Rudy: Unexpected Happenings

Life happens. 

The milestones that impact our lives the most happen when we least expect it. Many of us never see it coming: falling in love, pregnancy, cancer diagnosis, loss of a job, death of a loved one. 

It is in these unexpected happenings when we experience the great loss or gain we are forced to make choices. It is in the moments in between these milestones when we experience life. 

Today's word of the day: ENRICH. 

So, every time you hear, read or think of this word, *smile* warmly. In our Toastmaster meeting, we clap once each time a speaker says the "word of the day."

Insightful that today's meeting included the word ENRICH *smile*: to make fuller, more meaningful or more rewarding. As our first speaker, Sharon presented her fourth speech today, titled "Rudy: You Are Never Prepared for What is Ahead."

Sharon shared more about her beloved pet Rudy, her white terrier was eight pounds and 20 years old. Yes, that is 140 dog years! And, earlier this week, Rudy passed away. Althought Rudy's health was compromised due to her age and Sharon knew it was inevitable, she didn't know the minute it would take place. In her grief, she shared stories, passed around a photo and even read a poem she had written that started with "All the house is sad today because little Rudy passed away..."

She shared about the unexpected day she met Rudy for the first time while she was at a garage sale with her mother 20 years ago and brought the dog home.

In life, we don't know the minute a birth will begin, or a death end. We can only enrich *smile* our life with the minutes in between. Thank you Sharon for sharing and we are grateful for the enrichment *smile* that Rudy has brought into your life.

What will ENRICH *smile* your life today?  

This morning's meeting enriched me in many ways as our members openly shared some of their goals like:

- To communicate so well that I dominate every conversation and rule the world. (ha ha ha Vickie!)

- To overcome fears, like meeting new people, presenting at work, growing our career opportunities.

- To look for opportunities to meet new people, bored with the stagnancy in life. 

- To grow as a professional speaker.

- To learn more about social media

- To be better prepared and organized for next phase of career.

- To find a job and pursue a personal mission or purpose to educate others on sucicide prevention. (Inspiring Lisa! You can do it!!!)

- To improve interpersonal communication skills with my wife, friends, children and members in the community.  

As the President of this club, I am inspired by the synergy. This morning's meeting was very ENRICHing *smile* to me and I am encouraged by the goals and look forward to helping one another grow and improve with the support of Toastmasters and the new friendships, mentors and opportunities ahead!

Let't TOAST to that. 

Important dates:

Nov. 18, Co-Family Thanksgiving Meal, 6:00 to 9:00 p.m. at The Midas Center Cowork Space

Nov. 25, no morning meeting, Thanksgiving weekend

Dec. 10, Holiday meeting at Jan Houin's 

About Toasty Notes
Toasty Notes is an ongoing review of the Wythougan Toastmaster's weekly meetings located in Plymouth, Indiana on Friday mornings. The purpose of the Toasty Notes is to help readers better understand the many enriching benefits Toastmaster clubs can offer, including entertainment, networking, community and professional development opportunities. 

About Wythougan Toastmasters Club
The Wythougan Toastmasters Club meets weekly at 6:45 a.m. on Friday at Christo's Family Restaurant in Plymouth, Indiana. Club members represent a variety of professional backgrounds and personal interests and share one common goal: To speak well. 

Weekly meetings provide members and guests a supportive forum to share speeches and receive constructive feedback. The club support and the Toastmaster resources help individuals refine individuals with a focus on public speaking, leadership qualities and overall professional development skills. Guests are welcome to visit and experience the many benefits Toastmasters provides each Friday at Christo’s Family Dining, 2227 North Michigan Street in Plymouth from 6:45 – 7:45 a.m.  

About Toastmasters International
Toastmasters International is a non-profit educational organization that teaches public speaking and leadership skills through a worldwide network of meeting locations. Headquartered in Rancho Santa Margarita, California, the organization has more than 270,000 members in over 13,000 clubs in 116 countries. Since 1924, Toastmasters International has helped people of all backgrounds become more confident in front of an audience. To learn more about Toastmasters International, click here >