A Shout Out of Thanks

Sometimes in life you come across people who give of themselves in unusual ways. They may have to due to the demands of their job to some extent but then of their own decision go above and beyond. Sometimes they're not properly compensated or rewarded or even thanked for this effort (and to some extent that's o.k. because we want to encourage each other to do things for others expecting nothing in return). This week, I had the wonderful privilege of meeting 3 women who had a professional attachment to an event but truly went above and beyond. I want to thank  them.


Many of you know that I am part of an online weight loss community, www.thebestlife.com , and have been for 4+ years. Through this site I've met men and women from around the country and beyond who walk my journey with me. They're special folks. This week we gathered in Chicago to spend time together socializing and encouraging each other as we work toward our goals. Because we asked for it and because they're cool like that, we had on hand, 3 top level experts that work for Bob Greene on his website: Janis Jibrin, Michelle Kennedy and Jen Martin. (You can learn more about them at the website listed above.) 


Now hear me because this is kind of unheard of: They showed up at our event for 4 days, making themselves widely available to us, were way underused for the talent they brought, listened patiently, kindly and helpfully to all of our stories, aches, pains and complaints - inserted their expertise wherever they could and we as a group payed them NOTHING. I have no idea how they were compensated from their boss, but you just don't get access to people of this caliber without paying up the big bucks. In addition, we were treated to a cooking class at a top notch facility in Chicago and were graced not only with Janice Jibrin, but also Best Life and top D.C. chef, Sidra Forman. All of this was done for 30 men and women who payed a small registration fee of $25 and that money did not even go to The Best Life. 


Can you believe it? Not only that, we were given tickets to a very famous show and received public acknowledgement for our weight loss on national t.v. and won a very cool prize. (You might make sure to set your dvr on May 10.) Afterwards, we had a 2 HOUR private session with Bob Greene, and we didn't pay him diddly! 2 HOURS! (In case you need a little more of a hint: It's the much anticipated Weight Loss Finale of a very famous talk show that is in it's last season and is filmed in Chicago. *wink*)


I'm so impressed with the generosity of spirit and time that was bestowed upon us, let alone expertise. We didn't deserve it. We probably took advantage of them and we dang sure didn't pay them. These people all of them, but particularly the 3 I mentioned early on, at the very least deserve a public thanks. 
THANK YOU, JANIS, MICHELLE AND JEN. YOU ROCK!!!