The Conference Coach™

Susan Purifoy is the Director of Sales for Copper Conferencing and is based out of our Roswell, Georgia office.  We would like to wish her a very happy birthday.  For this special occasion, Susan has written a birthday blog.  Enjoy!

Reflections – What I Know at 50

When I am really, really old, my sister and I are going to co-write a book on what we know for sure.  As I am 50 today, but not yet in the really old category, there are few things I know with absolute certainty ( I’m still working on it), but I have experienced enough in these 50 years that I do have a partial list, although a rather jumbled one.

There is no success formula for life.  Change is possible for all of us, but the steps to get there are many, and the path is unique to each one. I can motivate, model and invite, but I cannot control anyone or anything.  All for love is the great way.

Success is not my bank account. It is not how my children behave. It is not how I look, nor what I wear.  I have quite recently misplaced my ego and I am not looking for it.  Team effort interests me far more than individual contributions.

Books are almost always better than the movie. Coffee is one of the wonders of the world. When I say something, worrying about how I said it or how someone heard it is no longer part of the equation.  Second-guessing is a waste of time. Quiet alone time is necessary.  Lipstick is not. Asking questions is a great way to get clarity.  Music and prayer are siblings…both are language.

Talking is so much easier than listening, but listening is the real teacher.  What I have lost has been one of my favorite teachers of all.  I have not yet had the experience of truly putting others ahead of me but I long for it.  God is not make-believe. I have much to learn and I no longer act like I don’t.  Transparency is a goal for me.  I am attracted to imperfection…it makes us interesting. My intense desire is to have a heart of thankfulness.  I usually wake up happy.

Regarding fear, I have figured out how to do what I am afraid of.  I just do it afraid.  No magic here.
At 50, I look around and see 2 incredible, nearly grown children, my own life of faith and purpose sprinkled with disappointment, divorce and a disability, yet hope lives. My days are flavored with friends, family, love and a life that I choose to live with joy.

Happy birthday to me?  Absolutely!