I’ve been reading (using) a daily journal called “Spirit is Calling” by Edward Viljoen – better said; I began the year using it.

Today, ensconced in the surroundings of being back in the comfort of my den, I reached for it once more.As I opened to read the lesson of the day, I noticed that I had last opened the book on April 7th. I paused and asked myself – “What happened on April 8th? Why did I stop?”

The answer: It was on April 8th that I decided it was time for me to return to my house – to my home. In February of 2008, I needed to step away from the home that I thought was to be “our” home. Grieving twelve years of lost expectations had taken its toll and I needed to step away. Now, that I had decided it was time for me to make the house “my home”, I still had fears. I feared the walls would still seep with memories of “us”.

Regardless of my fears, I took the risk. When I opened the door, what I found was shocking. Warped hardwood floors, dirty walls, and backyard that had been ignored for 14 months. Needless to say, not one old memory remained. I could not recognize this house, as anything I would have once called my home. In truth, this disaster was actually a blessing.

I found myself surrounded by friends that jumped in and within 90-days transformed what looked like an abandon rental, into a house that I’m willing to proclaim as “my” home. So today I am so very grateful that the universe sent me the right people, at the right time, to walk with me through this transition.

Thank you Jeff, Deb, Eric and Matthew, the tiling, cutting, drilling, lifting, touting, hanging and moving were effortless because of your willing to help out. And a very special thank you to Diane, who sanded, buffed and painted each and every inch of wall, ceiling, and cabinetry.

I have often said that when the challenge seems too much – just move one rock. 90 days ago, I didn’t know where to begin – but they did. They taught me that it didn’t matter which rock was moved first, just start shoveling and don’t look back.

It’s good to be home.

Surround Yourself with Powerful Woman

A seminar I attended aimed to encourage executive management to recruit and retain women in a typically male-dominated auto-manufacturing environment. I was already on board for that cause, but as a human resources executive, attendance was mandatory. Perhaps, I looked bored. Maybe the facilitator thought I looked “safe.” But suddenly I was singled out.

She asked: “Who is the most successful woman you know?” and, “who is the most powerful?” The facilitator mistook my delay in responding as an indication I couldn’t name one powerful woman in my life. “Mr. Elliott, can’t you name one woman that you’d consider to be powerful?”

“Oh yes — I can name a dozen.”

She thought I was being sarcastic, but I could easily name 12 powerful women in my life. Most of the other men in the seminar mentioned their wives or a great teacher. But at the end of the day, could only come up with only two or three names.

I left the seminar in a reflective mood. Proud that in my life I’m surrounded by women who are newspaper editors, elected officials, business owners, spiritual leaders, teachers, nonprofit leaders, corporate executives, and home technicians that are all powerful women.

As I drove away, I reflected on the last question of the day: “What aspect of their power influences you or touches you the most?” For me the answer was easy: “Laughter.” All these women love life and love to laugh.

A few years ago, I was visiting two of my friends in their home in Las Vegas. I was in another room, but from the adjoining room, I could hear Vera’s laughter. It was spontaneous, unedited and full of joy. For the first time in my life, I knew what joy sounded like. I could write volumes on this woman’s powerful journey, but for now I’ll say that when I hear her laughter, I know that all is right with the world.

If I have a day when I’m feeling particularly blue, all I need do is conjure up the sound of Vera’s laughter in my mind. I’m immediately healed. Now that’s power.So if you want to be successful, surround yourself with powerful women — women who can laugh.

• Thinking Out Loud runs occasionally in Our Town. To reach Jack, write him at jackrelliott@yahoo.com or call 209 830-7724.