I’ve been more and more thankful as this year passed for the people I have in my life and in my corner. This has been a transitioning year for me and I’ve immersed myself in this new journey and felt the love and cheerleading along the way.

As humans, we need connection, relationships, warmth and love.

Family – birth, adoptive, co-workers, teachers, mentors or managers. It doesn’t matter how they became family, it just matters that they are!

Family sticks up for you, stands by you, challenges you and loves you in spite of your idiosyncrasies, sense of humor or lack thereof, lack of tact, overbearing ways or your neediness.

I come from a loud boisterous, opinionated, energetic loving family. I have 3 gorgeous and talented sisters and 3 fabulous brothers’ in law that tolerate meJ  We’ve had many a heated discussion, a war or two but no one died, and us four girls spend considerable time trying to keep dad in line. We built and renovated each other’s houses, multiple times and this village has raised 11 children and 16 great grandchildren. We’ve had extended family reunions on dad’s side with over 100 relatives in attendance!  Lots of laughs and good times.

Trevor – husband – His hugs are my safe place, and all is right with the world when I’m there. He loves my curves even when they are curvier than they should be. He’s an Irishman so you’d expect anything but calm.  However, he’s even tempered and not much of a talker but is the best Papasan to our 3 girls and Papa to his 5 grandkids. Love is always shining from his eyes.

Amber, Tara & Morgan – daughters -  love me in spite of the boot camp I put them through as kids.  They are amazing mothers and talented independent women. They hold me accountable and call me out when necessary. They all know exactly how to make me cry happy tears and take pride in their accomplishment! (4 of our 5 little beans)

Mother’s Day… Flowers for my garden, ones I’d been wanting for a while!  Yep they got the reaction they wanted!

This group of people has my back.  They encourage and hold me accountable.  I’m so thankful that they care.  Thankful that they love me and want me to be my best and most successful self.

This is family and I want this same feeling to permeate the hearts of managers that I teach. All in, everyone, every day, all the time. Loving and caring about each member of your team.

CARE – SUPPORT- NURTURE – RECOGNIZE 

Great recipe for cultivating a family at work or at home.