The Self-Made Woman

As I was sharing with friends and relatives that I had *finally* started my own business, I jokingly remarked that, “I am a self-made woman!” However, that really got me thinking, because very few people can actually make that claim, with 100% honesty.  

There is an old quote that says, “Ambition breaks the ties of blood, and forgets the obligations of gratitude.” {Sallust} 

I don’t want that to be true of me.

In my journey from child to woman, student to graduate, employee to owner, there are so many people that contributed and continue to lend themselves to my success, remaining instrumental in helping me become the person I am today. 

Looking back at each boss and each job I’ve had in the past 15 years, I can easily identify how each position served as a launching pad for the next. Even in the more difficult interactions and tasks encountered, I’ve grown stronger and developed the skills necessary to deal with those situations as they’ve arisen. 

As you move through your day, through your week, through the months and years that make up your life, I urge you to never stop seeking opportunities to be grateful. Take time out of your busy day to thank those who have selflessly lent themselves to your cause.

”As we express our gratitude, we must never forget that the highest appreciation is not to utter words, but live by them.” {John F. Kennedy} Embracing each day for its new opportunities to be thankful leaves plenty of room for humility. 

After all, we’re not as self-made as we might like to think.