The FIRST LESSON is – there are always new lessons to be learned.
The SECOND LESSON is that in the absence of “financial success, you have to dig deep to find your own measures of success - personally and professionally.
Let me start by saying that I know I am one of the luckiest women in the world. I enjoy abundance in my family, my marriage, my friends and my career. But darn it, 2009 WAS HARD. Terry and I thought the “tough years” were behind us - THIRD LESSON
In July, we talked about our Survivor SoCal Leadership Retreat, in which we didn’t even fully realize what we were going to have to face. Now, looking back, it is evident that we wanted to believe it would get better…sooner...and it didn’t. We have reached deep into the heart of TMM to re-design ourselves and to make every adjustment necessary to carry us through.
So as I whine about what isn’t . . . I think about what is. Here are a few of the measures of success we all share:
- Family and friends are long term, money is short term
- One good opportunity will change the entire direction of your circumstances
- Focus on what you are becoming – not on what you are or on what you were
- Treat each others well – your associates, your clients and most importantly, the people you love
- Pause to be grateful – to say THANK YOU – and mean it
As many of you know, travel is one of my greatest pleasures – and in 2009 I took advantage of the time I had (no business coming to SoCal) and checked off a few more of the places and people on my “bucket list”.
In May, it was a road trip for Patty Blank, Jennifer Brown and I to open up Patty’s Montana home to enjoy for the summer.
In July, again with Patty, my sister and nieces, and the women who were with me in India last year, we joined Project Concern on a Vision Trip to Zambia. There, we met so many wonderful people and women who are changing their world and their children’s lives, through self-empowerment groups.
Just a few months later, we were on the road again to San Miguel de Allende, where history, culture, art, cuisine and friendship blend in perfect balance.
So the final lesson we learned in 2009 - we did indeed survive! We remained healthy; we remained committed to our business and its future . . . and enjoyed a few special trips too.
It was a year filled with great memories of travel, friendship and fortitude. Our staff was wonderful, supportive and focused at a time we needed them the most.
I hope your year also was filled with successes – ones that may not be so clear at first glance, but equally rewarding and measurable when thoughtfully considered and acknowledged.
HAPPY NEW YEAR to all – may this year be full of promise and performance!
