Gratitude

Someone recently introduced me to the book "Simple Abundance" and what a change it is making in my life. I thought it was worth sharing here. It's really a quite simple thing, that is to begin our day thinking about what we are thankful for. What abundance do we have in our lives that make them good? And it encourages that you keep a journal. I began thinking I'd just read it and wouldn't that be nice, maybe I could gain some pointers. What I have found is that this process can be life changing. This last week, I began to wonder how to take those same principles and apply them to our association. What can be be thankful about here? It is so easy sometimes to focus on the things we don't like instead of the ones we do. So, take a walk with me and let's chat about that.

Take a look around you and see what things you are thankful for in your life. Now, take that view to this association. I want to share some of my "list" with you.

I first am thankful for those early pioneers in AHDI who had a vision that MTs needed their own professional association. If you ever have the chance to read those early newsletters, do it! You will see a passion and drive and led to the establishment of our organization.

I am thankful for our board of directors. They are dedicated volunteers who give a LOT of their time to this association. And you know what? They are a talented group as well. I had a chance recently to read something that Susan Lucci wrote. Wow, that woman has some talent. And she freely uses it to represent us. I watch what Betty is going with military spouses and it does more than just touch my heart; her passion for that endeavor is so obvious it makes others just want to jump in and get involved. As I watched Cathy at this year's ACE, I was proud to call her the president of MY association. I found it easy to point to each and every single member and say "look what they bring in their individual talents and expertise" and be thankful for that group.

I am thankful that one day many years ago there were MTs in this association who chose to be a mentor to me. I was so green when I came into leadership in AAMT. And there were days when I was like a bull in a china closet. And yet, I had great folks who were willing to teach and guide and sometimes redirect me along the way. I am thankful that people like Brenda Hurley and Pat Forbis were willing to teach me about speaking and leadership. I am grateful for the wonderful editing skills of Claudia Tessier, who taught me more about writing than I could have ever learned in a school and did it with kindness and a willingness to teach. I am thankful for Bonnie Monico who taught me that the cup is always half full and life is better if you learn to look at the positive. And I could go on and on...

I am sure thankful for our staff. Anyone who meets Peter Preziosi knows he is full of passion about our industry. Look at our publications and what Lea has done with them. She has brought a level of professionalism to them that we can be really proud of. And goodness knows as your speaker, I couldn't get everything done without the support I have had from Gigi. And then there are all the folks in the office, people we often don't even hear about, and yet they are there, working for us, working to provide the services we want and need, and they ALL care. What a group.

I am thankful that I have had the opportunities in leadership with AHDI. I have gained so much by becoming involved with this association, more than I could ever give back. And it has led to other opportunities in life and in my profession. I recently had a student ask me "well, how would you articulate to others why AHDI is important?" I stopped and thought about all the things I have had in my life and realized it was so easy to explain that one. I have made contacts that have led to changes in my life, from meeting people in Washington, DC, to writing a book. And yes, I DO credit those things to my involvement here. And I had the opportunity to be your first ever speaker. What an honor you all bestowed on me with that one. We are making historical changes and I can be a part of that!

I am also really thankful for the opportunity to work with students in our profession. They remind me daily of the passion of entering this profession. They constantly keep me on my toes, and they never cease to amaze me. I recently stood in a room with 100 brand new MT students. As I looked out at their expectant faces and we talked about the industry, I was touched almost to tears. One of them said "I can't even imagine the future yet" and I said, "I know you can't. But I CAN and I am so excited for you!"

Now, what about you? What is it that YOU are thankful for with AHDI? What things have made a difference in your life? I look forward to hearing from you!