Do Your Strengths Enable You To Fulfill Your Purpose, Part Two
(Part One)
Many baby boomers had to find themselves in the sea of social groups
Working hard at developing relationships with all four groups I soon found myself with a full plate to choose from. Trying out for the swim team was a joke and I quickly found that my ability to excel in sports was zilch! My strength was in cheering on the athlete putting their might into each sport. Maybe it was my strength, but what fun was that?
Even though I liked many of the stoners, that whole scene was definitely not my cup of tea. Today, many of my aging baby boomer friends are still in the same clique as they were in high school. I am not saying I did not try a drink or two, but drugs…no way. The ironic part of that story is there was no judgment in those days. If I did not want to smoke marijuana, okay just sit and visit awhile.
My attempt at fitting in with the band kids lasted until tryouts were over. My dream of being like the Carpenters was smashed to smithereens when the teacher posted students names that had made the cut. Trying out for the Ensemble was more successful, yet it was not a perfect match either.
Coming into high school with a “C” grade point average pretty much set the stage for not belonging to the “CSF” – California Scholarship Federation. Realizing I was not the brainiest was not difficult, but working on my study habits soon paid off. My grades improved and my overall grade point average climbed to a 4.0 (straight A’s).
Still, even with good grades my friendships and abilities were not strong in the geek circle. Mind you, I enjoyed and still do to this day my friendships that were developed back then. The problem was I still did not know what I was good at, what my purpose was or how to put it to use.
Finally, wandering into the “cowboy corner” one day I met a new friend. Lisa and I hit it off right away. We had many classes in common and our likes and dislikes were much the same. Soon I found myself feeling very comfortable in the midst of the down to earth cowboy culture. With Copenhagen and alcohol put aside I had found my home…at school.
The icing on the cake was the year I was crowned Red Bluff Round-Up Queen 1974. The attention and recognition for all of my hard work paid off. Sporting my new polyester western pants, jacket and blouse was exciting and made me and my family proud. These duds were not hand-me-downs, they were brand new and I had the privilege of choosing them right off the racks.
So, what does all of this…the elementary and high school friendships and achievements have to do with my strength and purpose in business? Plenty my friends, let’s look at some of the things each had in common.
- Figuring out where you fit in
- Determining what you are good at
- Deciding what you want to do with your strengths even if you never earned a dime
All of those pieces were present throughout my lifetime, including many failures. It wasn’t until last night, as I was drifting off to sleep that Red Skelton popped into my thoughts. What? Well, that is yet another story, but what I realized is that my strengths, along with many other aging baby boomers can be applied to whatever we decide to do in our lives.
I am a great cheerleader! Heavens sakes, how many girls want to be cheerleaders? I know I did. I was not popular, athletic nor did my family have money so the position of being a cheerleader in high school was out. Now, the honor and privilege of encouraging others onto their greatness gives me deep satisfaction and peace, there is nothing better in the world.
My purpose is to love my family and fellow man with my whole heart and soul. Each waking day bringing the best me to the office is what fulfills me. I love working with people who want to work. I do not love working with whiny cry baby boomers who think the world owes them everything. Yet, at the end of the day knowing I have given it my all I go to sleep with a satisfied soul. Can you say the same?
I found that I belong in business. Why? The lessons I have learned in my lifetime being a common little girl, in a small rural town can help others in their journey. Providing for my family is part of life, but it is not the only part to the puzzle. Giving of myself to help another is where I fit, what I am good at and what I will do even if I never earn a dime.
Help us spread the story, click the "Like" button at the top of the page, be sure to "re-tweet", too. These baby boomer trends and the questions we ask ourselves need to get out to our fellow aging boomers. Do you know any? Do us a favor and share with one or two, will you? You are the best!
Helping Turn Back the Clock,
Carla
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.jpg "Carla J Gardiner")
Carla Gardiner is an auto transport broker, dispatcher, health coach and a forever young, fiery grandma. Her passion and purpose lies with the baby boomer trends and the people she works with daily; aging baby boomers, dispatchers, brokers and truck drivers, too. Her frustration within the industry has birthed a new focus of her company; one to properly train, encourage and mentor others in regaining their health while building a retirement part-time business, too. What did you think?
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"Very well put. I've been with a health and nutrition company for over 26 years and I understand exactly what you are going through. I shiver to think what my health might be today at age 68 had I not stuck to my guns as far as practicing what I preach. Yes, I fall off the wagon regularly but my daily routine life reflects taking care of my health. That way I can keep up (somewhat) with my 7 grandchildren. You keep it up, Carla". 
"For most people the thought of venturing out there in pursuit of your dreams, in a place outside of your comfort zones is just what stops them. But I could sense your excitement not resentment in going against the competition. In planting your stake and truly making a difference in the clients experience. That's ultimately what matters, the rest just falls so easily into place. Thanks for that reminder"! 
Carla, I’ve got to say that I LOVE your focus on the joys and challenges facing women over 50. I’m definitely in that camp! I’ve been inspired by your candor, practical ideas, and refreshing determination to joyfully tackle life. The hours we’ve spent on the phone, in person, and through social media have enriched my life immeasurably. YOU are one Fiery Grandma, and I love your style! 
I have known Carla Gardiner for 6+ years. We met at a business training for bring business online. She is a business women at heart and willing to do the hard things to make the results show up. I have watched her run a business, work a job and take care of her family. She is a go getter when it comes to putting in the work to build her business to the level of being able to enjoy her grand kids.
She is the example that age is not a limit it is a tool for sharing knowledge to those she empowers to use their own skills and talents. Excuses are fuel to push her to learn and apply. I have seen her scared to death about implementing new technology and rock it out despite the learning curve.
I love watching you grow into your greatness Carla! Don’t slow down. 
"Carla, you are a model for me to follow. I love your site. And, I like what you have to say - very kind, very gracious. I have to say though that nothing in my life has ever been crystal clear". 
"I've known Carla for 5+ years and can tell you that she has lived every bit of this and more. We shared tears and laughs and hard work....you will enjoy getting to know Carla."