Siouxland Magazine - Volume 3 Issue 1
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focus<br />
obsession<br />
fascination<br />
dedication<br />
awakening them from their slumber routine, and ignite<br />
their passion.<br />
Time has also been a great teacher. Throughout the<br />
years, my approach softened, at least for the most part.<br />
Time and experience, when accompanied with reflection,<br />
offers many insights. We are all on our own journey. Now<br />
when I feel prompted to intervene, I step back and look<br />
at what internal work I need to do. It’s often the things we<br />
feel compelled to comment on about others that requires<br />
our own reflection.<br />
I wanted people to live boldly, but the truth is, I wasn’t<br />
playing full out. Sure, I was always the first on the dance<br />
floor, the first to put myself out there and try something<br />
new, and someone who moved in spite of fear most of<br />
the time. But when it came to work, or what some would<br />
define as life’s purpose, I wasn’t surrendering to my<br />
passion.<br />
Communication has been a lifeline for me. It’s the people<br />
in my life that have given me the greatest joy and they’ve<br />
carried me through the hardest of times. It’s in those<br />
moments when we pour our hearts out or share our<br />
dreams that we connect in meaningful ways.<br />
Over the last decade, the importance of communicating<br />
well and bridging understanding has become my driving<br />
force. I’ve never been one to shy away from difficult<br />
conversations, or to stand so firmly in a position that<br />
I can no longer hear another perspective. I welcome<br />
conversation. I’m passionate about it. And with that<br />
passion came the desire to grow, consuming information<br />
and seeking experiences to be more effective in my<br />
communication.<br />
I committed to improving my message and delivery. I joined<br />
Toastmasters, and after years of work, this past spring<br />
received the Distinguished Toastmaster Designation (DTM)<br />
award from Toastmasters International. But more importantly,<br />
I aligned myself with others who share my passion. Again,<br />
it’s the people in life that make all the difference. The John<br />
Maxwell Team has been the other place I have found a strong<br />
sense of community. Being part of these two organizations<br />
has accelerated my learning, expanded my impact and<br />
fueled my passion. Once you align with your purpose, the<br />
world meets you in unexpected ways.<br />
It was then, just two years ago, that <strong>Siouxland</strong> <strong>Magazine</strong><br />
came into my path. Within an instant the decision was made.<br />
It was a vehicle to have community conversations and lead<br />
towards my passion, communication. In the last two years,<br />
through the magazine, I’ve been able to reach people that<br />
I might not have otherwise, to engage them in meaningful<br />
community-based conversations. And in every passing day,<br />
the expansion keeps unfolding.<br />
What could the world have in store for you if you chose to<br />
yield to your passion? Life will surprise you when you show<br />
up ready to play. Life is supposed to be fun and your passion<br />
is a massive indicator that you are on the right path. You<br />
might find that your passion can be more than a pastime,<br />
but regardless it will light you up and bring you joy.<br />
My business Empowering Conversations publishes<br />
<strong>Siouxland</strong> <strong>Magazine</strong>, but it’s also more than that. Through<br />
the Facebook page, I’m growing a community that thrives<br />
on connection and person growth. It’s here I’m going<br />
further with my passion, having insightful conversations that<br />
support others in their journey to explore and live out their<br />
purpose with passion. Hope to see you there.<br />
By Stacie Anderson, Owner of Empowering Conversations<br />
LLC & <strong>Siouxland</strong> <strong>Magazine</strong>. Certified John Maxwell<br />
Speaker, Trainer & Coach.<br />
Photo Credit Photography by KJ<br />
Stacie Anderson<br />
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