Leaders should influence others in such a way that it builds people up, encourages and edifies them so they can duplicate this attitude in others.
― Bob Goshen
I'm fortunate to have two mentors who are former managers of mine. I'm talking two beautiful black women who work in public relations (as I do) and are the epitome of class, grace and success. They've taught me so much, given me great advice (even when it hurt to hear) and have been instrumental in helping me secure professional roles I've had in my short career. In addition, I consider them good friends. They're such a blessing!
I was excited when I discovered that one of the things every woman should do once was send a thank you letter to a mentor. This year both of my mentors wrote glowing letters of recommendation to help me get into grad school, so a thank you note was definitely in order!
Tonight I'll be having dinner with one mentor who happens to be in town the holidays. Below you'll find a short and sweet thank you note I plan on giving her. Oh by the way, everyone needs and deserves a mentor. Go get you one!
Sandra
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I want to take a moment to thank you for being a blessing to my life.
You may not know it but you’re such an inspiration and role model to me, in
addition to being such a good friend. I appreciate all the guidance you've given me professionally and personally.
Someone once told me God does not always speak to you directly. Instead, He
might speak to you through someone else. There have been many times when you’ve
been the person to tell me exactly what I needed to hear. You’ve always been
kind, direct and honest with me. Who you are inspires me to be a better person!
I thank you for that.
I pray that our friendship and mentorship remains no matter the distance.
I turned 30 on May 25. Filled with the joy that I didn't have to go to work that day had my health, family, friends, career and an all around great life, I thanked God and basked in the glory of turning a year older. Aside from wishing I had a few additional things in my life, I felt complete - until "to do" lists started to surface.
30 Things to do Before You Turn 30! 50 Things Every Girl Should Do In Her Lifetime! Turning 30: 30 Things Every Woman Should Have and Should Know! 15 Skills Every Woman Should Master! I read a few here and there. I smiled at some knowing I had checked off a number of "To Dos." However for some, I just rolled my eyes. Look good in a photo. Really? When did it become necessary to accomplish certain things in my lifetime based on my age or gender? While some of these lists were old, I swear they somehow surface the day after you turn 30. C-O-N...spiracy.
A few months after my 30th birthday, I was invited to a party where I won a book titled, you guessed it, What Every Woman Should Do Once by Claudine Gandolfi. Here we go again. I didn't see the point in these lists. Just live your life and those memorable people, places and things will appear, right? Then I started to think about a few great moments I've experienced that I had to make myself do.
-- Throw caution to the wind and your budget. Check...and repeat.
-- Wear sequins. Did that.
-- Go to Europe for a week with your best friend. Done.
-- Fall in love. Ugh. Been there.
-- Take a road trip. Complete!
I realized some people have to be told to live! We get so caught up in doing the things that keep our life moving. Work. Bills. Sleep. Rinse and repeat. But what about doing things you'll actually remember, love, laugh at and look back and smile on?
So I decided to open What Every Woman Should Do Once and do the things Claudine suggests. I imagine I'll feel fulfilled, silly, excited, scared, happy and regretful but "Imma Do It." This blog is where you can read about my experiences. Won't you join me?
