#ThoughtForThursday: A Care Package from Home

On Monday, I received my first care package from home from my mother. It was kind of a combined birthday/Easter gift. Before you think, “didn’t you receive any during college,” it’s probably best I mention that I attended Saginaw Valley State University, which was located 15 minutes away from my hometown of Bay City, Mich. I simply didn’t require them!
In this care package, my mom had included a throw pillow repping my hometown’s zip code (shout out to the 48706), a wonderful smelling soy candle from the Kalamazoo Candle Company and a wooden placard with a quippy saying she knew I would find amusing.
It wasn’t an overly emotional process but it definitely buoyed my spirits. I think gestures like these remind us of what is and who is most important in our lives. These instances keep us grounded and remind us of our roots, of the things that remind us who we really are.
These thoughts came full circle yesterday at the PRSA Phoenix Professional Development Luncheon. At the event, guest speaker Elise Mitchell discussed her new book, Leading Through the Turn, and shared some insight on what it means to have found success and significance as a leader.
An extremely driven individual who has worked tirelessly for the past 22 years to cultivate her own business, Mitchell Communications Group, Elise has learned over time the importance of trying your best and enjoying the journey. And above all else, that the people you share your journey with matter the most.
It’s important to take a step back and remember that it’s the relationships that you have with family, friends and coworkers that truly matter. It may be a difficult step to make, but it is an essential part of life.
For more information about Elise Mitchell’s presentation, take a peek at Abbie’s blog post from yesterday.