Honor Their Craft

In the world of entrepreneurship, small business owners dedicate themselves to mastering their craft and building businesses that bring value to others. This journey is both a calling and a career for many, especially those who work in coaching, creative industries, or consulting.

Yet, an unfortunate trend often appears when friends or acquaintances approach these professionals for services: a resistance to paying the same rates expected of anyone else.

The Value of Paying for Services from Those You Know

When you hire a professional for coaching, design, consulting, or any other service, payment is more than just a transaction. It’s an acknowledgment of their expertise, time, and dedication.

Professionals don’t charge arbitrarily; their rates reflect years of experience, investment in their skills, and the quality of service they deliver. By paying their rate, you are validating their hard work and respecting the value they bring.

Why Asking for Discounts Can Strain Relationships

When friends or colleagues ask for discounts, it can unintentionally send a few messages:

1. Questioning Their Value: It may signal that you see them as “less than” other professionals providing similar services.

2. Straining the Personal Relationship: Money can quickly complicate relationships, especially if there’s a sense of imbalance or undervaluing the other person’s work.

3. Forcing Uncomfortable Conversations: When a friend has to explain or defend their rates, it places them in a challenging position that can create unnecessary discomfort.

The American Psychological Association (APA) reports that financial stress remains a significant source of anxiety for adults, especially those whose incomes rely on consistent payments for services rendered.

It’s one thing if a friend or professional offers you a discount—many business owners do so at their discretion. But it’s something completely different when you expect it or, even worse, ask for it outright, as if entitled to a “friends and family” rate.

This expectation can undermine the business and the relationship, as it overlooks the reality that small businesses rely on each client’s support to stay afloat.

When you patronize a friend’s business, part of that support is honoring their rates. Think of it this way: Doesn’t it make more sense to offer them more, recognizing that they, too, have expenses to cover and businesses to sustain?

A Few Practical Tips from Coach Quack: Navigating Expectations Professionally and Respectfully

For business owners:

1. Set Clear Boundaries from the Start: Clearly communicate your rates upfront and reinforce that your rates reflect the value of your work.

2. Create a Policy on Discounts: If you offer discounts for specific clients, make it policy-driven, not personal, to avoid misunderstandings.

3. Stand Firm in Your Value: Remember that your rates reflect your experience, talent, and the high level of service you provide.

For clients and friends:

1. Respect the Rates Provided: Acknowledge that small businesses have expenses like any other. Expecting discounts simply because of a personal connection can undermine the integrity of their business.

2. Avoid Placing Them in the Position to Ask for Payment: After service is rendered, payment should be immediate and seamless, never requiring the professional to follow up.

3. Remember Every Dollar Counts: Small businesses, unlike larger corporations, often operate with thin margins. Every cent goes toward sustaining the business and supporting their families.

Small business owners are often asked to justify their prices, especially in service-driven fields. However, their income depends on each client’s respect for their rates. Friendships should support an entrepreneur’s work, not strain it. After all, honoring the professional values of your friends shows proper respect for the dedication and effort they put into their careers.

So, the next time you reach out to a friend for their services, make sure you’re all in with your support, right up to and including their full rate. After all, what better way to say, “I believe in you”?

#HonorTheirCraft

#SupportSmallBusiness

#BelieveInYourFriends

#FriendshipMatters

#SmallBusinessOwners

#Entrepreneurs

#WomenInBusiness

#ExecutiveCoach

#ValueYourFriends

#RespectTheHustle

#iamworthit #BusinessWithHeart

Are You a Gate Keeper?

“Tell me, and I forget. Teach me, and I remember. Involve me, and I learn.” – Benjamin Franklin

“Give a man a fish, and he will eat for a day. Teach him how to fish, and he will eat forever.” – Lao Tzu

These quotes are timeless because they touch the very essence of what it means to lead, teach, and guide. Yet, too often, leaders and managers—those tasked with overseeing teams, departments, and processes—fall into the trap of gatekeeping knowledge. 

