Vol. 21, Issue 2, Jan. 27, 2022
As we move cautiously into 2023, it’s good to hear that people are gathering in person once again and having those irreplaceable conversations in person that happen in the hallways, elevators, and while waiting in long lines. Smiles, stories, and even secrets are often exchanged, and remembered long after closing remarks.
Our speaker, Jane Jenkins Herlong, CSP, CPAE, calls these “sweet tea moments,” 
as only a woman with her Southern birthright and upbringing can both identify and relate. Her latest book, Sweet Tea Secrets from the Deep-Fried South is a tongue-in-cheek collection of over-the-top Southern stories that she has gleaned from everyday happenstances. And, of course, these stories find their way into her speeches.
Jane has been speaking professionally since 1991 and has gathered many sweet tea moments from her audiences. When she attends conferences, she likes to get into the culture of the association/convention and chat with attendees before she goes on stage. She doesn’t let them know that she’s the speaker until she must let the cat out of the bag.
“Conference attendees have taught me many lessons that have been an asset to me personally and professionally,” she says. “They’ve also offered insights about the group that I’ve used to weave into my keynotes.”
Today, we’re sharing a few of Jane’s successful sweet tea secrets that she has learned along the way — as told by Jane.
Three Sweet Tea Secrets for 2023 –
Seasoned, Steeped, and Steamed
By Jane Jenkins Herlong, CSP, CPAE
Seasoned
Never stop learning and growing in your profession – being seasoned. One of the greatest benefits from attending conferences is networking. Many new and creative ideas can be learned when folks open their eyes and ears.
I was speaking to an elderly woman at a conference in Arkansas. She was a loved and respected matriarch of the group—ninety-two years old. Of course, I asked her secret to good health and longevity.
“I take things in stride,” she said. “I live by my favorite Bible verse, ‘And it came to pass.’ That verse is in the Bible 737 times which mean things will happen in life and things will pass. So don’t let stress dominate your thoughts.”
That’s how a seasoned person lives life – not wasting time and energy trying to change circumstances beyond their control.
Steeped
In my opinion, there is no greater joy in life than to discover the person you were created to be. Life’s journey is to be a “Human Becoming” and 
comfortable in your own skin. I have discovered that challenges are easier to confront when you are not afraid to fail. So, strive to be comfortable being uncomfortable!
In South Georgia a few weeks ago, I met a genuine “steel magnolia.” After my speech, we began chatting and true to our Southern upbringing, we dove right into some personal problems. She told me that she was dealing with some family issues concerning her elderly mother and sibling drama. I understood her dilemma completely and the challenges of setting boundaries and borders. It was music to my ears when she repeated the phrase, my mother taught me to be strong and do the next right thing. I know who I am and what is in the best interest of my mother.
You go, girl!
So many people make the mistake of being people-pleasers; they bow to pressure and compromise. Fear of rejection and failure keeps them from discovering their gifts and new abilities. But the steeped person embraces a challenge as an opportunity for growth. If you are brave, you will discover so many new talents and skill sets that you never dreamed of.
Steamed
This word is all about passion. It is the result of living with wisdom and striving to be the best version of you.
Health care audiences are a treasure chest of amazing people. At a large conference, the CEO of a large hospital shared his story with me about earning his college degree at age 53! He had heard my signature story about struggling with learning disabilities and lack of money for college, and we understood each other. We both knew the power of passion to achieve seemingly impossible goals. Despite the difficulties, I did go on to earn that degree, just as he had.
We can all support each other by sharing our stories and our passions.
In 2023, look at life as a large glass of sweet tea and brew some new goals: be seasoned, steeped, and steamed. Ditch the lemons of bitterness; add a sprig of mint plus a dash of sugar, and your life will be sweet and refreshing.
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Jane Jenkins Herlong is a Southern humorist, a member of the Speaker Hall of Fame, and an award-winning professional speaker. Jane’s comedy is heard on Sirius XM Radio and other streaming services. She is also an international best-selling/award-winning author of five books, a professional singer, and recording artist.
If you’d like your own personalized copy of Sweet Tea Secrets, email me your contact information. I’ll mail a copy to the first five respondents.
To bring Jane’s Southern humor and Sweet Tea Secrets to your community, company, or association, give me a call at 503-699-5031 or email me at barbara@speakwellbeing.com.
Steeped in my Memory
This is not Southern. I’m not even sure it’s Midwest. But here goes –
Have you ever had an off-the-cuff remark stick with you for life? One Thanksgiving many years ago, I was visiting my brother and his family in Missouri. We were at the day after Thanksgiving table indulging in the leftovers, when my Dad, sitting across the table from me (at a very wide dining room table), said, “Barbi, do you want some more milk?” I don’t think I blew up at the time, but I remember that remark hitting me like a ton of bricks.
It wasn’t about me and a glass of milk (I’m not sure I was even drinking milk at the time!). He wanted me to get up and go get the milk for him! And it wasn’t about getting up and getting the milk. I could certainly do that – and probably did. It was about indirect communication. I came away from that exchange realizing that possibly by example in my family, I had learned not to ask directly for what I want. I took that lesson with me – for life.
To this day, “Barbi, do you want more some milk” is a response in my household to an indirect communication, meaning, “Hey, you just asked for something indirectly. Ask for what you want.”
And that’s how I stay out of hot water. Until next time, take care of yourself for your well being and those you love.
Yours Truly,
Barbara
For Your Well Being is published with the intention of bringing you insider speaker reports, exclusive stories about special events around the country, meeting planner tips, and fun stuff from the worlds of health and well being. Be well and be in the know!
The Speak Well Being Group is a specialized speakers bureau, focusing on health and wellness for all types of organizations that want to foster health and well being for their employees, members, clients, and in their communities.
Our speakers are hand-selected. They are not only experts in their fields; they connect with their audiences while bringing them life-changing information, smiles of recognition, and ultimately a sense of well being and hope.
Finding the perfect keynote speaker for your special event or conference is my personal passion, not just once, but year after year. It brings me great joy to know that your audience was delighted and moved by the speaker we selected together. I’m committed to making the process easy, pleasant and fun.
