In 2004, my best friend, mentor, inspirer and cousin was taken from this world far too young. Her name was Beth Lochtefeld.
Yesterday, I was meeting with a Muralist, sharing my vision for a whimsical magic doorway design I want painted on the side of our barn. I told him, I want it to draw people in to our new Studio (more on this in a future post).
He began to brainstorm. After a few minutes he says, “I think I’ll add a whale.” My jaw dropped.
If you are a Lochtefeld, then, you know, Beth’s father John is a famous artist from Nantucket. One of his signatures is to add whales to his paintings.
I recognize when the Universe opens Magic Doorways. This is when I know to become very still, and to listen carefully to what my Soul has to say. It prompted me to ask Valerie Mendoza to go grab a copy of Beth’s book.
Before Beth was murdered, she had just finished a manuscript for a very special book. It featured her fathers art paired with learnings she gleaned from various speakers at our personal development seminars.
After her passing, I teamed up with her brother Tom Lochtefeld to get the manuscript published. I then ordered 10,000 copies with purpose. I promised myself to hand one out to every customer one of my company’s would attempt to inspire.
Twenty years later, a copy awaits every guest that checks into our hotel for a retreat. Beth’s legacy continues through this simple gesture to her memory.
While Val was off getting a copy, I began to tell the Muralist about Beth. As I did so, I started to shake and choke up. The Muralist, a perfect stranger, showed compassion and gave me needed space to regain my composure.
Just at that moment, Val re-emerged and handed him a copy. He opened the book. I could tell that he stopped to read the inside cover to read about its author. Then he flipped through the pages. I could see the goosebumps form on his skin. The book had its intended impact - inspiration.
My Soul then whispered something. I instantly agreed and asked, maybe you can add “In Loving Menory to Beth Lochtefeld” to the mural.
We both instantly knew that this wasn’t a request. The Universe commands it. So, it will be! 