Rather than investing in the growth and development of the people they oversee, they hold tightly to the information and skills that could elevate others, fearing that empowering their team could, in turn, undermine their own position.

Why? 

Teaching and engaging someone means taking the risk of relinquishing control. It requires security in one’s own worth and contributions and recognition that true leadership is not about safeguarding one’s place at the table but about building more seats.

When leaders view their positions as with the mindsets of merely holding space for the next generation to thrive—something magical happens. They create a pathway for upward mobility, develop robust succession plans, and, perhaps most importantly, give their team members a profound sense of purpose. This is where the true transformation happens: when leaders actively choose to elevate those around them instead of becoming gatekeepers of progress.

Failing to train or develop our teams makes our organizations stagnate and limit their potential. And yet, when we see our role as a stepping stone, we create ripples of impact far beyond our tenure. We cultivate trust, nurture talent, and, ultimately, help break through ceilings that have kept so many from flourishing. 

We build what I call “bench strength”—resilience and readiness in our teams that allow them to excel long after we’ve moved on, retired, or taken on a new challenge.

Insecure leaders breed insecurity in others. But confident leaders? They are architects of legacy.

Leadership is not about hoarding power. It’s about empowering others.

If you are a leader—CEOs, CFOs, directors, or managers—you hold the keys to progress. It’s time to let go of outdated notions of competition and self-preservation. It’s time to share your knowledge, create space for development, and be the stepping stone that propels others into greatness. 

When you are no longer bound by fear and intimidation, you realize that success isn’t a limited resource—it’s a shared experience.

I’ll leave you with this:

A candle loses nothing by lighting another candle. Yet, in that act, it creates an unending source of light. Be the candle that brings light to others’ paths and shines brighter through shared brilliance.

Fried Green Tomatoes

There’s something comforting about family traditions, especially when they revolve around food. In my family, the women have passed down a cherished fried green tomato recipe through the generations. It’s never thrown together; it’s an intentional act of love made with the right ingredients, patience, and a sprinkle of magic. Every time I make them, I feel connected to my mother, grandmother, and all the women who came before me, preserving a small but significant piece of our history.

Yesterday, my daughter came by for a visit with a glint in her eye and a bag in her hand. She held out a few firm, green tomatoes and smiled as if she were gifting me a treasure. She says: “Mom, I got these for you.”

I thought, For me? Ha! You mean for yourself! I’m just the one who prepares them! Still, it warmed my heart. Making these tomatoes has always been an expression of care, and I was happy to cook for her.

As I stood in the kitchen, carefully washing, slicing, and preparing, my daughter watched with curiosity and surprise. I set up my station: eggs for the batter, a mix of cornmeal and breadcrumbs on one plate, and seasoned flour on another. She inhaled deeply, savoring the familiar scent, and said, “I don’t think I’ve ever seen you actually cook these. Who knew there were so many steps?”

Of course, there are steps. If I skipped any, the tomatoes wouldn’t taste the same; they’d be missing the essence that makes them unforgettable. At that moment, I thought about how this simple recipe mirrors what I see in leadership, management, and business today.

We often want immediate results. We want success without the work, satisfaction without the effort, and growth without the process. But, just like with those fried green tomatoes, you can’t cut corners without losing something essential. You might still have a dish, a team, a brand—but without careful attention to each step, it won’t have the same impact. It won’t have the magic.

In leadership, the details matter. The time you take to understand your people, the effort you put into building trust, and the patience you show in perfecting your process are the unseen ingredients that set you apart. They make your work resonate, give your product its character, and make your team loyal. It’s easy to get caught up in the rush to finish, but remember, the magic is in the steps you don’t skip. It’s in the parts no one sees, but everyone feels.

I’ll leave you with this thought: whether you’re leading a team, building a brand, or nurturing a relationship, the true art lies in honoring the process. Just as with the perfect fried green tomato, there’s no shortcut to the best result—only a series of steps that, when done with intention, create something unforgettable.

