October 2007

Dear [fname],

I recently spoke to a group of physicians, nurses and other healthcare professionals at Beth Israel Deaconness Medical Center about my struggle with liver failure, and a subsequent liver transplant.  In May of 2005, I underwent an emergency transplant that nearly killed me, but ultimately saved my life.  Watch Video from FOX 25

In rethinking the events that occurred for the next 18 months and in preparing for this presentation, I'll share with you how this event, combined with a painful separation from my spouse and the temporary loss of my children changed me for the better personally, and/or professionally.

1. Be extremely grateful for good health -- without this, it's difficult, to accomplish much of anything -- although not impossible (look at Christopher and Dana Reeve's legacies).
   
   
2. Recognize what brings you joy and focus on those related activities
   
   
3. Prioritize things.  Stick to what matters most and eliminate the rest.
   
   
4. Offer thanks to those who stuck by you and helped you through a difficult time.  Let them know specifically what they did to help you.
   
   
5. Seek out the best possible care for yourself or a loved one when lightning strikes.
   
   
6. Relationships mean more when you realize how fragile they are.  Take good care of them.
   
   
7. Take the time needed to heal and move on in a brave new direction.
   
   
8. Past experience (especially negative), can and often does, bring greater gains.
   
   
9. Focus on the present and keep an eye on the future.  The past has influenced who you are today, but does not define you.
   
   
10. Protect yourself and your family by having necessary health care insurance, long-term disability insurance, expert advisors, a living will, etc., (link to the Top 10 List) for the peace of mind it will bring.

There is one consolation in being sick...the possibility that you may recover to a better state than you were ever in before."

- Henry David Thoreau wrote in a letter to Harrison Blake (1855). 

Thankfully, I'm feeling alive and well now with a greater understanding of the important things in life and less frustration with the small upsets that life is bound to throw us all.  In taking care of ourselves, we take care of our friendships, relationships, children and the work we might ultimately return too.

Best regards,

Nancy

P. S.  If your organization is interested in booking me to speak to your association in-person, or via a web-cast or tele-class, please contact my assistant, Karen for details at kmcgreevey@growyourbusinessnetwork.com.  Karen is now booking speaking engagements for the upcoming months and into 2008.

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Please don’t hesitate to call Laura (614-519-1102) or me (614-776-1416) with questions.  I'm stepping in to manage this program temporarily. I look forward to talking with you again soon.

Tip of the Week

Send handwritten thank you notes

This is a dying art form.  When was the last time you received a handwritten note from a relative – let alone a business associate, vendor, or client?  Why not shock someone into the present by writing a handwritten note thanking them for a referral, inviting them to lunch, or remembering a special occasion – like the first anniversary of you working together?  In the automated world we live in, most everyone can appreciate the time and care it would take to write a personal note to someone.  They stand out among the e-mails, text messages and other less personal means of communication and therefore, make you more memorable to the people in your network.