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Excavate Your Dreams!
By
Margarita Rozenfeld
Success Coach, of Essence
 The other day, I stumbled upon a hidden treasure! It had been buried in the depths of my file cabinet for over a year and suddenly resurfaced when I needed it most. This came at a critical time, when my energy was hitting the "dangerously low and quickly depleting" level. My discovery replenished my strength and reconnected me with my dream.
This treasure is an article I wrote just a few months after my organization YES!Circle was born. I had been struggling to figure out where I wanted it to go and my coach suggested that I write this article from a-year-in-the-future perspective. It was surprisingly easy; I was simply describing the vision that was already imprinted in my imagination. Reading it now, I once again realize how incredibly powerful it is to declare and share our dreams! So here is my abbreviated dream/article dated Spring 2001.
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Say YES to Success!
Magic is what happens when ideas, idealists and ideal environment come together!
Imagine looking around the room and feeling like you totally and completely belong, like every face reflects your own enthusiasm, struggles, challenges, passion and excitement. Imagine having unconditional support of dozens of people, some of whom you've never even met. Yet somehow you know that they will be a part of your future, your companions on a journey to success. You have hundreds of ideas swirling around, all promising to make you wealthy, successful and fulfilled. But which do you pursue, market, sell and HOW? The answers are about to unravel — you've come to the right place, YES!Circle.
It's hard to believe that the organization came into existence only a year ago. Its tsunami growth and impact was predicted by few, least of all, its founder Margarita Rozenfeld. She simply wanted to create an organization whose mission it was to collect fewer cards, connect with more people, help each other be supported, focused, motivated, inspired and successful! The world of vibrant, passionate entrepreneurs did not need another impersonal, competitive networking group. It needed connection with kindred spirits, support, fun, balance and synergy! At least Margarita was hoping that's what the world needed because she was hoping to foster that type of environment — for herself most of all.
The format of the meetings varies greatly but a common element is always FUN. Playfulness is an initiation rite at YES!Circle — those who take themselves too seriously need not apply. Margarita's philosophy is that creativity, innovation and entrepreneurship comes in a FUNky package, so be prepared to see everyone from dreamers to millionaires playing in the same "sandbox". Programs often feature impossible-to-book speakers (many of whom belong to the group), brainstorming sessions, and educational programs.
When asked what keeps them coming back, all unanimously agree that the group helps them thrive and soar both professionally and personally. Numerous partnerships, alliances and friendships have emerged, even several couples! Building relationships and community service have been emphasized from the very beginning. The group's resources and talents have helped several non-profits, often resulting in paid contract work for the members. Business seems to spontaneously generate itself when great causes meet amazing people who make win-win opportunities.
Next on the agenda (after Margarita's much-needed vacation on an exotic sunny island J)? A national conference to bring together entrepreneurs from all around the country! So what can happen in merely a year when someone says YES to her dream? Well, look at the YES!Circle-less world of 2001, fast forward a year and freeze frame success!
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So overlooking the slight "hokey factor" (which I am officially allowed as a Success Coach), if you've visited YES!Circle lately, you've probably noticed how shockingly accurate the reality has come to the dream. There HAVE been countless alliances, partnerships and business deals formed through YES!Circle. Several amazing couples that have met through YES!Circle, one is getting married in August! No, we're not adding matchmaking to our official mission statement, it shall remain implied and inferred :). We have supported nonprofit organizations in our community, DCJCC and NFTE, with financial and volunteer resources. We have had speakers and members come from across the country and several want to start YES!Circle chapters in their cities (there's the national "t" crossed)! And we are just getting started! The point of this story?
Please take the time to capture a snapshot of your dreams in your own way — write an article, make a collage, journal, or create a mind map. Keep it close, revisit it often, and share it with others. Although my treasure got buried for a while, the dream it represented lived, thrived and has regained momentum! Please let me know how I can help you excavate your dreams as well as find resources, tools and connections to achieve them!
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