I had a barbeque on the 4th of July. I invited friends who have been coming over for years. Except not last year, but that’s not the topic today.

Inviting – that’s the topic.

I invited my friends.

I opened up my magnificent back yard to share a special event with people that I love.

I asked them to come over and keep me company.

They came and Nic (my German Shepherd) I welcomed them. Nic really welcomed them!

We all had a wonderful time and we watched a fantastic fireworks display from the shelter and comfort of our cushy chairs in the backyard, and hooted and hollered and oohed and ahhed with the whole neighborhood.

As I set up for the big event – clearing leaves and washing tables and pulling out tablecloths and all of that preparation stuff – I noticed that I was really anticipating having a group of people come into my home again. Anticipating.

I thought, I think I’m ready to do this again soon – this inviting thing.

Why, just two weeks ago, I was invited to celebrate someone’s lifetime achievement. I think about how it felt to be invited. It felt special.

And I realize that I can do a lot more inviting, and not just to my house, not just to celebrate, not just to attend an invent.

I can invite more conversation. I can invite folks to collaborate. I can invite my clients to think differently, try new things. I can even invite people to work with me. Heck, I can just BE more inviting.

There is something so interesting about inviting. It’s vulnerable, but not scary. Someone can always say “no thank you.”

I invite you to share your thoughts in the comments!

In the meantime, remember these things: You are loved. We are all loved. Let’s all be kind. And in all things – progress, not perfection!

Love and light,

Maggie

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I’ve got a new program for Women who are ready to take their next leadership step (yeah, of course that can mean getting a promotion!) I invite you to schedule a call if you’d like to chat about it.  Or email me: maggie@maggiehuffman.com