In this month's newsletter you'll find:
As we experience the changing of the seasons and the close of the calendar year, many of us look back and think about all we have to be grateful for in our lives -- including me.
This year, especially, I am extremely grateful for my health. Most people don't know that I have been battling a debilitating condition that I quite possibly have had my whole life. I was healed almost instantly once finally diagnosed after two years of horribly painful tests. I am now getting healthy and fit again, grateful to be able to walk outside in the sunshine again.
I am grateful for my husband who kept researching my symptoms when all the doctors were stumped. He, my children, family, and closest friends continued to give me encouragement even during the most difficult times.
I am so thankful for the PTC team. My assistant, Chris Gooley, carried much of my load when I was too ill to do so and did such a good job that we didn’t have to cut back in any way.
I am grateful that in this recession I have been able to grow my business so we can continue serving parents and family professionals during some of the toughest times they've faced in years. I am so blessed to have my business manager, Ashish Sharma, a professional project manager and business planner... and a Parents Toolshop® graduate. He believed so much in our mission that he came on board to support my long-term legacy planning and growth.
I am so pleased to have our newest team members, Deb Ruscitelli (Leader Coordinator) and Belinda Long (Speaker Coordinator). Deb has been with PTC since the beginning (1992) and is finally getting a “seat on the bus.” Belinda is a foster parent who attended a training, shared her expertise and was hired on the spot. They each have stepped into their positions with confidence and competence taking tasks off my "plate" so I can write and speak. I have no idea how I managed to do all of this by myself in the past!
I so appreciate the parents who attend my classes and visit our web site and then send me notes of thanks. It is an absolute gift to hear their success stories, how their lives are less stressful, their children better behaved, and their family relationships healed.
I appreciate each community and program sponsor who recognizes the value of what Parents Toolshop® offers and provides complimentary space and advertising to make it possible for us to provide our programs in a variety of locations.
I am excited about all the new leaders who have come on board the past few months and grateful for the expertise they each have and will be sharing with the parents in their corner of the world when they start teaching Parents Toolshop® and Teacher Toolshop programs.
Every day, I am thankful for all the blessings in my life — and not just when things are going well. When I’m having a rough day or long stretch of bad luck, I remind myself to list all I'm grateful for, naming each person or circumstance. I always say “thanks” for whatever challenge I'm facing at that time. I know it is through those dark times that we grow the most and come to appreciate even more the simple things in our lives.
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