A Linchpin Like Me

Now that I'm a Linchpin, my first task is squashing a lizard brain. Wait, there's no need to call PETA just yet! I live a compassionate lifestyle and would never intentionally harm an animal. The only lizard brain in real danger is my own. It's funny because until yesterday, I actually didn't even realize that I had a lizard brain, but now it all makes perfect sense. I have been listening to the wrong part of my brain, avoiding risks, second guessing my ideas, and letting fear get in the way of my art.

I only discovered my lizard brain because I was fortunate enough to meet a very wise wizard named Seth "The Great" Godin who gave me a magical book of spells. Yes, it is actually enchanted and has the power to change the lives of those who use it for good. Anyway, hidden within the pages of the book (p. 106) is the description and the only known cure for defeating the small, but mighty lizard brain that lives in a secret compartment of the human mind. Yikes! I know, it's like reading Encyclopedia Horrifica and finding out that your own body is infested with creepy little organisms, only worse. The lizard brain feeds on fear. He is terrified of change and will sabotage any thoughts that the creative parts of your mind may invent. He douses those sparks of genius before they have time to ignite into a brilliant flame that could provide brilliant light and joy to the world. He sounds evil, doesn't he? Now you see why the book is so important. One must learn to recognize the clever ways of the lizard brain before attempting to slay him, for it takes more than a sword to quiet this beast.

Thank goodness I met this wise wizard in time to create my own happily ever after because I've been wandering around the forest, kissing frogs and accepting ruby red apples from strangers for far too long. Seth taught me that there is no clearly marked path to success and happiness, I must invent my own!

Now that I know my dastardly lizard brain is what's stopped me from following my dreams and sharing my ideas, this vegetarian is no longer afraid to make lizard brain soup, so grab a spoon and watch out world!

Because I am a kindhearted soul, I wouldn't dream of keeping this gift all to myself. In fact, neither would the one who had the wisdom to outwit his own lizard brain and write it. Seth Godin is generous enough to share his words and wisdom with anyone willing to read them in his new book, Linchpin. It's all about the people we can't live without. The Linchpins. People like me. You can find it in a village bookstore near you or have it delivered to your doorstep by magic owls.

It was awesome to meet Seth Godin and listening to him speak was truly inspiring. So much of what he said rang true in my mind and my life. I realized that the experiences in my life that brought me the most happiness and success were the times that I found the courage and strength to block my lizard brain.

Seth is brilliant. I could have listened to him for hours, but I'm grateful for just one.

I found Squidoo in August 2007, became a Giant Squid in July 2008 and was accepted into the Giant Squids 100 Club in January 2009. Squidoo has given me the freedom to explore and learn in so many ways. It is an outlet for my ideas. I am grateful for the opportunity and look forward to my future here and wherever new doors may open along the way.

Please be aware that the events recorded on this lens may not have happened exactly as I described them. It's possible that Seth may not have been wearing a wizard costume, but everything else is definitely true and factual.

Lunch With Seth Godin was hosted by Startup Princess and took place at The Rail Event Center in SLC, Utah. There were 700+ attendees and all proceeds were donated to the Red Cross for Haiti relief efforts.

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