The audience seemed to be hanging on my every word. We talked. We laughed. We thought our way through profound ideas of life, liberty and the pursuit of purpose. Everything went well and I left feeling satisfied. But then, next morning, the organizer of the event called and asked to meet with me that day at the Hilton Hotel.

There was something very unusual in her tone and I began to wonder what I had done to displease my client, or what politically incorrect statement I had made to upset someone.

I was in a certain country, conducting my “Born to Fly” seminar for a certain sales organization, with the intention to build performance by building people. The idea was that human beings cannot achieve and sustain the greatest potential of their professional lives, if their personal lives are plagued with doubt, weakness or unresolved issues of the past. So, we had spent a couple hours on subjects ranging from fears, unforgiven wrongs, guilt, unworthiness and feelings of inadequacy – to techniques and strategies for high performance, how to get others to say YES, and ways to gain frequent raises and praises. Now, it appeared my client had an issue.

It was 2:05 p.m. on Saturday. Lemonade in hand, we sat by the swimming pool at the Hilton, exchanging pleasantries, both of us knowing that there was something heavy on the agenda. The story I heard from—let’s call her Miss Marks—made my stomach feel like it would fall to the bottom of the pool. It is not an exaggeration to say I was completely overwhelmed and my joints felt like they were melting.

Last night, after the seminar, one of the participants called Miss Marks at midnight and talked with her by phone until almost 2:00 a.m. Apparently, this participant—let’s call her Janet—had gotten up and left the session several times, but her friends went and brought her back. I had not noticed, as I was focused on those who were paying attention consistently. What she was hearing was grating on her, and her mind could not tolerate it. Finally, she stayed.

On the phone, she said, “Miss Marks, let me tell you the ten-year plan for my life…” Janet then explained exactly how she would look, what she would achieve and what she would have in ten years. Then she proceeded.

“Miss Marks, it is the weirdest thing for me to be telling you about my plans for the future, because as long as I’ve know myself, I’ve always wanted to be dead.”

Janet was suicidal. She had tried several times to end her life. After finally sitting and confronting the message of power, meaning and purpose, built into the life of every human being, she found it undeniable and compelling. So, she decided to live…to pursue life itself!

Two conversations raged in my head. One voice whispered, “You should feel really great, because your work is having a positive impact on people.” The other voice shouted: “This work you do is not about selling books and CDs; it is about giving life and helping people find their way! Can you live up to that responsibility?”

It was the heaviness of that responsibility that melted my joints and overwhelmed my stomach. I have had repeated occasions, though none so dramatic as Janet’s, where people have confessed major life changes both in their personal affairs and professional endeavors, and each time, I’ve felt unworthy…ironic, don’t you think, since I teach people how to overcome their own sense of unworthiness.

Somehow, this formula of life works to produce amazing results that go beyond the emotional. Lisa heard the message in Kingston and got the courage to make a prompt decision. A few months later, she told me that she moved from being a service attendant to become the head of banquets and sales at one of Jamaica’s biggest hotels. John heard the message in San Antonio and moved himself in three months from a $37,000 job to one paying just over $60,000.

Let me hasten to add an important point. I am no trained psychiatrist. Some persons with chronic psychological problems will not be adequately helped by a business and personal empowerment seminar like “Born to Fly.” Those who need clinical help should get it. However, I also know that millions of people often feel trapped and troubled by life’s pressures and problems. For them to learn techniques that unlock their passion, purpose and potential, can make the difference between a life of lackluster languishing and one of uncaged personal power. This, in turn, makes their professional success skyrocket.

It is the effectiveness of this formula—balance in personal life, followed by power in professional life—that has led me to begin a series of public workshops, the first of which will be held in Fort Lauderdale on Saturday, December 9, 2006. Buy a plane ticket and come to Florida! Let’s spend some time together personally. Bring friends and relatives you know who could benefit from an upward leap in their private and professional world. This will be a fun-filled and life-changing experience.

The sessions are worth thousands of dollars in value, but for the launch of the program, we are making it possible for you to come almost for free! When you sign up, mention that you are a subscriber to the Ezine, Attitudes and Altitudes with Alvin. Simply visit the website – www.AlvinDay.com/workshop.html and get the information you need to register and attend.

Now, if you absolutely cannot make it for a personal session with me, here’s another idea. It’s Christmas. If you have friends or relatives who need a boost in vision, purpose, achievement and rewards, get a few copies of the actual “Born to Fly” audio program and give them as Christmas presents. The six CDs and Flight Manual will create an impact for life. And your shopping will be easier and more meaningful this year. But act quickly to allow for shipping times, given the seasonal rush. Go to the website: www.AlvinDay.com/BornToFly.html

By the way, let’s get back to our story. That episode with Janet happened over a ago year now. But just a few days ago, I spoke with her and asked how she was doing. Her response was, “Life’s a blast!” (By the way, she doesn’t know about my conversation at the Hilton.) Her work is going great and she feels wonderful. Again, my stomach felt heavy with the presence of life overpowering the essence of death.

You may not face a challenge so drastic, but when you feel low, despondent or overburdened with life’s issues, remember, first seek balance in your personal life and then you will gain power in your professional life. Trust me, this attitude will give you altitude.

Alvin PS: When ordering your “Born to Fly” Christmas presents, ask for a special subscriber discount. Again, the two websites

are: www.AlvinDay.com/workshop.html for the workshop and www.AlvinDay.com/BornToFly.html for the Christmas present.