Humbling Experience

I can be a VERY competitive person, mostly with myself.  I never played organized sports as a kid.  I was a band geek through and through.  Sports didn't interest me, but give me a challenge and I will take it on.  Dangle that carrot in front of me and I will reach it.  I've always been that way.  (Yes, I was the first born child.)  I think that's what makes me so driven to succeed at the things I care the most about.

For example, back in high school, during my sophomore year, I challenged myself to get straight A's during one quarter of the year.  I was always a good student, but hitting that mark of straight A's seemed to be a challenge for me.  Each quarter that year, I missed it by 1 B, either in English or Algebra.  When I worked hard in English, my Algebra grade dropped.  When I worked hard in math, my English grade fell.  It went back and forth all year long.  I just couldn't quite hit the mark on both at the same time... until the last quarter.

At the end of the final quarter that year, I had a solid A in English, but was on the borderline between an A and a B in Algebra.  My Algebra teacher, Mr. Kroeck, who I am still friends with on Facebook, gave the class the option of taking the final.  I don't know if he remembers this, but I was one of the few, maybe even the only one, who chose to take the final.  To this day, I don't believe I did well on the exam, but I still got an A in Algebra and succeeded at getting my straight A's for one quarter of the year.  (I still have that report card in a file in storage.  It meant THAT much to me! I wish I had it here, I'd show you!)

Not so humbling, huh?

Well, this past year, I had challenged myself to be a Director once again in time for Convention.  Why?  Because I love being recognized on a national level for the hard work I put into my Close to My Heart business... the added perks that Directors receive at Convention:  upfront seating, walking across stage, a Directors Only Dinner, special gifts, Christmas gifts from our Home Office and so much more!

Sadly, this year, it was not in the cards for me and it was the first year since I started attending Convention that I had not sat in the Directors chairs or attended the Directors dinner, in spite my hard work.  This year, I sat with my team.

Now, I am not saying that is a bad thing at all!  I love my team members!  They push me to succeed and be the leader I want to become.  What I am saying is that attending Convention this year was a humbling experience for me.
No, I didn't reach my goal, in spite my hard work and determination.
No, I didn't sit up front with my Director friends, as I had in the past.
No, I didn't receive any special gifts or bonuses this year.

What I did receive was even more valuable.
I got to hang out with some of my closest CTMH sisters, both my teammates and other friends whom I have met throughout my 7+ years of being a CTMH Consultant.
I got to remember why I am here and do what I do... for the love of creativity, not for the title.
I got to soak up information and develop a plan for implementing new ideas into my business, for myself, my team and my customers.

My friend Patricia from Montana

Kathie, Betty and Barbara at the Awards Banquet

The Acrylix Chix Team

Will I be a Director at next year's Convention in Las Vegas?
That remains to be seen, and time will tell.

Will I continue to work hard in my business?  Try new things?  Get my craft on?
You betcha!
I love what I do and do what I love and what could be better?

Until next time, stay humble but do what you love!
Roberta
The Traveling Crafter (on the road somewhere...)