I grew up as an only child and I'm not proud to say that I was pretty selfish. That didn't change much in my early years. Getting money, promotions, cars and stuff was what I thought was important. And, since I never married or had kids, I wasn't exposed to caring for my own family.

Then, life turned upside down when I moved to Evergreen and started TallGrass. Our incredible team, my new generous friends, and the entire involved community taught me what it meant to give. Joining a local Rotary group and other non-profit organizations has hard-wired this amazing feeling of giving into my life. So, I'm all for it.

However, I've noticed in the 16 years of talking with the many women who have visited TallGrass, very few have a problem with giving. It's receiving that's tough. Many women take on the role of caregiver to husbands and children and then the rest of their family and their friends, and volunteer organizations, and on and on. And, they feel uncomfortable - even a bit guilty - to get. This season, in the midst of giving and caring and loving others, please take some time to receive attention and care and even gifts for yourself. Remember, the giver has a chance to feel that warm, rewarding feeling of giving to YOU!

By the way, one of my favorite lines in all of the Christmas carols is: "And when we're worried and we can't sleep, we'll count our blessings instead of sheep, and we'll fall asleep counting our blessings." What a great practice. Blessings to you and your family and thank you for another wonderful year of friendship.