#Leadership #BusinessInsights #FamilyTraditions #AttentionToDetail #SuccessMindset #IntentionalLeadership #QuackenbushCoaching #QuackenbushCoachingLLC #InspireAndLead #EmbraceTheProcess #NoShortcuts #FriedGreenTomatoes #Hotels #HospitalityLeaders #ExecutiveCoaching #LeadershipCoaching

You Are Quiet

Jewel. You are very quiet.

I’ve heard that a lot over the past few weeks. It’s a sentiment I’ve shared with others when I notice they’ve gone silent. Today, those words sparked a thought in me: Is being quiet a bad thing? When did silence become something negative?

In our rush to constantly post, seeking clicks and engagement, many of us have lost sight of why we’re here. We’ve drifted from being coaches and trainers to becoming mere voices in a crowded market, often forgetting the substance behind our words.

Yes, I’ve been quiet lately. But that silence is intentional. It’s where I reflect, where I heal, and where I gather the strength to offer something meaningful. Silence, for me, is a space of value, not absence.

When I step back from social media, it’s not withdrawal—it’s a conscious effort to ensure that what I say holds weight and isn’t just noise. Marketing is undoubtedly essential, but in our efforts to stay visible, we shouldn’t lose sight of the deeper reasons we started sharing in the first place.

If you are a trainer, speaker, leader, or coach, this is for you: Social media platforms—whether it’s LinkedIn, Instagram, YouTube, Facebook, or any other outlet—are powerful tools, not just for marketing, but for inspiring and uplifting others. As we use these platforms, I’d like to offer two gentle reminders:

  1. Share with intention. Take a moment to reflect on your message. Does it resonate with the values you hold dear? Is it something that will truly add value to those who read it?
  2. Engage with sincerity. Our greatest impact comes not just from what we say, but from how we listen and connect with others. Let’s use our voices to foster genuine relationships and create a community where every word counts.

Lao Tzu wisely said, “Silence is a source of great strength.” Let’s align our actions with the words we share, ensuring that our posts are as meaningful as our intentions.

In these quieter moments, I’ve found that even the messages I shared months ago are still being read and valued. It’s a reminder that we don’t always need to shout to be heard.

Sometimes, the most meaningful connections come from the quietest places.

#Leadership #Coaching #Entrepreneurship #WomenInLeadership #MotivationalSpeaking #Inspiration #HospitalityIndustry #Physicians #Management #PersonalGrowth #BusinessLeaders #ProfessionalDevelopment #WomenInBusiness

Arrogance or Confidence?

Do you manage your team with cooperation or through compliance?

What would they say if we asked the people you work with if you are a manager who they would describe as confident and inspirational or dismissive and arrogant? Think about it.

What would they really say?

As Leaders, we often confuse arrogance with confidence, and today, we will learn the subtle difference.

Here is a page from my personal experience:

It was time for my yearly performance review, and I was riding high. My team had made fantastic strides, operating with efficiency and harmony. We ranked in the top five in the company, and the numbers were beautiful. I spent a month preparing for the review with my boss, knowing it wasn’t just about my performance but the performance of the entire area I oversaw. When the review day arrived, I felt confident and highly prepared for the three-day evaluation. I was excited to show off what we had accomplished and looked forward to feedback for improvements.

The bosses arrived, and everything went as planned. We maneuvered through our days smoothly. At the end of the week, I found myself utterly exhausted—not from the work itself, but from the demeanor of my bosses. They came across as bullies, leaving me deflated, defeated, and disheartened. Despite our stellar performance, I felt drained and dismayed.

I took a few days to reflect and then met with my team for a round-robin chat. We needed to meet to discuss the visit. A common theme emerged from our discussion: we had done exceptionally well, but it was never acknowledged. Instead, a few minor issues were pointed out, and we were dragged over the coals for them. There wasn’t a single compliment or “well done” for what we got right. Many questions posed to us had nothing to do with our presentation or what we were asked to prepare for to present. It was as if they had a completely separate agenda. One team member mentioned that the leadership seemed very out of touch, treating the visit more like a checklist than a genuine effort to understand and inspire us.

