I'm returning from a tremendous list of experiences and I want to report first that I've grown a lot, internally rather than externally. I'm still a Toys-R-Us kid, enjoying millions of joys, instead of toys these days.
As many of you know I started a new job in September (9-08)! After enjoying almost a year at Jeffrey Robert Salon & Spa, I took a position with the management team of Home Staff, LLC and I'm having a BLAST! The position is testing my strengths, helping me grow out of my weaknesses and is so diverse and varied day to day that I sometimes have to pinch myself. Simply my cup of tea!! 
So, I have to tell you about some the tests that I have experienced during the last 8 months:
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There are people in this world that believe Hair Salon Receptionists are not qualified to be managers in the health care industry, regardless of how much experience "they have under their belt." My poor boss apologized many times for the judgment that some of my co-workers passed on me.
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Appearance has more to do with success than brains when networking. BUT once you get the open ear, it's all about the brains. My mother's favorite suit has connected me with many many powerful people. THANKS MOM! (side note: She paid for it!)
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Keeping organized...is crucial.
I've finished some of the experience notes and want to add that I've joined the Ambassador's Club of the Worcester Regional Chamber of Commerce, the Network of Worcester! and also the Lion's Club International, both organizations that are connecting me with men and woman who are truly inspiring. It's amazing! Always a joy to be meeting new people and understanding the tremendous resources that the community offers.
Those are the highlights. The starlight of the past 7 or 8 months has been PRIDE, self-pride, specifically. Most of you know I'm a dictionary user and that I'm practically married to www.m-w.com - so, here goes...when you look up Self-Pride, you get this definition:
Main Entry: self–pride
Pronunciation: \self-prid\ | Function: noun | Date: circa 1586
: pride in oneself or in that which relates to oneself
When you look up Pride (because it's difficult to see the part of the word in the definition), you get these definitions:
Main Entry: pride
Pronunciation: \'prid\ | Function: noun | Etymology: Middle English, from Old English pry¯de, from prud proud — more at proud
Date: before 12th century
1: the quality or state of being proud: as
a: inordinate self-esteem : conceit
b: a reasonable or justifiable self-respect
c: delight or elation arising from some act, possession, or relationship <parental pride>
2: proud or disdainful behavior or treatment : disdain
3 a: ostentatious display
b: highest pitch : prime
4: a source of pride : the best in a group or class
5: a company of lions
6: a showy or impressive group <a pride of dancers>
With that said, I've been working with colleagues and my friends who have or will have weight loss surgery through The UMass Memorial Weight Center about completing the circle, whether it be customer service or self-care, both require self-pride.
A reasonable or justifiable self-respect for oneself or that which relates to one's hard work.
This is the basis for my actions and my activities that have lead me to my success in both weight loss and my professional life. I stopped running around for others and I now look within first and take care of myself, first. Following, my own personal care, others - I find, benefit more greatly.
All this experience and lessons learned, which leads to a deeper level of pride, internal pride. I'm not talking about being a braggart, I'm talking about being an example, a person who continues to grow and shares some of their roadblocks with the hopes of allowing another to learn from their mistakes along the road. The lessons learned from these mistakes are the road markers in our personal evolution. We start with a certain make-up, structure and "destiny" and all through our lives, we shake it up. Shaking it up, means both changing through difficult tasks with long strides up steep hills and jumping up and down celebrating big wins.
What experiences lead to proud moments? What have you done recently to shake it up? Let me know!
Cheers! AJ
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