By taking a few minutes to regularly reflect on what’s important to us, we increase our ability to be more effective, productive and satisfied in all that we do. 

Thanks to everyone who responded to my May 1^st e-mail asking for your votes in the Pepsi Refresh Challenge. While our ranking isn’t yet as strong as we had hoped, the response we are receiving about the need and development of A Place To Turn To has been wonderful.

This project is a culmination of much of my life experience and as I look back on all that has brought me here it reminds me of a conversation I had with a woman who was mentoring me when I was in my 20’s. 

I was complaining because the company I was working for then was giving me some very large projects with a lot of responsibility – projects at a level which my salary certainly didn’t reflect. When I spoke with her about feeling the company was taking advantage of me, she reminded me of this: every bit of experience I was gaining, every ounce of knowledge I was developing, every new task I was learning how to do, would go with me no matter what I ended up doing for the rest of my life. She helped me to see that while the company was benefiting from my efforts, I was gaining so much more. 

Little did I know at that time that 18 months after that conversation, I would be quitting my job to start my first business and that all the experiences I had had at my job were going to be incredibly beneficial in launching that new venture! Since that time I’ve learned to appreciate opportunities to try to master new skills – no matter what financial reward came with it, knowing they might come in handy in the future. 

Now here I am, some 30 years later launching yet another new venture and being exceedingly grateful for all the experiences since then that have led me to this point and allowed me the ability to bring this new project to fruition. 

As an added bonus to all I have learned, I have met some really incredible people along the way. Seeing how various relationships (casual, professional, short and long term) are now becoming a part of and/or helping with this project is truly remarkable. 

Take some time this month to think about how past experiences have enhanced your ability to do what you do today. Think about the opportunities to stretch yourself now which might lead to some of your greatest assets in the future. 

And, if you have some extra time, I’ll ask again for a special favor – please cast your Pepsi vote as often as you can. Follow us on Facebook. Let me know if you’re connected to any foundations or other funding opportunities that could help us. And/or tell your friends about what we’re attempting to accomplish and ask them to join in. 

I’d greatly appreciate it!

This month’s suggestion: Take an inventory of the skills you’ve developed and gifts you have honed through the years. Experience a sense of gratitude for the experiences and people that you’ve learned from. 

This month’s affirmation: Everything I learn today stays with me throughout my lifetime.