While taking a break in between prep cooking for tomorrow, sitting in the sun overlooking our beautiful farm and it occurs to me that twenty years ago today I was also prep cooking for what was then my first shot at Thanksgiving dinner. I look back on that day and I have to laugh as there I stood, I myself fat as a turkey (I was pregnant at the time) chopping, slicing, dicing and really having no idea what I was doing but loving every minute of it. Somehow the turkey and all the trimmings turned out beautifully that year (thank you, Angels) and on the heels of that success I am now embarking on my 20th Thanksgiving feast. Twenty years of turkeys. That just amazes me. Just uttering that out loud sounds strange to me. And I sit here today, between prepping, slicing and dicing as I did so long ago, my thoughts floating around like leaves on a November breeze and you know what? It’s been a good run.  
In the past twenty years, I have loved and have been loved deeply. I have suffered losses that have scarred me. I have brought a beautiful shining soul into this world, and I have also danced with death. I have made many mistakes yet have had many triumphs. I have met the most wonderful people along the way and also the most heinously awful.  I have feared, hated, forgave and cried many tears of laughter, joy, sadness and pain. I have grown.
 Right here, right now, on my porch in the sun I know I wouldn’t change a thing. Not any of it.  Every path and experience I have encountered along this “Twenty Turkey Run” has led to this very blissful moment.  And as the memories flow though me, the good, the bad and the ugly, I am so very grateful. I am grateful to have truly experienced this magnificent, terrible, amazing, awful, joyous, painful, exciting, scary, loving, hating, gorgeous, beautiful life that I have not only lived, but have learned to embrace and I am very excited to see what my next twenty turkeys will bring.

“Is there coaching on basic charisma? There are some people that just ooze charisma, seemingly naturally. But can something like that be taught?” This was a question I was presented with recently.
 
Merriam‑Webster defines charisma as. 1. a personal magic of leadership arousing special popular loyalty or enthusiasm for a public figure  2. a special magnetic charm or appeal.  Most often, we view someone who is charismatic possessing traits such as being fascinating, charming, interesting, captivating, engaging, and magnetic. But are charismatic people just naturally born with it? Can charisma be learned, cultivated?
My unwavering answer is an absolute YES and YES. While I believe some people are naturally more charismatic than others I do also know the fundamental traits that make up charisma can absolutely be  coached, learned and developed. By cultivating your charisma you will not only improve your potential for success in any endeavor, but you will also strengthen your relationships both in your personal and professional arenas.
 If you are reading this and thinking you may not have been bestowed with innate charismatic flair and are interested in developing or increasing your charisma, one way is by observing and learning from people who you think have charisma and you will soon notice some common characteristics that you can easily master.  Below are a few of these basic characteristic traits look for and how they can be developed.

• Confidence- Charismatic people are confident in a positive way, without being arrogant.
• Optimistic- Charismatic people are the encouragers who motivate with enthusiasm.
• Approachable- Charismatic people are warm and inviting
• Interested- Charismatic people are good listeners, they are interested in what people have to say.
• Interesting-Charismatic people are adept at communicating clearly and are able to keep their audience attention.
• Consistent- Charismatic people are comfortable with who they are and they are consistent.
   

So if you are looking to increase your success in your relationships, both personal and professional, developing your charisma (whether you’re a natural or you need a little fine tuning) is a great easy way to start.