November marks the time of year when we pause and give thanks for all of the wonderful people, places and things in our lives. Why do we have all of these wonderful gifts? Where did they come from?
Andy Andrews is one of my favorite authors. He writes inspirational bestsellers, all of which speak to having a successful life, where “success” means a life having greater meaning and purpose. I have read several of his books, with the most recent one being The Lost Choice. Though published over ten years ago, its message of hope and promise is as powerful today as the day it first appeared in print.
The Lost Choice explores ‘The Butterfly Effect’, the concept that seemingly small choices or actions, like the flapping of a butterfly’s wings, over time can have profound effects, such as a storm forming on the other side of the globe. Through Mae Mae, a wonderful character in the book, Andrews explains how important our choices are: “Most folks don’t see how important they are . . . how much they matter to all of us. So they never choose to do somethin’ special with their lives. And not makin’ a choice? That is a choice . . . a lost one.”
While reading The Lost Choice I thought about the choices I had made. Over forty years ago a friend of mine was visiting me in college. She said she was excited to share something amazing with me a friend of hers had shared with her. That “thing”was reflexology, and after my first session, I was smitten.
I found a class at Hippocrates Health Institute, run by Ann Wigmore, who considered reflexology key to better health. I started giving reflexology to anyone who would let me,which eventually became a full-time practice. So many people I “touched” wanted to learn how to perform reflexology that I later created training programs in foot, hand, face and ear reflexology. Since then I have trained thousands of reflexologists who have touched the feet of hundreds of thousands of others.Based on the material I developed for my courses, I also created instructional DVDs and wrote a book about reflexology that has sold half a million copies in several languages around the world.
All I did was make an inspired choice to share something profound that I loved with others. My friend’s friend had shared it with her (who knows how many more people were in the chain before them). My friend then shared it with me. I started sharing reflexology with others, many of whom started sharing reflexology with still others. It really took on a life of its own - The Butterfly Effect in action!
That’s why we all matter! Our choices and actions affect our destiny, the destiny of those we touch and, ultimately, the direction of humanity. Thank those who made choices that brought you all the wonderful things you have in your life. Make your own inspired choices and then take action, and watch the ripples spread throughout your life and the lives of those you touch.
Laura Norman, M.S., LMT, world-renowned Holistic Reflexologist and author of the best-selling book, Feet First: A Guide to Foot Reflexology, offers private sessions in Holistic Reflexology and Life Wellness Coaching and Reflexology Training and Continuing Education Programs in Boynton Beach, Florida, The Berkshires and New York City beginning soon.Learn more about how Reflexology can transform your life and your career at www.lauranorman.com • Call 413-854-2615• 212-532-4404