By Katie Baughman
Daily Iowegian
CENTERVILLE —
Throughout my career and within the events and my speaking engagements for my present Company 4 Purpose, I have found that we all love to hear success stories — how people overcome adversity and realize their dreams. Years back, I had the privilege of taking a course in how to work with passion and how to do what you love for a living. I was shown that finding one’s niche and following one’s passion for purpose is the most effective and rewarding approach to business. Over the years I have noticed a theme that runs through every succes story — to be able to spend your life in your own way. Think about it. What can be more rewarding, and yes, even more than money, when you are able to live your life in your own way.
When you know exactly what you want, you can have the strength to go after it or you can resign yourself to mediocrity. Speaking of success and living their dream, may I suggest Janice and Wayne Weber. I had the privilege to visit with them while we were enjoying coffee at Tangleberries. First of all, Janice looked incredible and she radiated a fragrance of beauty, fulfillment and tranquility. I can remember when we were Centerville residents and how Janice and Wayne both put in hours to accomplish their goals and dreams. And I am not speaking of a five day, nine to five dream. They did whatever they needed to do to accomplish whatever they wanted to accomplish. And how wonderful they are spending this time of their lives in their own way. That, my friends, is success.
One of my greatest enjoyments is to meet friends “for lunch.” I take pleasure in the fellowship around a table with the flavor of good conversation and tasty food. During our visit to Centerville, I was so grateful that Sharon Heien and her friend from Kansas City took time out of their friendship time together, to meet me for lunch at One of a Kind. We all three took delight in their chicken curry which was their special of the day. It was delicious and very attractively served. I am one that enjoys the presentation of food as well as flavor. True friendship communication is being a listener and taking full responsibility for hearing what one means, not what you perceive they mean. And as talkers, taking full responsibility for being certain that you understand what others are saying, not what you interpret they are saying. Sharon always portrays this quality of friendship and communication. I feel she truly listens and she cares. Her conversations are always seasoned with grace. I admire that she has a game plan for the rest of her life and that she is furthering her purpose.
Bob Huff, being the kind and thoughtful gentleman he is, accompanied Joe and I to the Chamber office where we had the opportunity to meet with Joyce Beiber, executive director. We had a delightful and “positive” conversation about Centerville and its’ future. She has a very optimistic attitude and you can tell she really enjoys her position. I’ve had the joy of living in different communities and I tell you true, a community’s life is uniquely individual through the eyes of each beholder. Any given event or activity will elicit a positive, negative or neutral response, depending on the particular frame of reference of the observer. A key to community communication is to bring together the needs of a community with our unique gifts in a vocation, business or marketplace mission. Purpose is something leaders live every day. It is what they do rather than what they say and I had a distinct impression that Joyce is that type of leader. I had to smile as I left the Chamber office — a woman as their executive director and a woman, Barbara Halupnick, as President of the board. That brought the smile to my face? I had the honor of being the “first” woman on the Centerville Chamber of Commerce Board — “a few years past.” I do believe the world is learning that women are filled with a distinctive wisdom, a sense of humor and the power to inspire and are willing and capable of serving others.
A smile — in every language, in every culture — is a light in your window that is telling people that there is a caring, sharing individual inside. It is a universal code for I’m okay and you’re okay. One of the brightest, most beautiful smile that walks the streets of Centerville is Sherri Farrington. I am never around that lady that I do not feel uplifted. And through her appearance, lifestyle and winning attitude, I am always inspired and encouraged to soar higher. Winning is all in the attitude and you can’t buy an attitude — nor a sparkling, sincere smile — not even for a million dollars.
I think I’ll end with this thought — have you hitched your wagon to a star or to someone else’s wagon train? Put yourself together for this game called life. Play it as you see it, but play to win!
