal and doesn’t come across as too cold. It may sound corny, but that’s really why I stick around.
7:32 pm on August 13th, 2008 32
@ Sid Savara – Personal Development and Life Hacking:
Thanks so much for your feedback, especially since it was your first time commenting! Welcome to Adversity University, lurker! LOL. Nice to have you here.
Oh, I don’t think the reason you stuck around is corny at all. It’s different for everyone. Everybody has their own reasons for sticking around something. We’re all wired differently. I enjoy the diversity of the community. It’s take quite some time to find my groove here and I’m still going at it.
One thing I’m very grateful for is the continuous support and activity of the community here. It’s very hard in the blogging world to get a decent amount of comments but I’ve worked hard to encourage them. It’s a great way to bridge the gaps that exist out there. Thanks!