None of us felt inspired or motivated to go the extra mile. It seemed that no matter what we did, it was never enough. As a leader, I had a choice: I could have gone down that rabbit hole of negativity, but instead, I chose to pull my team up. I restored their hope and provided explanations, turning the situation around.

A few weeks after the review, I followed up with executive Leadership to address the feedback and share the team’s sentiments. I conveyed the importance of recognizing the team’s hard work and achievements and how the lack of positive reinforcement had impacted morale.

This follow-up was crucial in fostering a dialogue and working towards a more supportive and cooperative relationship between the leadership and the team. I was glad I was going into this follow-up meeting with them. After all, I wanted to clarify even how I was thinking or feeling because maybe I missed the mark or had a blind spot of some sort. Much to my disappointment, it was as if I was in a meeting on another planet. They were out of touch, just as my team described them.

This experience led me to reflect deeply on the purpose of leadership. We all need to justify our roles, but when our justification comes across as interrogating, intimidation, finger-pointing, and morale-killing, we must question it.

Confidence is admired, but when does it become arrogance?

What’s the difference?

Arrogance: Arrogant leaders often dominate conversations with “I” statements, constantly reminding the team that they are in charge as if the people who report to them need the reminder. They constantly micromanage and assert their authority, out of touch with their team’s real needs and feelings. This behavior fosters a culture of fear and resentment, leading to disengagement and demotivation.

Confidence: Confident leaders, on the other hand, inspire trust and respect. They use “we” instead of “I,” acknowledging the collective effort behind every success. They delegate responsibilities, encourage innovation, and provide support rather than micromanagement. Their confidence empowers others, creating a positive and collaborative work environment.

The Impact on Trust and Team Atmosphere

Trust is the cornerstone of any successful team. When leaders operate from a place of arrogance and enforce compliance, they undermine trust and create an atmosphere that is not emotionally or mentally safe for their teams. Team members may feel like commodities, their voices unheard, their contributions undervalued. This leads to disengagement, high turnover rates, and general dissatisfaction. Remember, most people do not leave bad jobs…. They leave bad bosses. I’ve seen many companies lose top talent and great people for these behaviors that go unchecked.

Conversely, leaders who promote cooperation build trust and cultivate a positive atmosphere. Their teams feel valued, respected, heard, and motivated to contribute their best. They are not afraid to make a mistake or ask for help. Such environments are characterized by open communication, mutual support, and a shared sense of purpose.

Reflecting on Your Leadership Style

If you recognize yourself as the leader who instills fear rather than inspiration, it’s time to reflect. Ask yourself:

1. Do my team members feel energized or deflated after our meetings?

2. Am I giving my managers the autonomy to lead effectively?

4. Do I prioritize what I want over the reality of the situation?

5. Am I seeing the team as people or objects?

If the answers to these questions highlight a reliance on compliance rather than cooperation, it’s crucial to reevaluate your approach.

Moving Towards Cooperative Leadership

1. Empower Your Team: Delegate responsibilities and trust your team to handle them. Provide guidance and support, but allow them the autonomy to innovate and excel. When team members feel trusted and empowered, they are likelier to take the initiative and perform at their best.

2. Communicate Openly and Honestly: Foster an environment where feedback flows freely. Encourage dialogue, listen actively, and value every team member’s input. Creating a safe space for open communication builds a foundation of trust and mutual respect.

3. Lead with Empathy: Show genuine concern for the well-being of your team. Understand their challenges, celebrate their successes, and support their growth. Leading with empathy not only strengthens your relationship with your team but also creates a positive and supportive work environment.

As Simon Sinek wisely said, “Leadership is not about being in charge. It’s about taking care of those in your charge.”

The shift from compliance to cooperation is not just a change in management style; it’s a transformation in leadership philosophy. By embracing cooperative leadership, you can create a thriving, motivated, and high-performing team that is invested in the collective success of your organization.

