Last night I knew I was going to have a meaningful experience with a man I have never met before.  It was one of those encounters that I knew I had to explore to see where it might take my Legacy Adventure.  My friend Eryn wrote an article about John Scardina and he sounded like a fascinating man that I simply had to meet.  The day before the article was released, I was busy focusing on who might be the right person or group to write a theme song for The Molly Sunshine Tour.  On my Legacy Producer’s site I feature Ryan Shupe and the Rubberband’s “Dream Big” song.     I reached out to their agent via e-mail, but I knew I couldn’t stop there.  I liked the folksy sound of their band and their message of “dreaming big,” but had a feeling that there was going to be someone else for the job.  I went to bed that night thinking about who might be the “right” person who would fit The Molly Sunshine Tour theme song.

The next morning, my friend Eryn Travis, launched her Examiner Article featuring John Scardina’s parent discussion at the West Chester Friends School.  It was going to focus on building resiliency in our children—a practice my husband and I always try to model and so far it seems to be working for our five year old.  We know that resiliency is a skill that will serve children and adults well in this often cruel, negative world.  In addition, while studying at Gettysburg College, my favorite classes were always those focused around child development and social psychology, so it was natural that I was interested in a program such as John’s. 

In the article, Eryn shared with her readers John’s Website. I knew John and I were destined to meet.  His site not only shouted “sunshine,” he was a talented musician… folk music was his true love! By George, I found the perfect man to write The Molly Sunshine Tour theme song!  Perhaps he would even want to feature some of his other songs on the CD.  They all fit so perfectly with “Chasing Stars while Living in the Sunshine” keynote/book and my children’s book “A Tale of Miss Molly Sunshine.”  I encourage you to go out and LISTEN for yourself!    I thought to myself, “I know I am supposed to be collaborating with him.”  After conducting a little more research, I discovered that not only do we share similar passions and approach to life; he’s a smart cookie too with degrees from Harvard and Princeton!

Last night our paths crossed. It was serendipity at its best!  The doors to the building were locked, but there was a sign to ring the bell.  I did, a few times, but no answer. I was just about to walk away and I looked to my left and there was John walking towards me.  I shouted, “John?”  He compassionately replied, “Yes, that is me.”  The positive energy was beaming from the beginning.  Ten other women joined the discussion group and the sharing of positive energy continued.  He explained that, “resilience is the ability to bounce back from adversity with positive outcomes and optimism and that the qualities that build resilience is the ability to build positive relationships, a good sense of humor, an inner compass, independence, a love of learning, flexibility, self motivation, competence, creativity, perseverance and spirituality.”  It was if we were speaking the same language.  This is exactly what I help my coaching clients do—build their resiliency!  According to John, the secret is letting children fail when the consequences are manageable and be sure to follow “the script.”  “Listen, show empathy, ask “what will you do?” and display optimism; with comments such as, “I’m sure everything will turn out fine.”

Near the end of the discussion, I’m thinking, “How else are we supposed to be collaborating?”  It feels like we are going to share something more than a Molly Sunshine Tour theme song.  Not feeling like it was the right time or place to ask (Go with your intuition, Legacy fans!), I knew we were going to be given another opportunity to share our vision.  He then stated that he will see us next month.  I come to find out he travels from NY once a month to facilitate these discussions for the West Chester Friends School.  Another blessing!  Another opportunity to grow, share and live our legacy!

He may be off to Italy for now to celebrate being 60 with his friends, but I know upon his return, he and I are going to share a glass of Legacy wine and salute to our future success!  After our brief one on one conversation prior to everyone elses arrival, I felt that there was something I'm supposed to be doing for him too. It's not all about receiving, Legacy fans! It's about seeing how you can help others in their journey.  The positive energy we shared last night was extremely strong.  Put your energies into your goals and search for the people who have similar passions, Legacy fans!

In closing, no one knows how the John and Molly Sunshine story might end, but I do know that it is off to a great start and that you have to believe that it is going to be grand and full of sunshine and Legacy Adventure! Go out and live your legacy and discover what opportunities are out there just waiting for you to uncover!  Perhaps it is to practice "resiliency" or to help your children build their resiliency.  What ever it is, never stop searching and learning.  That is where the true happiness lies!

Shine on!
Molly