Category: Gratitude

Last week I wrote about experiencing the magic of being in a group of entrepreneurs who have invested in themselves and their businesses.

This week I continued that experience with a different group of solopreneurs.

I spent three days in the company of some wonderful women (and a few super cool guys). We all arrived at Asheville, NC for learning and masterminding with our coaches, led by Christine Kane.

Again, that magic was present and there was a different layer to it because some of us have been together for almost two years.

Every time I come to Asheville for this experience I leave full of gratitude, ideas and love.

It is great connecting again with some people and connecting for the first time with others.

For me, part of the great magic of our time together is the conversations at the meals. There we share our insights, struggles, wins and really, we share ourselves on a level we don’t always do in other places.

And like last week, I want to highlight some of the women. These are women who have generously shared themselves with me and supported me and I hope I’ve been able to reciprocate.

​Sue Paul is a pharmacist extraordinaire. Seriously, the knowledge this woman has about pharmaceuticals is AMAZING. Sue has been a great and constant friend at these events. She’s supportive and loving and always has a listening ear.

Sara Dickison Taylor is an executive coach. She exudes warmth and love from every pore. Sara is curious about everyone and so very supportive. I will forever remember a dinner we had with two other friends last trip and I had the pleasure of dining with her twice this trip. And she’s one of those people that just glows.

Mika Ross is a relationship coach and therapist. Mika is funny, smart and … And I think she observes a lot more than what she sometimes lets on (maybe it’s her training 🙂 ). She has a wonderful ability to lighten the mood when needed or make an insightful observation. And when she laughs, she throws her head back and lets it go, it’s wonderful to see and hear.

Cindy Harris is a graphic designer and fine artist. I find her fascinating. She has a quiet strength about her and joy. She observes much and I have a feeling she doesn’t share even half of what’s going through her head. And while she’s taking in everything around her, her eyes beautifully sparkle.

Debby Lissaur is a Gallup-Certified Strength Coach. Debbie is someone that looks at me and sees me at my next step long before I can. And each trip I leave with a question or observation from her that makes me think. She’s super sharp, willing to challenge you and love you all at once.

Robbin Jorgensen is one of Christine’s strategy coaches and she also runs her own very successful business. I’ve been blessed to have her as my coach for the last several months. She’s brilliant and warm and will kick your butt when you need it. When she looks at you she really is looking at you, right to your soul. That butt kicking? It’s because she does really see what you’re capable of and she knows you can do it, even when you can’t see it or know it for yourself yet.

I’ve been blessed beyond measure to know and love these wonderful women.

And while you, dear reader, might not ever be able to meet these women in person, my hope is that you have people like this in your life. People that you grow with, are lovingly challenged by and lovingly challenge.

That community is worth more than all the gold in the world.

Today I am at a loss for what to write. So, I decided to use this opportunity to share a little bit more about myself by sharing ten nine people who have had an impact on who I am today.

So, this post is a little bit, well, a lot different than what you normally see here.

Let’s get started!

1. My Mom: Someone told me the other day that I had a very positive and uplifting personality. I told him that my mom is the reason for that. She is a very happy and uplifting person too. She’s always pointing out the good in others and ready to laugh with you, or comfort you. I know you probably think your mom’s pretty great, but my mom’s the BEST!

2. My Dad: My dad is someone who plays after the work is done. Sitting still all day is just not how he’s built. So, to say that he has a great work ethic would be putting it mildly. Whether it’s going to work to support his family, taking care of the yard or supporting family (although he would argue that’s not work, that’s just what you do for family, blood or otherwise), he likes to stay busy. Don’t let all that fool you though, he likes to have fun too! And he loves his daughters tremendously.

3. My Sister: She definitely works hard. She’s a successful lawyer in Chicago and works long hours, but she’ll drop everything for a friend in need. She’s taught me about trying out things you don’t think you’ll like and being open to the possibility of loving it (a small town girl happily living in downtown Chicago). She’s funny and goofy and a lot of fun to be around. And we just get each other (and we share our Mom’s goofy sense of humor).

4. Nate: My husband. I do not think there is a more supportive husband anywhere on earth. Seriously! He’s been supportive though all the ups, downs, frustrations and excitement of my entrepreneurial journey. He’s been supportive; he’s listened to me talk about things he doesn’t really care about but knows is important to me; held me when I’ve cried; shared my celebrations. And he’s been my best friend.

5. Nicki and Tina: They were my two best friends in college. We don’t talk much anymore, our lives have gone separate ways, but they taught me a lot about supporting and being there for a friend. And they taught me about gracefully being on the receiving end. They encouraged me to stretch my comfort zone and were a safe place to land. I can still hear the sound of their laughter in my ears.

6. The HCC Gang: It began with Pete, Brandon, Marsha, Ericka, Sarah, Angie and Michelle and has grown to include spouses (JorjAnn and Jeremy) and now their kids. They were my first post high school friends and we stay in touch and see each other a few times a year. I know that anytime I need anything, I can call any of them. We’ve been friends for over 15 years. And I feel pretty confident in saying we’ll be friends for at least 15 more. They’re my second family.

7. Intro to Religion Professor at NCC: Unfortunately I cannot remember her name! I do remember that for each religion we read about we had to write a one to two page paper prior to discussing it in class. Writing the papers took a lot of time, but in retrospect it was only because I thoroughly thought about what I wanted to say. I didn’t enjoy the process, but I loved the outcome. I had opinions! And the professor said she enjoyed reading them! I believe that class is one of the reasons I decided I could have a blog. I loved that class!

8. Christine Kane: I really can’t remember when I started following her. It was before her last album came out, so probably 2007 or 2008. I wasn’t very happy at the time. I remember reading some of her blogs and telling Nate that sometimes I thought we weren’t living in the same world. Sometimes she wrote things that I just did.not.GET. A couple years later I was bawling after listening to a teleclass of hers because I just KNEW that I needed that program and it felt like a lot of money. With my husband’s blessing, I bought it. And things really did start to change. She gave me the tools and support that allowed ME to change them. A few years later I’m in another program of hers and there have been many Ah-ha moments.

9. Darla LeDoux: In 2010 I realized I wanted to work for myself. Only problem? I had no idea what I wanted to do when I grew up. I believe I came across Darla because of she interviewed someone I was following along that topic. I don’t remember the exact sequence of events, but I hired Darla to help me figure out what I wanted to be when I grew up. Darla was my coach for probably two years. I learned so much about business, and more importantly myself through working with her. She truly held that spot that all coaches hold for their clients, that space of believing that I was capable of soo much, even when I couldn’t see it for myself. I still follow Darla, love her to pieces, and consider her a friend. (you can find her over at AlignAndProfit.com)

Well, I’ve had a good happy/grateful cry while writing this. So, I’m stopping at nine.

Do you have any questions for me, personal or business, that you’re curious about? Ask them below.

I’m thinking about doing a 21 questions type thing next week (you get to know me, but it’s a different feel than this one). I’d love to add or replace some of those questions with ones from you!