The Phone Kept Ringing

The Phone Kept Ringing

It was a little over 15 years ago that I first asked the question, “What’s happening to this country?”? I was serious—and a bit scared.?

I noticed it first with my family. We grew up with the same values but could no longer discuss issues without things flaring up. Friends told me they faced the same problems.

We all felt powerless to do anything about it… and a bit self-righteous about our own perspectives. But that doesn’t help anything.

I remember the day that I first had a glimmer of hope.

I was talking to one of my neighbors. We knew each other well. Her views on some issues were very different from mine, so we kept our conversations in the “safe” zone. Our friendship was more important.

Somehow that day we ended up talking about a hot topic—and, depending on which news channel you watched, you probably heard a very different perspective.

At one point, for some unknown reason, I said, “You know, I’m just one of those million in the middle who believe …”

I was shocked when she replied, “So am I.” We talked a little longer, then I left to continue my walk.

All I could think about was the power of “millions in the middle.” It reverberated in my brain. Finally, I bought the domain name so I could start a new website. But instead, my career got in the way. I was on a mission to share my expertise with the sales world. Over those 10 years, I wrote five books and was invited to speak around the world.

And during that time frame, something told me to buy another domain name: WhatsReallyPossible.com

As I thought about “Millions in the Middle,” I envisioned a major movement, chapters around the country, fundraising initiatives and more. It was a big job—and I knew it needed my entire focus.

Then in 2016, my personal life went through a major upheaval. It took a few years to adjust to the changes. When I was finally ready for a fresh start, I knew it was time for my “Millions in the Middle” initiative.?

I immersed myself in tons of books so I could have an in-depth understanding of the issues and challenges we face. But something wasn’t clicking for me. Every time I sat down to read one, my eyes glazed over. It was like reading an advanced physics text—and I never liked physics.

I was really discouraged. I felt that "Millions in the Middle" was what I was called to do at this point in my life—but couldn’t get any traction.

Then one day, it hit me: I still owned the “What’s Really Possible” domain. That's felt so right. I love to start new things and spark people into action. I love to help others discover fresh solutions to the challenges they’re facing. And I find it life-giving to be “in service” to something greater than myself. It invigorates me.

I hope you’ll join me in making this world a better place for all!


Angie Holmes

Results-driven Marketing & Communications Leader | B2B | Content Strategy Development | Lead Gen | Avid Chef | Travel Enthusiast | Devoted Wife & Mom of 3 Fabulous Kids

11 个月

I love this, Jill and love that you have taken the leap to follow your heart and your dreams. The story of you and the neighbor gives me hope. I like to believe that if we can focus more on our connectedness and likeness rather that our differences, we can all work to see 'what's really possible'! I think we're more alike than we are led to believe;-)

回复

It is interesting how life works. I was thinking about you Jill because I used to get your newsletters and I loved the one about your sister in law. (Pretty much everyone did!!). Then you popped back up in my feed one day so I am calling this kismet. Nice to see you again! Love this subject matter. Thank you.

回复
?Heidi Solomon-Orlick

Founder & CEO, GirlzWhoSell|Chief Growth Officer|4X Stevie Award Winner|Top 50 Women|3X Author|DE&I & Active Aging Advocate|Investor|Keynote Speaker|Travel Obsessed|Entrepreneur|Women in Sales Champion|#SellLikeAGirl

11 个月

I love all of this so much! Thanks for showing us all what is really possible when you commit to following your passion. ????????????

回复
Steven Nguyen

Consultant at The new horizons of human spirits

11 个月

Sharing this: your thoughts is my thoughts. Your dreams is my dreams. Whatever you recognised is best for all of us, best for the future then mine is no different. But for the professional skill and knowledge I believed that you are more educated then me so I'll leave all the decisions for you to make Thanks for sharing with me.

回复
Steven Nguyen

Consultant at The new horizons of human spirits

11 个月

Together we will make the world become better place to live!

回复

要查看或添加评论,请登录

Jill Konrath的更多文章

  • Are You Chewing Rocks?

    Are You Chewing Rocks?

    A few years ago, I spoke at a conference in South Africa. I followed it by going on a safari in Pilanesberg National…

    17 条评论
  • I Knew It Was Going to Be a Bad Day When …

    I Knew It Was Going to Be a Bad Day When …

    My alarm was set for 4:30 a.m.

    14 条评论
  • What have you changed your mind about?

    What have you changed your mind about?

    Several years ago, I was talking with my 91-year-old father about some of the big issues facing the US. His response…

    16 条评论
  • The Mini-Skirt Protest

    The Mini-Skirt Protest

    It’s bitterly cold here in Minneapolis. This week, the temperature has dropped to -17 degrees, not counting the…

    13 条评论
  • Complacency is a Downhill Slide

    Complacency is a Downhill Slide

    Ever wondered how you got yourself into a bad situation? Perhaps you ignored the warning signs. Maybe you didn’t…

    6 条评论
  • One Young Man’s Community Saving Inspiration

    One Young Man’s Community Saving Inspiration

    Don’t believe that one person can make a big difference in their community? If not, you’ll be inspired by this story…

    6 条评论
  • Back in the Saddle Again

    Back in the Saddle Again

    After a busy holiday season, followed by an extended vacation in Chile, I’m back! My husband & I spent a few weeks…

    3 条评论
  • Keeping Hope Alive

    Keeping Hope Alive

    Guess what earned the “2024 Word of the Year?” honor. According to Merriam-Webster’s online dictionary, the most…

    8 条评论
  • The Spirit of Possibility

    The Spirit of Possibility

    If you’re like me, you’ve failed at New Year’s Resolutions way too many times. That’s why I gave them up entirely.

    9 条评论
  • My Holiday Gift to You

    My Holiday Gift to You

    Prepping for the holidays is always fun. It’s even better when you see a beautifully wrapped present sitting there with…

    7 条评论

社区洞察

其他会员也浏览了