It's important to realize that you have to plant the seeds before you harvest them. You have to do the work before you ever see the recognition for the value you bring. Don't hold yourself back because you didn't do more.

The year was 2021, the month was March and checks were being sent out one more time. But are you taking the best actions with the money you have, are you being a good steward of what you've received?

You never know who you'll meet, and the kinds of stories they'll share. And sometimes those stories can even inspire you to make a bigger impact in your own community.

The most important question that we teach children to stop asking.

It is and will always be important to recognize problems when they arise and to know what underlying issues are that lead to the situations we find ourselves in. However, it's just as important to seek out solutions once you understand what the problems are into pass on that same mentality of solution seeking to those you broadcast underlying issues to.

Ignorant statements and projections are nothing new. However, how do we respond, and what perspective can someone take on in that situation?

Trust is needed to pursue anything significant. It starts with the little things. It starts with trusting yourself.

This past year has been crazy in many ways. So very different from what a lot of people were used to. However, it also forced people to slow down and reflect. I want to share a perspective and the value behind gaining clarity.

Where and who do you learn from, and are you willing to listen if your interests conflict?

So it's important to remember that strangers can sometimes be new friends waiting, clients, partners, even spouses. But everyone is a stranger until you say "hello" and every person you meet provides a new perspective.