A TED Talk and talk among a TED Circle of friends freed up a flood of Jan's foolish energy. She reflects on that experience and Bill chimes in with his creative poetic vibes.

Throughout thirty-two years as a Toastmaster, 25 years in the National Speakers Association and 10 years “on the road” preaching, teaching, and leading retreats, I’ve been thrown in with a bunch of amazing people. (“Amazing” is a commonly used adjective when there are too many adjectives to name.)

When I retired in May 2020, I thought I was done. Then Cora Lonning knocked on my email door with an invitation to Fiesta for the Mind, and to coach aspiring TED Talk* speakers. What a wonderful opportunity to pay it forward! Little did I realize how many more amazing people I would meet.

Recently Cora reached out again, this time with an invite to TED Circles. Each Circle gathering, including people from all over the world, has been empowering, invigorating, and entertaining. The local host team – all professionals in their area of expertise - got us started with get- acquainted and loosening- up activities, followed by group viewing of a TED video, followed by 2 or 3 breakout sessions.

In last week’s gathering, I gleaned wisdom from a leadership coach who works 2 blocks from where I live and a woman from Russia, both sharing their distinctly varied experiences.

Some of the wisdom gifts I received in the September TED Circle on Creativity are:

So I will:

*TED= where "Technology, Entertainment and Design converged"

If we are made in the image of God –

God, the creator of all –

is it not true that you and I, each,

create in ways great and small?

Some with words, some with paint,

some with fabric or flour,

some in classrooms or management suites

who nurture, guide and empower.

“I’m not creative,” is a cry lacking faith

in God, who made us to be

shaped in God’s image, thus gifted ourselves:

holy, creative and free.

Please share Reflection freely by forwarding any issue (forward in its entirety), but remember to respect copyright laws by not altering, copying, or reproducing Reflection, text or photos, whole or in part, without written permission.

Copyright (c) 2021 Soul Windows Ministries