Well, I must confess speaking at the annual ‘Readers are Leaders’ Day is slowly becoming one of my favorite annual event. It is such an honor to encourage and consciously invest in the next generation and we must not take such opportunities for granted.

Indeed readers are leaders, and there is a particular sequence of events that I’ve found particularly exciting and guess what this day was no exception. As I completed my reading from the chapter, Smile from my book, Get Off Your Duff, I saw that ‘twinkle’ of hope in many little eyes. As is customary, I asked them to ask any questions they might have and it’s the last one that seems to seal the deal every time.

It’s the only one that seems to turn my tour (reading session) into a ‘noise-fest’ of sorts, the ‘are you an author’ question? As soon as I answer in the affirmative, I can literally hear the pin drop, these kids look at themselves and start whispering as if trying to determine who would bell the cat.

As always, what happens next makes me smile.
“Awesome”, “Cool” shouted one of the kids followed by ‘wait for it’ – CAN I GET AN AUTOGRAPH? Absolutely I responded and let’s just say with each autograph I created a future of unlimited possibility.

… an unlimited future indeed.

Friends, whenever and wherever you get a chance, please do the same and create an unlimited future for the younger ones because relationships really do matter and I believe that!

pFlo