"This is the true joy of life: being used up for a purpose recognized by yourself as a mighty one; being a force of nature instead of a feverish, selfish little clot of ailments & grievances, complaining that the world will not devote itself to making you happy." ~ George Bernard Shaw

Speaking

Watercolor by Dr. Beth Erickson

Being an inspirational, motivational speaker allows me to expand the numbers of people who I have the opportunity to touch and influence. Having spoken before thousands of people in my 30 years on the lecture circuit, I enjoy connecting with audiences and encouraging them to go beyond their perceived limitations and preconceived notions, to take creative, calculated risks.

Fear is the greatest enemy of creativity. And perhaps the avoidance of failure is the next greatest foe. Yet, there are many successful people whom, if they had given up, the world would not know. For example, Abraham Lincoln lost every election he ever ran in until he was elected President of the United States. General Douglas MacArthur was turned down for admission to West Point Academy twice before he was finally accepted. These people were inspired enough — or stubborn enough — not to allow failure to deter them. They knew that each failure would become a building block for their ultimate success.

Every day, each of us comes face to face with an opportunity to push our envelope of accepting what is, without ever asking, "Why not?" or "How can I change myself in this situation? " My speeches, whatever their specific topic, will empower people to ask more of themselves and to mine the power of their creativity, humanity, and spirituality.

Groups for whom I have spoken

Institute For Reality Therapy

American Psychological Association

Minnesota Psychological Association

American Family Therapy Academy

American Association For Marriage and Family Therapy

Upper Midwest Association For Marriage and Family Therapy

Texas Association for Marriage and Family Therapy

American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers

American Bar Association, Family Law Section

American College of Family Trial Lawyers

Minnesota Bar Association Family Law Section

University of New Mexico Law School

Family Law Institute, Bar Association of New Mexico

American Counseling Association

New Mexico Mental Health Counselors Association

National Business Institute

Fordham University

Health Insurance Plan of Greater New York

Minnesota Council For the Gifted and Talented

The Alumni Association of The Family Institute of Chicago

Iowa Corrections Association

National Perinatal Bereavement Coalition

Hospice Care of Iowa

Home-Based Family Services of Iowa

Naval Regional Medical Center at Great Lakes

Utah Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers

US Journal Communications