Years ago I worked with a student who I adored. She was smart, thoughtful, reflective, and creative. She majored in Creative Writing, dated artsy kinds of guys, and was a social activist. She didn't look like the "artsy-type" though and the contradiction she presented is part of what I loved about her. Another thing I loved is that this woman was B-E-A-U-T-I-F-U-L, but had no idea.  She was naturally beautiful - Cover Girl kind of beautiful. Short blond hair, big blue eyes, and a smile that gives meaning to the expression "million dollar smile."   She wore red Adidas sneakers.

To top things off her name was C. Devine.  The perfect stage name for a young woman with star like qualities.

One afternoon C. Devine asked me to join her for lunch.  She was nearing graduation and I assumed she wanted to pick my brain about her post-graduation plans.  Graduate school or no graduate school?  Teach for America, The Peace Corp, or a year backpacking through Europe.  They were all things on her radar screen and I knew this passionate dreamer wouldn't make her final decision without giving it a lot of thought.

It turns out that C. Devine invited me to lunch because, as she explained, "I have one simple question I want to ask."

"How is it every time I see you, you have so much energy?"

She went on to clarify that she wanted to find something to do with her life that she loved as much as she perceived that I loved my work.  She observed that I seemed to have a lot of energy and wanted to know where it came from.

Here's what I told her more than seven years ago and it is still true.  Maybe you can relate.

I wake up every morning and think about the one thing I get to do that day that I can look forward to - big or small.  Sometimes it's as small as mailing a letter, bringing treats to the office, or meeting a friend for coffee.  Sometimes it's big like going on a trip, making a much anticipated purchase, or putting the finishing touches on a big project.  I set my attitude for the day by identifying the one thing about the day that is sure to be better than the rest.

Here's what I woke up excited about this morning.  I spent weeks writing a document I have been affectionately referring to as the Shine Manifesto.  It a document describing what I think it means to shine.  It was written with many of you in mind and it serves as the guiding document for Cheryl, Heather, and me when we talking about the content and direction for our website.  We hope it will also serve as an easy way for others to understand what the House of Shine is all about and that it will serve as an invitation to visit us frequently.

Click here to check out the Shine Manifesto.

Part of the reason I am looking forward to this today is because there is an element of the unknown involved.  Will you like it or won't you?  Will you agree with the principles or will you have a list of your own?  Let's make a deal.  Check it out and consider meeting me in the Community Forum labeled, Today's Post to share your thoughts - good and constructive (I can take it).  If you really like it, consider mailing it or forwarding the PDF in an email to someone who you think shines.  I will consider that the ultimate compliment.

I think I'll send a copy to Ms. C. Devine.

Shining off until tomorrow...