Reflections on Turning 50

I turned 50 on Sunday. It wasn't a big deal - I worked out, did some shopping, had take out Sushi for dinner. It was really a non-event. But it did get me thinking about what I've got to be grateful for.

My mother died of cancer at age 48, so I've already lived more than she ever did. I makes me think that this part of my life is precious and not to waste it on petty prejudice and anger. It also makes me count my blessings. So, here's what I'm thankful for:

1. My family. My husband and children are the center of my life and the most important. My kids are kind, generous, intelligent and fun to be with. I'm also grateful for my sister, brother, dad and stepmother and my many aunts, uncles and cousins that I love so much but don't get to see very often (thank goodness for Facebook!). They are never forgotten and never taken for granted. They are my center and my rock.
2.My home. When I was a kid I used to dream of having a home where I could have lots of animals, especially horses. Well, that dream came true when we bought our current home on 81 acres of undeveloped land in New Hampshire. Now I have 5 dogs and 2 horses and miles of woodland trails to wander. Spending time in nature rejuvenates me and connects me to the "unexplainable." It is where I draw my energy from. At least three times a week, you'll find me in the woods on foot or on horseback, recharging my batteries.
3. My work. My mother told me to find work that I loved and found rewarding - as I'd be spending most of my time doing it. I am blessed to be doing just that. I love what I do - it's creative and interesting, and changes every day. I love the people I work with - they are intelligent, stimulating, creative and fun. It seems like I took a winding path to get here, but every step lead me in the right direction.
4. The opportunity to travel. I love to travel and see new places, experience new things and meet new people. I think it opens us up to new ideas and makes us more tolerant of other cultures and beliefs. More Americans should travel outside the United States - even live abroad for a while - to understand a fresh point of view. I've had the opportunity to travel quite a bit within the United States as well as to other countries. Those experiences have shaped my life.
5. Music. I love music. My mother was a wonderful singer, and she instilled in all of us a love of music. Since my kids have gotten older, I've had the opportunity to begin singing more and have enjoyed every minute of it. Music feeds my soul.
6. My health. Not to tempt fate, but I've been healthy all my life. Besids a broken wrist, I've never been injured or sick. I exercise regularly - and enjoy it! I hiked Mount Monadnock three times this summer, and ran in a 5K race. I've got enough energy to do the things I love to do.

There's lot more to be thankful for, but I won't make this blog too long. Thinking ahead to the next 50 years - I'd like to keep doing what I'm doing and continue to have the above blessings in abundance in my life. I wish everyone else the same. Here's to the next 50!

What I Learned at Brand Camp

Last week was a great week. I spent three days in Chicago with some of the best people I've ever met. Where was I??? At Brand Camp. What's that you ask? It was a conference put on by Aartrijk to explore the world of social media and its impact on insurance branding. Sure, I learned a lot about how social media can be utilized effectively, how to "Tweet" and how important blogging can be. But what really struck me was the energy of the group. The people who attended were really excited about the prospects, willing to learn and energized about their agencies. It's probably the first time I didn't get a sense of "quiet desperation" about the future of the independent agent and the power of the direct writers.

I learned that the independent agent has some huge opportunities because their business is based on building and maintaining relationships - a perfect match for social networking.

I learned that there are some amazing young agents and their staff that have great new ideas to reach "Generation Y" and that they should be listened to.

I learned that the agents that adopt this new way of marketing and sales will be the ones to succeed.

I learned that listening is as important as talking, whether it's face-to-face or on the Web.

I learned that being open to new ideas and new ways of doing business is critical to long term growth.

Yes, we did discuss how to find "fans" on Facebook and "followers" on Twitter. We talked about effective Web site design. We talked about search engine optimization. But they were secondary to the new attitude that was circulating in the room. I wish we could capture that and sell it over the Internet!