Ask yourself: Do I lead and manage with an air of compliance or a spirit of cooperation?

Support?

The True Nature of Support: A Personal Reflection

Support. It’s a word that carries a lot of weight, yet its meaning can be elusive. As a small business owner and entrepreneur navigating the coaching and mental health space, I often find myself pondering what support truly is and whether I’m receiving the support I need.

Support vs. Help

Let’s start by distinguishing between support and help. Help often feels transactional; it’s about solving a problem or completing a task. Support, on the other hand, is more about presence, encouragement, and understanding. It’s the foundation that allows us to stand firm when challenges arise.

A Story of Support

One day, a close friend called me, distraught and anxious. She had started losing her hair, and her stress was palpable through the phone. My immediate reaction was to jump in and fix the problem. I began rattling off solutions: doctors to see, treatments to try, and resources to look into. Mid-sentence, she interrupted me. “I didn’t ask for you to fix this,” she said softly. “I just needed you to listen and hold space for me.”

That moment was eye-opening. My well-intentioned efforts to help had overlooked the support she truly needed—empathetic listening and emotional presence.

Your Tribe: True Support or Superficial Aid?

We often look to our tribe—our friends, family, and professional networks—for support. But what kind of support are they actually offering? Are they providing the encouragement and understanding we need, or are they merely offering help that doesn’t address the core of our struggles?

As a small business owner, I handle my own marketing—a task that is both critical and costly. I try to leverage relationships that could assist me with this. But I often wonder:

  • Is the support I’m receiving aligned with my needs?
  • Are my supporters truly present, or are they simply checking boxes?

Voicing Your Needs

If you find that the support you’re receiving isn’t what you need, it’s important to voice your needs clearly. This can be challenging, especially when you don’t want to come across as demanding. However, communication is key. Your support system might not know what you need unless you tell them.

When Support Falls Short

There are times when those with the platforms and power to support us choose not to. It’s easy to feel let down or even resentful when this happens. But is it their obligation to support us? Or is it our expectation that needs reevaluation?

I’ve wrestled with these questions daily. When I feel the support I need is lacking, I reflect on the following:

  • Am I clear about what I need? Sometimes, I realize I haven’t communicated my needs effectively.
  • Am I seeking support from the right people? Not everyone in our corner can provide the support we require, and that’s okay.

Taking Ownership of Your Support

Ultimately, it’s important to take ownership of our support needs. This means:

  • Communicating clearly with our support system about what we need.
  • Recognizing and appreciating the support we do receive, even if it looks different from what we expected.
  • Building a diverse support network that includes people who can offer emotional, professional, and practical support.

A Call to Reflect

I invite you to reflect on your own support systems. Are you receiving the support you need? Are you voicing your needs clearly? And most importantly, are you supporting yourself by acknowledging and seeking out the right kind of support?

Support is a journey, not a destination. Let’s walk this path together, with clarity, honesty, and an open heart.

PIVOT?

Life is full of twists and turns; sometimes, we must change direction to stay on the path to success. I believe that a pivot isn’t a sign of failure—it’s a smart move toward new opportunities.

Embracing the Pivot

Our Soul Sessions have been a hit, with many of you joining us for our monthly Zoom discussions. But here’s the thing: many of you have told us you wanted more flexibility. You wanted sessions you could access anytime, anywhere. So, we’re making a pivot! Instead of once-a-month live Zoom discussions, we’re switching to bite-sized webinars packed with practical tips you can use right away.

Why the Pivot?

– Increased Accessibility: Learn at your own pace and schedule.

– Practicality: Real-world applications you can implement immediately.

– Flexibility: Perfect for busy professionals who need quick, efficient learning options.

Our Approach to Action

My approach is both intrinsic and holistic. As the saying goes, “The bamboo that bends is stronger than the oak that resists.” We believe in nurturing the whole person, recognizing that true growth comes from within. Our new format aligns with this philosophy, offering:

– Sessions designed to spark internal motivation and self-reflection.

