With Canadian Thanksgiving simply across the nook, it looks like the proper time to mirror on gratitude. And I’ve a narrative to share that basically brings this to life.
For the previous two and half years, I’ve had essentially the most unimaginable digital assistant (VA), Sarah. She’s been my proper hand, serving to me to maintain my on-line enterprise working easily, and actually, I can’t think about it with out her. Sadly, Sarah is shifting on—seemingly returning to her authentic profession as a nurse. As she prepares to step again into that position, we’ve been working laborious to search out somebody to take her place.
We thought we’d discovered the proper match. After an in-depth search, we provided the place to an excellent candidate, and he or she accepted. We had been set to satisfy on Zoom – Sarah and I – able to welcome this new VA onboard. However then she didn’t present.
Naturally, I adopted up, considering perhaps there was a mix-up with time zones (really easy to occur!) or that she’d merely fallen asleep—she’d talked about working late into the evening. The following morning, I discovered an e mail from her, explaining that as a consequence of private circumstances, she was withdrawing from the place. It should have been a tricky choice for her, particularly since she’d been so excited to affix us. And discuss disappointment from our aspect!!
So, right here we’re.
Sarah is leaving on the finish of November, and the clock is ticking. She’s specializing in her research getting ready for exams, whereas I’m getting ready for my instructing journey to Tuscany in late October, adopted by a pair extra weeks of journey. We actually wished a brand new VA in control earlier than I left.
I’d be mendacity if I stated I wasn’t a bit bummed.
However why am I telling you this?
As a result of despite the fact that this setback stings, it’s additionally jogged my memory of how extremely fortunate I’ve been to have Sarah’s assist. I’ve by no means taken her as a right (a minimum of, I hope not!). Her presence permits me to deal with what I do greatest—creating artwork, growing tutorials for my IGNITE! membership, and mentoring these in my Accelerant Programme. She’s at all times there once I want her, with a cheery angle and unfailing grace.
So, this can be a love letter to Sarah—a heartfelt thanks for all she’s performed over these almost three years. (I’ll additionally add Tynan to this observe, with out whom the tech could be a catastrophe!)
And it’s a reminder for you, too: take a second of gratitude, to understand the individuals in your life who make issues simpler, higher, and brighter. Don’t look forward to a disaster to remind you ways a lot they imply to you.
I might record all of the individuals who make my life lovely, however I’d be right here all day. Wait, no—let’s not take the simple approach out. Let me a minimum of do some thanking! My dad and mom, my unimaginable siblings and their households, my cousins. I’m deeply grateful for my fantastic household, who love and assist me in many alternative methods. And my buddies—what would I do with out them?
Then there are my college students, who encourage me every day. As I watch them develop as artists, my coronary heart swells with satisfaction and pleasure at what they obtain.
And my gratitude extends to the broader neighborhood—to the individuals who work tirelessly to guard the atmosphere, resolve conflicts, and customarily make the world a greater place. Not an ideal place maybe, however one the place we are able to all reside, discover pleasure, and assist each other.
And eventually expensive reader, I’m grateful for you taking outing of your day to be right here with me.
As to my new VA search? I’m trusting the universe on this one. It really works in mysterious methods, and I actually consider that when issues appear bleak, there’s at all times a silver lining—one thing to be realized or a brand new door opening simply across the nook. So I’m staying grateful, even by the uncertainty.
What are you grateful for?
In gratitude,
Gail
PS. And sure I’m stuffed with gratitude for the privilege of being an artist.
