Dear Reader Column 1-28-05

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Dear Reader,

Judy, a reader, emailed and asked:

"Suzanne, just wanted to say how much I admire you and what you have done. I am 58 years old, and still struggling with what I want to be when I grow up. I've got an MBA and have done all the traditional corporate things. I've done higher education - until I got laid off. Now I'm resting in the mountains of Western North Carolina and trying to figure out a way to live my passion and make some money at the same time.

You seem to have done that very successfully. I know it must have taken lots of hard work. I've seen your name in several of the entrepreneurial newsletters, etc. as an example of a success story. What would you say has been your most valuable piece of advice?"

(Suzanne responds:) I think one of the best things that I've got going for me in life is that I'm willing to go out on a limb. It's not that I'm never afraid to crawl out there, and admittedly, sometimes I have to hang on for dear life--but I'm willing to take the chance.

Financially, I've been all over the board in my life. Early on, I had to use food stamps and I lived in subsidized housing. And then years later, I sold a business that I'd started and I had more money than I ever dreamed possible in my lifetime. I've invested that money in what I'm doing now. So I've bet the farm, so to speak, on finding ways to bring people joy through reading. And you're right--connecting with people, bringing them a few minutes of laughter and joy every day--that's my passion.

I did a lot of soul searching at one point in my life, and it became clear to me that without a doubt I was put here in this crazy, wonderful, place to do the little things in life. So when I'm out on that limb, and the winds blow down hard, I'm able to stay and fight the fight--because I know, that I know, this is what I'm supposed to be doing. And that's a blessing.

Thanks for reading with me. It's so good to read with friends.

Warm regards,

Suzanne Beecher
Suzanne@DearReader.com
www.DearReader.com

Comments

[Marleen]

Thanks for this morning's dear reader. Being the quiet type, you are an inspiration to me. Your book club has also expanded my readings over the past year and helped me maintain my new year resolution from last year.
I've often wondered why you moved to Florida?