Last Friday I visited a BNI (Business Network International) meeting with the intention of promoting my upcoming seminar, Organizing for Productivity and Success, and asking for contacts with church community outreach programs. Being a card carrying introvert, it has been years since I walked into an unfamiliar BNI group. When I entered the dimly lit meeting room, I thought I was walking into a men’s club. The room was filled with middle aged men. At one point in my life that sight would have sent me running. To be alone in a room full of men would have scared me to death!

I was surprised to discover that my experience today was completely different. Though I had a moment of thinking, “Hmmm. . . what have I gotten myself into?”, I quickly recovered and thought, “I can do this. This is going to be an adventure!” Looking back, I realize that I grounded myself by setting my intention–to have an adventure.

I also intuitively chose a seat where I knew I would feel comfortable and empowered, with my back to a solid wall and a full view of the door, near a man who was kind and welcoming. He was the president of the group. As if he knew exactly what I needed, he told me about the group members and their professions. By the time the meeting started I was feeling peaceful and curious about all those men.

During the meeting I realized that I was seated across the table from a man with whom I’d gone to high school. Even though I hadn’t known him well, since he too was an introvert, that familiar face was comforting. Another blessing of this adventure!

I promoted my seminar. I told the group who I am and how they could help me with my business. But, the biggest gift of the meeting was my being able to see how far I have come in my own journey of healing, growth and becoming a competent self-employed professional. No longer plagued with anxiety and free floating fears, I was able to be fully present and empowered. What a great way to end a busy week!

This entry was posted on Sunday, May 2nd, 2010 at 7:00 am and is filed under Grounding, Self Empowerment. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.