Open Door, Closed Door

Greetings Happy People,

Seventeen years ago, I had the opportunity to look into an 8-week program called Speechcraft. It was a program that gave an idea what a Toastmasters meeting is all about. I loved it so much that I joined two more sessions before graduating from UNLV.

That experience allowed me to do pretty well in Toastmasters.

This coming Wednesday, I have the opportunity to give a presentation about Toastmasters at the same place where it all began for me. Talk about a good payback opportunity!! This happened when a fellow Toastmaster named Michon told me about a chance to talk about Toastmasters to some engineering students. It will take place at a celebration known as Engineering week (or E-week for short).

At first, I was a bit hesitant. I had questions about when and where this was going to take place. I worried about how I would look in front of these people studying the same things I studied back in the '90s. What words could I say? Without any delay, I told Michon that I would be more than happy to do it.

Somehow I knew that this is going to be an awesome opportunity. How well will I do? You will find out about it either on a Facebook status or the next post I write on this blog.

As Michon opened this door of opportunity for me, another one remains closed.

Days later, my Manager walked into the office and told me an opportunity to talk about a company that I have been involved with for the past 12 years. I asked her about the details and they sounded a bit sketchy. To find out about this "opportunity," we walked over to the office of our public relations specialist.

According to this person, the people responsible for organizing this opportunity at E-week did not have anything ready. No flyers, no programs, no script to tell people what this company is all about.

I shook my head and said "What?"

Apparently they wanted to keep the doors of opportunity closed for many people, but why? This closed door prevents anyone from taking steps to become better at what one can do. This does not look good at all. I would not be surprised if some type of negative response comes from someone's closed door.

I just gave you two stories on two different opportunities. One door was open and the other was closed.

If a person wants to grow, that person will walk through the open door. If the door is closed, that person will either open that door or find another on that is open.

If you are holding the doors of opportunity, please make sure that they are open for someone else. That chance WILL make a difference in your life and someone else's. Life is too short to keep that door closed.

That is all I have for now. Take care and thank you for your time and attention.

Sincerely,

Jesse I-I-I