It takes a Village...

I have heard it takes a village on more than one occasion within the last few weeks and I couldn't agree more. There's a saying, "it takes a village to raise a child," but it's so much more than that. For those who really know me, you know I am the last person to ask for help and believe me, I'm not saying that's a good thing. I don't know why but I have always been that way. I am the first to reach out and help someone, but the last to ask for it in return. It doesn't have anything to do with pride but more of a fear that I am burdening someone or putting them out.

In my personal life, I've had close friends and teachers whom have reached out and have gone the extra mile for my kids and I because we're "like" family. From assisting with school assignments, taking pictures when I couldn't be there, late night phone calls, emails, encouragement and carpooling...they helped make it possible. As if the week my middle child graduated high school wasn't hectic enough, I ended up in the ER with kidney stones. I honestly would rather go through labor again than experience that again. Without even asking, my oldest daughter stepped up to the plate as "Mom" and kept the household running. I was so impressed with her recipes and dinners she found and made from Pinterest. Without me asking, she shopped and prepared dinner when I was in the hospital for her and her siblings. When Taylor was busy, my Mom helped chauffer me to the hospital while watching my twin nephews. I wasn't sure if I was going to die from the stones or her driving...she is definitely a "brake" happy, bumper riding driver. Needless to say, I made it safely to the ER and I knew the team at the ED. I live in a small town but am friends with some and have also worked with some previously. They ensured I was seen right away, diagnostic tests done asap and I received excellent care, despite the current staffing and bed shortages.

In the business world, I experienced it personally last week as I found out the company I work for is restructuring. I'm one of close to 2,000 others who found out our roles had been eliminated. My co-workers have been like family to me. Some of which I have known and worked with for almost a decade. I absolutely LOVE my role and team. We all recieved the news at the same time and ever since that moment, I have been so impressed at the outpouring support not only from present and past colleagues but also from all peers covering all aspects of the healthcare industry. Within a day of the news getting out, I had the most heartwarming call from a previous business partner whom I have not spoken to in years. She reached out to check in and see how I was doing as well as to pass along information about a potential job opportunity. I was completely humbled that she took the time to do that and enjoyed the coversation that we had as if we just saw eachother yesteday. We caught up to how she's been, changes to her business during and through the pandemic and we shared updates on family, etc. I've been in the sales industry for almost a decade and these are the moments that mean the most. The relationships that are built is what it's all about and why I love what I do. It's similar to an extended family...a village perhaps. When you have those types of relationships, looking out for one another, helping wherever possible...that's what makes the difference. For the second time, from two different people in less than three weeks, I heard the same words. "Lisa...at the end of the day, it takes a village," and Kim, you are absolutely right.

Whether your "village," is family, neighbors, co-workers, business partners, teachers, physicians...you can rest assured knowing whatever it is that you're facing, you're not alone. Having this kind of support offers continuous encouragement, open and honest feedback, inspiration, additional viewpoints as well as simply knowing you matter. The quote, "It takes a village to raise a child," at it's core is so much more than that...from this mama...I wouldn't know what to do without my village and am grateful for each and everyone of them.

xoxo,