– Integrating mind, body, and spirit to foster well-rounded development.

What We’ve Heard from You

I have had many participants who loved the discussions on anxiety, the power of words, and how we show up in our spaces and with our people. Many of you were bummed you couldn’t attend live and wanted recordings you could revisit. I hear you!

That’s why we’re making this pivot to offer more flexible, practical discussions with exercises you can use immediately in your personal and professional life.

Stay Tuned for More

This pivot is just the beginning. I am committed to continuously evolving to meet your needs. Watch for more exciting updates and new offerings from Quackenbush Coaching. Together, we’ll navigate the journey of growth and transformation, one pivot at a time.

Thank you for being part of this community and for your continued support. Here’s to embracing change and discovering new opportunities for success.

Private Sessions

If you’re interested in hiring Quackenbush Coaching for private sessions, book a session

https://calendly.com/quackenbushcoaching/60min

When we talk about pivots, sometimes we know we need to do something different, but we need some assistance. This is where I excel and where I thrive.

Let’s work together to find your next successful pivot!

#pivot #leadership #quackenbushcoaching

Walking Your Talk: The Essential Alignment of Actions and Goals

Aligning Your Actions with Your Goals:

The True Path to Success Navigating through life can sometimes feel like trying to follow a map through an uncharted forest, where the terrain underfoot doesn’t quite match the path you’re supposed to be on.

This dissonance between where we are and where we want to be can leave us feeling lost, frustrated, and disconnected from our true aspirations. But there’s a way to bridge this gap, to ensure our daily actions are not just aimless wanderings but deliberate steps toward our desired future.

The Challenge of Wandering Without a Map Imagine embarking on a journey without a clear direction. Without a compass or a map that aligns with your surroundings, you’re left drifting at the mercy of circumstances.

Life feels like this when our actions don’t reflect our values and goals. We chase shadows, wondering why our dreams remain out of reach. It’s an everyday struggle, but recognizing it is the first step towards realignment.

The Confusion of a Mismatched Canvas:

Think of your life as a canvas, with every action painting a stroke towards the masterpiece you envision. When your gaze is fixed on one horizon but your hand moves in another direction, the resulting picture is a jumble of colors and shapes that reflect neither your intentions nor your desires. This mismatch creates a deep sense of frustration and raises the question, “Why doesn’t my life resemble the dream I’m striving for?”

Taking Steps to Get Back on Track Correcting the course from discord to harmony starts with a single, yet powerful, action: alignment. Imagine the clarity that comes from walking a path that mirrors the map in your hands. Each deliberate step, no matter how small, is a move in the right direction.

This is the essence of alignment, where our daily deeds echo our deepest values, inching us closer to our goals.

The Wake-Up Call:

Embracing Change Realizing we’re off track is uncomfortable but crucial. It’s a sign to pause, reflect, and pivot. The discomfort of remaining the same must outweigh the fear of change. It’s time to ask, “Am I ready to adjust my sails, to take control of my journey?” This introspection is not easy, but it’s a vital step towards the life we aspire to live.

A Call to Action:

Join us as we wrap up; let’s not just ponder the importance of aligning our actions with our words; let’s actively engage in it. And what better way to dive deeper into this journey than by joining a community of like-minded individuals?

I invite you to tune into our 15-minute broadcast, hosted every Wednesday at 2 PM EST, where we explore the art of living a life that’s true to our goals and values.

https://www.clubhouse.com/invite/eX9cjbX12We843RQaV7glyXqLq1gIDjX7r:RbVq7LL9G2TkhfXw3j_BorCxrXNw6_CO_8bSJt777wQ

This session is not just a discussion; it’s an empowerment pitstop to help get you through the rest of your week, space to find inspiration and practical steps to bring your actions and goals into alignment. In closing, let’s commit not just to dream but to act.

