The Power of Gratitude
As a certified New Year’s Resolution junkie, at the end of every year, just before the next year begins, I find myself asking - where did the year go? How did the year go by so quickly without my accomplishing some goals that I assured myself, as a part of my New Years’ Resolution ritual were most certainly vital components toward making my life even better. As I have done in previous years, in January 2023, I made a public declaration and a promise to myself that this year would be spectacular and magnificent. I would walk in my power. I would focus on purpose! I would dutifully follow the curated vision board I had designed and sworn undying allegiance to. I would achieve it all.
It’s November 4th. I have scanned my memory bank and I have no clue as to where my 2023 vision board is. I certainly don’t recall the details of everything that’s on it. Needless to say, I am not sure what part of it I accomplished. Another year of resolutions gone by the wayside.
Or have they? I may have not followed my vision board to the tee, or at all for that matter; however, I can thankfully say that I am grateful for accomplishing a few things that were and still continue to be achievements that I am blessed to be a part of.
This year, as the Head of Law Firm Partnerships for Chief Legal Executive, our team delivered a program that changes the game for senior associates in AmLaw200 firms and has left an indelible impression on many of their careers for years to come. We launched and delivered a program entitled Think Like a GC. In this program, we brought senior associates together to present themselves and their legal acumen to decision-makers in corporate law departments. As program participants, the associates received real-time feedback on what they did well, where they can focus to deliver the best client experiences possible. The ongoing benefit of this program is that senior associates, who often don’t get that type of access to in-house counsel, have the opportunity to develop and build relationships with prospective clients. That’s a HUGE step in the progression of a young attorney’s career trajectory! I am thankful to have been a part of the program. #Rainmakers
This year, one of my daughters returned home. It was the right thing for her to do. Life happens and sometimes we need a reset. I have the space and capacity. She is free-spirited personified. Her return is a package deal; she has a 6-year-old son - Denim, whom I adore. He is a self-proclaimed genius. He is an amazing chef. He is capable of masterfully playing every sport. He can solve all problems. He is exceptional by every measure. I LOVE the boundless confidence he possesses and his quick wittedness. We spend a lot of time together. He’s my go to person when I need to learn how to correctly use both the underutilized apps and the frequently used apps on my iPhone and how to “fix” my television. In exchange for all of his help, I get a lot of information that I never thought would matter so much. I now know a ton about the bond between Spiderman and Miles Morales. Growing up in the early 70’s who knew that Spiderman had a best friend? From the perspective of a 6-year-old, I’ve learned that Rinaldo is the “greatest soccer player in the whole entire galaxy and Messi’s game has plenty of shortfalls. Despite his self-proclaimed genius status, Denim doesn’t yet comprehend the significance of Messi having a World Cup win under his belt. Denim is killing me at Roblox, but I think that is to be expected given our respective ages. dif There are a lot of differences in my household these days. I don’t always get to have the local news on at 6:30 AM. Bluey airs at the same time. There are Lunchables taking up space in our refrigerator. I have performed the mortal sin of mistakenly confusing his buddies Caison & Axl. It was certainly not a part of the January 2023 vision board to sit in the very long drop-off line at Oak Grove Elementary every morning. Nonetheless I am winning. I am joyful. I am appreciative. This is the experience that I am supposed to be having. Again, something additional in my life that I am thankful for. #BlackBoyJoy
This year, I have re-focused my efforts towards managing and growing Symphony of Leaves Tea Co., with very intentional goals. It has been a vertically challenging path. In other words, I am not making enough money at this endeavor, yet. To provide some context, I am sitting at my popup shop in Atlanta today. The weather is brisk, and I am enjoying a freshly brewed pot of Gloria, Audre, Toni & Zora’s Tea. There isn’t a patron in sight, so I have more than ample time to write this post. Regardless of the non-existent foot traffic, I am sure that the steps we are taking, right now, are the right steps for growing our business. I also have moved from sole proprietorship to a partnership. Working in partnership with someone else has been an eye-opening experience as to what tactical changes needed to occur to put Symphony of Leaves Tea Co., on the path to successful growth of the business. I have also begun working with micro influencers who share the vision of who Symphony of Leaves Tea Co. is and what we plan to accomplish. As a brand, our primary goal is to be a purveyor of teas that are sourced from artisanal growers who focus on producing premium quality teas grown with a commitment to sustainability and fair trade. I have identified tea suppliers who I enjoy working with who meet that criterion. #SipPurposefully. I get to constantly review our offering and add and remove products as the wants of our customers evolve. I also get the pleasure of working with a host of companies from around the world that share similar values with our company. For example, I work with a vendor who provides me access to small batch tea growers with gardens in both Assam & Darjeeling. As a result, one of my new favourite teas is from a tea grower in the Moran town, in Assam, where the climate is mild and ideal for growing green teas. The grower has creatively produced a green tea, black basil blend which is hand-picked to ensure the best leaves. For me, it’s sublime. Earlier in the year, I tested the offerings from a grower in Thailand. Although they have limited quantities of some of their white teas, they have reliably delivered some award-winning white teas which we are thrilled to be able to carry. According to the IMF, Bhutan is one of the poorest places in the world. Nonetheless, I was introduced to a women’s cooperative who are growing a green tea in Bhutan. It’s a blessing for me to be able to include and offer their green tea as one of our staple teas. I believe our decision to carry their teas will impact the growth of their business, therefore providing them with economic empowerment.
My 2023 vision-board reflected somethings that were incredibly important for me at the beginning of the year. I have pivoted from what I thought was important. What was a win for me when I created my vision board, is eons away from where I stand today. In accepting the agency of personal and professional transformation, I acknowledge that things aren’t always comfortable, but I appreciate the blessings of collaborating with authentic, kind, intellectually curious, creative, thoughtful, brilliant, purpose-driven people more than I ever have before. I’m not sure that I will be making a 2024 vision-board. I’m relatively certain that I don’t need to make New Year’s declarations. I love the path that Symphony of Leaves Tea Co., is on. I’m fine. I’m grateful. I’m thankful. I’m blessed. I am appreciative of walking in my purpose.
The holidays are coming. Tea is an outstanding gift. We have gift sets that we can drop ship for you. I would appreciate it if you would visit our website, pin it as a favourite, and buy some tea. www.symphonyofleavestea.com
