Gaze into My Chocolate Crystal Ball

You know that annoying saying "Things always work out for the best?" It's something motivational speakers like me say from the podium when we're trying to help people deal with the bad things that happen to them. And a lot of people might think it's Pollyannish BS.

Well, let me share my recent example.

I'm single and the holidays can be lonely. So several years ago I decided to start taking great trips during those holidays. It's a slow time business-wise, so it's been a fantastic solution. I expand my horizons, don't miss out on lots of business opportunities, and don't sit around feeling sorry for myself.

This year I was seriously considering going to Greece. I bought several books on Greece, contacted several companies that do tours of Greece, and thought it might be the location for this year. But the economy took a nose dive and I decided it would be wiser to pay off my mortgage rather than take an extravagant vacation.

Of course, as the holidays approach I've been wondering if maybe I made the wrong choice, if I shouldn't have played it safe. Can you say, "Whew?"

As many of you know, Greece is in a horrible state right now. It's being torn apart by rioters. Obviously I would have had to cancel my trip or if somehow I had gotten caught in this mess, there's no telling what could have happened. It certainly wouldn't be the Greece I wanted to visit.

We don't have a crystal ball, we can't know the future. Sometimes something seems bad (this recession) but maybe you will also realize there's some aspect of it that's for the best. Maybe we'll reassess what's important to us. Maybe we'll treat our customers like they are worth their weight in gold (which we sometimes forget when times are good). Maybe we'll operate more efficiently. Maybe some companies will fail that really needed to. Maybe you'll be let go from a job you really hated and find work you really love. We can't see the future and what the end result will be. So hang in there!!!!

Of course, one group that is loving the recession is confectioners! People view candy as a simple, affordable pleasure. Yay! And you can get some really decadent chocolates for really affordable prices. This is one of my favorites:






FERRERO Prestige contains three different confections - the traditional Rocher in gold which is a creamy chocolaty filling surrounding a whole hazelnut, within a delicate, crisp wafer - all covered in chocolate and chopped hazelnuts. (Ferrero also makes Nutella - they know their hazelnuts.) I am always amazed by how light these are. Light and delicious! And look at those gorgeous wrappers!



The Garden Coco is also fantastic - described as a savory combination of rich coconut cream surrounding a sweet almond, within a delicate, crisp wafer...topped with meringue and shredded coconut. Now that sounds like it might be too much coconut or too sweet. But it really wasn't - it was REALLY good. Not too sweet, not too coconutty. A wonderful mix of textures. I think you should try it.


The one I liked the least was the Rondnoir - described as a unique combination of a creamy, dark chocolate surrounding a "black pearl" of fine dark chocolate, within a delicate, crisp wafer (I think they need more adjectives) ...topped with crunchy dark chocolate morsels. Maybe because this one has no nuts, it's my least favorite. The other two are so good, this one pales in comparison. Odd that the dark should pale....(maybe I need some new words myself!).


Bottom line - you never know what the future holds. Something that seems bad today could end up to be something good tomorrow. You might meet the love of your life at the second job you had to take to make extra money. The Universe works in mysterious ways. Your only job is to keep showing up and staying open to hope. Oh - and make sure you eat some chocolate along the way! Carpe diem, carpe chocolate!