Looking Back, Looking Forward
Each January, I've often found it helpful to revisit the previous year to see where I've been personally and professionally. Often times, I’m surprised and grateful for what the last 12 months have brought me. So this January, I thought I’d share my recap with you.
Experimented with "Pay What it is Worth" model: With a connection to +Tara from +Emily, I was able to begin thinking about how this model may work or not work with Database Sherpa. While I've done nothing more than think about this, I am seeking a client who might be interested in experimenting with me.
Bringing Joy and Compassion to database development: The key aspects of Database Sherpa and the driving force of the work we're doing!
Applying Yogic and Buddhist principles to consulting: Currently in practice with only a few clients, but will be expanding to all client engagements, as it has been very helpful to the clients we've worked with thus far. As my good friend stated to me in a letter, "there is merit to this".
Bringing on another Sherpa: +Veronica has begun a Sherpa project of her own this year and it will go into next year. The transfer of the process to another person has begun.
Teaching clients to become independent: I'm happy to report that most of my clients are learning to expand and grow their databases on their own with no help from us!
Gifts of Gratitude Tour: Our first gift was to Doctor's without Borders thanks to a consulting company that referred us to our first client outside of Michigan! We have also given to a client, Nonprofit Alliance. Our compassionate work can only spread via our clients, so thank you!
Breaking the rules: New clients are informing this practice all the time and I am ever so grateful for the opportunity to work with them all. Our 2012 journeys included:
Woman's Co-op
Great Lakes Center for Youth Development
Nonprofit Alliance
East Lansing Education Foundation
Washington Access to Justice
Michigan Environmental Council
Women's Resource Center of San Diego
Attended Buddhist Geeks: I learned that there are a lot of discussions about how Buddhism will express itself in the West, but didn't meet many other consultants who are embedding the eightfold path into their work with clients. It was what I was really hoping for and will continue to seek out a place or perhaps create that space.
Met kindred spirts: "Virtually" met some amazing Salesforce consultants, two of whom were my study buddies in passing the Salesforce Administration Training (thanks +Marc & +Caroline). The others are +Meghan, +Tal, +Pierre & +Tim). And the one, who made it all possible is +Brad. I've never met any of these folks face to face, but I feel a kindred spirit with them all and have learned so much from each of them.
Mindfulness education: +April and +Carol have opened my eyes to another tool to use in guiding organizations in a compassionate manner! I'm so grateful that I was able to take this class locally. I'm thinking that perhaps I need to go deeper into this education!
Hired an amazing editor: +Pam had helped me to write a better blog post :-)
Finally, and most importantly, I've been able to blend my life and work together. Being able to spend time with my daughter and continue to work has been such a wonderful gift. I couldn't ask for anything more and I am grateful to have this opportunity.
On reflection, we have done quite a lot. I'm very grateful to my Sherpa partner in all of this, +Veronica. And last, but not least, my life partner, David. His steady and calm support has given me the space to keep going on this path without worry or concern. That is certainly an amazing gift.
May the light of compassion continue to brightly shine in all of us.
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