I was “Moonstruck” when the Empowerment Tour stopped in Portland, OR … not only by the chocolate store by that name, but also by the people who came for coaching.
The tour was set up at a rotunda in the Pioneer Place Mall. We had the good (though dangerous for our waistline) fortune to be placed right across from this Portland based business that creates the most beautiful, unique handmade chocolate truffles.
The business is well named. Several times during the day, I found myself “mooning” over the display; imagining how each would taste, thinking about who I would want to gift them to.
As I think about the people I have met along the way I was “moonstruck” “by the shared wisdom, demonstrated resiliency and willingness to change under pressure, I saw in person after person.
Throughout the trip people have come to the Empowerment Tour for a fresh perspective, new possibilities and a renewed sense of purpose. I experienced each person as a delicious gift for me. A middle-aged woman, who after being laid off from her high paying job in the mortgage industry went back to school to complete her B.A. She described how her education in human services was life changing. She recognized prior to the education she was rigid in her beliefs, and now feels transformed in her sensitivity to different cultures. Initially devastated by the layoff, she now sees it as a gift. She wants to obtain a Master’s Degree so she can be of service to military families. Her son is soon to be deployed and she is personally aware of all of the emotional challenges this creates for families. I was moved by her strength and positive attitude.
A man who had been a machinist for most of his career, finding it difficult to find work over the last few years, has gone through all of his savings. Recently separating from a long term relationship, he is now living and caring for his frail mother. With all of this stress, he wants to do work more directly of service to people in need. He plans to transfer his mechanical skills to the medical equipment industry. His joy in speaking about this goal was physically evident in his demeanor.
These are just two of the hundreds of people I have talked with, each with a unique story.
I was glad I was able to take a short break during the day to discover some of the unique neighborhoods in Portland, filled with ethnic restaurants and intriguing shops.
It was particularly fun for me to ride the Max. My husband Jim has a passion for bringing streetcars to cities. My experience in Portland was a strong demonstration of how they enhance life in an urban setting. Although I love where I live in Denver, I can also see myself living here.
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