Take the Leap

My Leap

I leap because I can. I take a leap of faith. Of daring. Of courage. Of hope. And as I leap, I am aware and surrounded by those who are taking their own leaps. Here are two of my leaps.

The Leap: The Book

My latest leap involves the book I have written about my Mother, Rita Mae Hoering. Affectionately titled Dead Rita's Wisdom, it is about her wisdom that she had the courage to share with me. Not because she could always serve as an example, but because she knew that in spite of the fact that while she may have felt certain leaps were out of her reach, she knew what one looked like. And she encouraged me the entire time she was alive to leap with abandon and joy. And every time I 'stick' a landing, I think of her.

Dead Rita's Wisdom is a book of hope and joy and encouragement. It will appeal to you if you know anyone, living or dead, whose wisdom has been one of the candles that lights your way. Everything for me leads back to my dearest mother (hereafter referred to as Dead Rita). This book is a huge leap for me. It's not published yet, but it will be. If this intrigues you and you want a dose of wisdom, read the blog I have about this journey and all things that come to me.

I welcome your feedback and would love to hear about your 'Dead Rita' — a person in your life whose wisdom has changed you. And if YOUR name is Rita, or your source of wisdom comes from a Rita, let me know — you may be able to get a free copy of the book when it's published!

The Leap: Rwanda

Rita Ngarambe is why Rwanda is in my circle of concern and influence. Rita asked me to come to Rwanda and speak about hope. And from meeting this woman named Rita, the Itafari Foundation was formed. Its purpose: to affect the lives of Rwandans who survived the genocide in 1994 and to empower all Rwandans to be equal citizens of the world.

I first visited Rwanda in June 2005. I came back inspired and determined to make a difference for the survivors and the children born since 1994. Two women, Karen Freelander and Bethe McChesney, of Portland Oregon, were also inspired to touch the lives of not only the beneficiaries of our work, but our donors, our friends and ourselves. Together we formed Itafari, a non-profit group that assists these Rwandans while empowering them to strengthen their independence on a daily basis, and to become their personal best. I travel there regularly. I am encouraged and know that this leap was meant to be. You can read about this work at the Itafari blog.

Accomplish the Extraordinary

Itafari, and soon the book, Dead Rita's Wisdom, exist because I practice what I preach: if you passionately believe in something — and its purpose aligns with your purpose — all things are possible. We often find our goals and dreams unattainable because we're unprepared to accomplish the impossible: to live an extraordinary life. And it's extraordinary because we want it from a place beyond a could/should/would. We want it more than we want failure. We want it more than we want ease. We want it more than we want anything. It's not negotiable. We can see it, feel it, and experience it. And that is what leaping has taught me. That coaching and reaching for the extraordinary is not just a good idea, it adds tremendous depth and meaning to our lives.

As a coach, I absolutely believe in the value of the big game. And the game is your life everyday. This is the day. This is the moment. And as my Dead Rita would say, "look your best every day; it could be the most important day of your life and you have to be ready." Looking your best is not about the reflection in the mirror. It's about what you say to yourself, believe about yourself and others, and your commitment to reaching your goals. If you are THAT person every day, when the most important day(s) come you will be ready. Coaching allows you to play the game, and to always be ready to play the biggest game of your life. You'll know the game. And you'll be ready to take the leap.

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