The Winning Ticket

I recently gave a speech to a women's group. The topic was “Choices - You are what you choose.”

We have so many choices in a day. I was speaking about creating a plan, eliminating physical and mental clutter, and being with people who bring you joy. I would be talking about building reserves, both of time and money and to learn to over-deliver and under-promise. I planned to speak about building relationships and I always speak about positive self-talk. Research shows that we have 60 thousand thoughts a day, and 80% are negative.

There was a lunch served before my presentation and door prizes would be given out. Everyone who attended was given a small red ticket with 6 numbers on it. They were all placed in a basket. There was a table with prizes that had been donated by local merchants. I was very pleased that my daughter attended, as I knew it would be fun to have her in the audience. Before I spoke they decided to give out the door prizes. One person was asked to pick a number out of the basket. Someone won and went to the table to choose the prize they wanted. Then they asked me to pick the next ticket from the basket. Before I picked the ticket, I asked the audience, “How many people are saying to themselves, I never win anything.” Many hands went up. I said, “I’m lucky. I often win. I think I might pick my own ticket.” And then I did. It was incredible. With close to 50 little red tickets in the basket, I actually picked my own. Everyone laughed and I told my daughter to take any prize from the table that she wanted. At first, she said it was my ticket and I should choose. But, I was so happy that she was there, it was my pleasure to let her get the prize. There were several envelopes with gift certificates and wrapped prizes. She chose a beach bag from a great women's boutique. She was happy and then I gave my speech. It was very well received and the attendees all shared one action step they will take as a result of my presentation. Many shared that they will make a lunch date before they leave as I spoke about building community. Others were going to clear clutter and many shared they would be more positive. It was really fun and even though I am very positive, I have never picked my own ticket. When we got home my daughter looked at the beautiful beach bag and realized there was something inside the bag. She opened it, and it was a $50 gift certificate to the Women's boutique. What a great surprise. I was happy that she was rewarded for coming to hear me speak and it was a fun day. So, do we create our own reality? This was a long shot, but the women who said “I never win anything” set the tone for their day. What message are you telling yourself? That you’re lucky and winner! That’s what I like to hear.