“It always seems impossible until it’s done.” – Nelson Mandela

For my internship for my first college degree, I worked at a local radio station as an admin. During the week I’d be in the office, and every Saturday, I’d be in the Weenie Wagon. The Weenie Wagon would go to certain car dealerships, and my job was to give anyone who visited as many free hot dogs and chips that they wanted. At the time, I was working a full time job and married with five kids at home.

Overworked, I DREADED Saturday’s. Even to this day, the smell of hot dogs turns me off. I remember I walked into my supervisor’s office and asked her if we could adjust my time a bit. She gave me one of the top five life shifts of my life. “At the end of the day, all you have is your word. You said you were going to do this at this time, and for this long. You made an obligation that I am going to hold you to.” In my delirium of exhaustion, I was beyond livid. I went back to my desk and was silent the remainder of my shift. I then got in my car and cried on the way to my full-time job, where my day was miserable there as well. I got home, made dinner, helped kids with homework, and talked with my spouse about how my intern supervisor’s words had infuriated me. I thought of the journey I’d been thru to get this degree, including two knee surgeries. I was ready to quit. I got in the shower and cried some more. While I was sobbing in my sorrow though, I realized she was absolutely right. Previous thoughts of quitting were replaced by a determination to do what I said I was going to do. Her words resonated deep within, and became a gem I used to teach my children about just what integrity means. I wish I remembered her name so I could thank her for such an invaluable chapter in my journey.

As I’ve aged and become more seasoned in life, I am thankful that besides honesty, honoring agreements are the main two aspects I hold dear as to who remains in my sphere. Dependability is paramount. I am thankful for values, and an understanding that after so many chances of showing one can not be counted on, there is no reason to continue to give anyone additional chances. I am thankful my word is my bond, and I try to hold myself accountable in doing the right thing at all times. Far from perfect, but I’m more than willing to be the exception, not the standard. I am thankful to be an example to not only my children and family, but hopefully to anyone my words touch.

Love and light, especially to my mentor Tony Davis, as he pulled some major strings to get me in that internship in the first place.