Let’s ensure our daily actions are in harmony with our deepest aspirations, turning the dreams of today into the achievements of tomorrow. Join us this Wednesday, and let’s take this step together toward a life where every action is a step closer to our true purpose.

Where Did Your Passion Go?

🌟 Soul Sessions Inaugural Launch by Quackenbush Coaching 🌟

📅 March 21 @ 6PM EST

Your hour to anchor in your dreams.

You’ve been everyone’s anchor, haven’t you? Always there, always supportive, making sure everyone else is okay. As the stars align this March 21st, it’s time for that energy to be directed inward. It’s your moment to be the main character in your own story.

Quackenbush Coaching is excited to welcome you to the first Soul Sessions: a sanctuary for reigniting your passion, where impostor syndrome is left at the door. It’s your personal renaissance, an opportunity to dive deep into what truly motivates you, surrounded by those on the same quest for depth and real change.

🔗 Ready to take the leap? RSVP now and prepare for an hour that promises to transform your perspective. Let this be the moment you choose to shine, embraced by a community that seeks genuine breakthroughs and celebrates your journey towards a more authentic self.

This is more than just an event; it’s a pivotal moment. A gathering where you’re encouraged to step into your power, supported by a group that’s eager to applaud your every discovery.

Feel free to share it with someone who could use this leap towards self-discovery or come ready to meet individuals who might just become part of your journey.

Join the meeting here:

Quackenbush Coaching is inviting you to a scheduled Zoom meeting.

Topic: Soul Sessions
Time: Mar 21, 2024, 06:00 PM Eastern Time (US and Canada)

Join Zoom Meeting
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/88088719417?pwd=VlptM2U0RnpUaHFJcnlrMzIzVmtUUT09

Meeting ID: 880 8871 9417
Passcode: 997722

See you there!

🎂 “PIXIE DUST!” 🎂🌟

Yesterday, I awoke to the delightful aroma of coconut chocolate coffee and almond pastries. The source of this sensory delight was none other than two of my absolute favorite places. It was the morning of my 50th birthday, and I couldn’t help but pause and reflect on this incredible milestone.

Half a century—a significant journey, and I had made it.

As I sipped my coffee and savored those pastries, emotions swirled within me: pride, gratitude, and a touch of nostalgia filled my heart. Just then, a heartfelt note from my husband caught my eye.

It simply read, “Happy 50th Birthday, my love!” This will be a weekend filled with your favorite things!

Those words resonated deep within my soul, reminding me of the unwavering love and support that had been a constant throughout my life.

My husband’s promise was clear: This weekend would be all about my favorite things. It was a gesture that tugged at my heartstrings, a testament to the beautiful journey we had shared and the exciting adventures that lay ahead. With each passing year, I felt more confident in my path, and the future held the promise of even greater joys and achievements.

But there was another surprise in store for me. My daughter and her husband had recently relocated within a mile of me, completing our family circle. It was a cherished gift in itself, having them so close. However, I couldn’t help but wonder what these two sneaky individuals, Husband and Daughter, had planned for me on this momentous occasion.

As the day started, it became clear that they had gone all out! From the enchanting visit to the Cake Bake Shop in Broad Ripple to the Southern dinner at Juniper on Main in Carmel and the captivating theater production of “The Prom,” their meticulous planning was evident. It was a day filled with love, laughter, and magical moments.

Just a few years ago, life had thrown a curveball—a stroke that challenged me to relearn how to walk and talk. It was a formidable adversary, but it also became a testament to the resilience and the boundless strength of the human spirit.

As I looked in the mirror before I went to bed that night, I saw traces of the pixie dust that had been playfully thrown into my hair as I made my birthday wish. The universe had no idea that I had been granted all I had ever wished for—love, health, and the gift of a beautiful life filled with cherished moments and cherished people.

Here’s to embracing the next chapter with confidence, hope, and a heart full of gratitude.

🥂🎁🎈 #BirthdayJoy #Gratitude #PixieDustMoments #JourneyOfLife