You have heard them
before prior to a breakfast, lunch or dinner event.
Invocations that start
meetings are usually heartfelt and tend to be religious in nature. They are an oratory
grace before a meal. I was asked to give
the invocation at an industry function recently. I never miss the
opportunity to speak in public if I am available, so I said yes to the honor.
Yet, I wanted to share
a more uplifting message without offending anyone's religious beliefs.
After some reflection, I contacted the person who asked me to recite the
invocation and told him of my plan to do a positive affirmation rather than an
invocation. At first he was a bit unsure of my direction, yet after a few
e-mail exchanges he accepted my idea as unique and positive.
To follow is what I recited;
"As we go forward from this successful convention, let us share with others the optimism we have shared these pass few days. I would like to share with you a positive affirmation I recite daily. It is known as the Optimist Creed.
Promise Yourself
To be so strong that nothing can disturb your peace of mind.
To talk health, happiness and prosperity to every person you meet.
To make all your friends feel that there is something in them.
To look at the sunny side of everything and make your optimism come true.
To think only of the best, to work only for the best, and to expect only the best.
To be just as enthusiastic about the success of others as you are about your own.
To forget the mistakes of the past and press on to the greater achievements of the future.
To wear a cheerful countenance at all times and give every living creature you meet a smile.
To give so much time to the improvement of yourself that you have no time to criticize others.
To be too large for worry, too noble for anger, too strong for fear, and too happy to permit the presence of trouble."
After I descended the stage and sat at my table I was approached by several of the Servers who waited on the tables. "Excuse me sir, may I ask if you wrote that or is it available somewhere on-line?” one asked. I shared that it is on-line and they could download their own copy. Here’s the link; http://www.optimist.org/e/creed.cfm
I felt I had connected with these folks since I am sure that they hear hundreds of invocations at all the events they work. After the event, it was rewarding to receive praise from my pears for my invocation. Yet, it was gratifying to know that the Servers at the event were moved and asked for their own copy. Invocations are great opportunities to practice your public speaking. When asked, take that opportunity. What positive message are you sharing that others want a copy for their own?
