I will admit I am still a bit emotional after watching “Soul Surfer” tonight with my daughter and friends. It was an incredibly intense and moving true story about a young woman who lost her arm due to shark attack while surfing with friends. It is hard to understand why “bad things happen” and sometimes even harder at the time to see what good will come out of our journeys. When we are right in the thick of it, it is hard to see past where we currently are. How easy it is to become discouraged.

This incredible woman, Bethany Hamilton, fell off her surfboard  time and time again, only to get up again. She competed and was defeated. She even quit for a short time but surfing was in her blood. It was her passion. Even though, it was an actress, you could see the intensity in her eyes and her face filled with passion. There was nothing that was greater than what she felt when she was on that board. Waiting for the next wave to ride to the finish.

I feel like that when I speak in front of groups and write about being rich from the inside out and living life with passion and purpose. I know in my heart if I have impacted one person, I have made a difference. There is no greater feeling.

The “Soul Surfer” went on to become a professional surfer. Her message is so profound. Always give thanks and trust the reason you are following your purpose. It is the burning desire to feel fulfilled by doing what you love. When the right wave comes along, you will know in your heart this will be the one.

What are the moments you live for? The moments when you feel like you are surfin’ your soul!

Believe in your greatness, for you have great strength to ride your next wave.

How many of you have been offered your ideal job or contract just to realize the one you currently have is actually the one you love the best? Another movie lesson from “Morning Glory”. Rachel McAdams turns down the a super opportunity in the TV world because she realized she is happiest where she currently is. There are times when we may already stepped into our greatness or feel true fulfillment without even realizing it until we have been faced with the decision to step away.

Think about where you feel you have the greatest impact in your life. Where are you the most happy and fulfilled? Are you searching for something you already have? True fulfillment is realizing you are happiest where you are right now. Sometimes turning down a job or contract that is good actually leads to or makes room for something great. You need to do what you feel passionate about. If something does not completely resonate with your personal values or priorities; don’t do it! Better opportunities mean you will be more engaged, present, and produce better results. How well do you perform at something you are not keen on? You do not perform your best when you settle for second best.

What moments do you remember feeling completely fulfilled? Imagine feeling that way every time you make a choice to follow a great thing instead of good thing? The pay off is much greater and the opportunities are much bigger!

On vacation a couple weeks ago, I watched a movie called “Morning Glory” with Harrison Ford, Diane Keaton, and Rachel McAdams. The morning show was at risk of being cut from prime time viewing and to be replaced with game shows and soap operas. The new executive producer was at risk of losing her job when she realized it was time to do something different. All of the people were doing the same thing that they had been doing for years. Not only did she have to step out of her comfort zone, she had to get others to do the same in order to save the show. Roller coaster rides, jumping out of planes, and even getting sprayed by a skunk were just a few of the adventures that started to make the rating rise. Stepping out into Glory!

How are you increasing your ratings in life and business? Are you stepping out of you comfort zone and trying new things? I am not saying you need to jump out of a plane or ride a rollercoaster. Just try something you really want to do. Try something new – be innovative. The “something” may be something you get nervous or excited about, like you did when you were a child. Fresh ideas awaken the world! Weigh the risks and take action! The thrill after you do will be amazing and just think of all the opportunities that may follow.

Action takers are unique and they are the ones who stand out from the crowd. Why? Because they are go-getters! Go-Getters are those people who not only set goals; they make plans to get things done. Are you the person people come to because of your ratings? Do you get things done? What are doing today to step out of your comfort and into glory?

At the end of the rainbow, there is said to be a pot of gold. When Irish eyes are smiling, are they seeing green? Here in Canada, our paper currency is a rainbow collection. Our five dollar bill is blue, the $10 bill is purple, and our $20 bill in green. Whereas, our friends in the United States carry money which is green. No matter what colour it is, money is a powerful tool to help you get what you want. Are you using it wisely?

The other day I was meeting with some colleagues and we were discussing the power of a $20 bill. I realized that I had been taking the power of our $20 bill for granted. For some people, $20 is big money but it’s even bigger when you can do something with it. In this so-called recession, is it difficult to let go of a $20 bill? People are still buying. What power does a $20 bill give you? For some people, it may give a tank of gas, a pack of diapers, and entrée at a restaurant, or perhaps a good book from the bookstore. The part that makes me wonder is when some people have difficulty making ends meet,  they still choose to smoke or even go out to the bars on a Friday night. There is no right or wrong way to use your $20 because ultimately it is your choice.

Do you think of ways to grow and nurture your money tree? Do you track your expenses so you can see green instead of red? What is the power of your $20 bill?

I would love to hear about the power of your $20 and what $20 does for you.