When people honor each other, there is a trust established that leads to synergy, interdependence, and deep respect. Both parties make decisions and choices based on what is right, what is best, what is valued most highly
~Blaine Lee
Yesterday was an extraordinarily long day. Earlier in the week, I had traveled with my husband to California to attend to both business and family matters. Before leaving for the airport at 7:30 am, I had already spent two solid hours in front of my laptop working at the closest Starbucks. By the time we reached our home, I was exhausted from working, the logistics of air travel, navigating the dinner crowd to grocery shop at Whole Foods and attending to a few other necessary errands. I was also distracted on the trip as I have started horse shopping, yet due to my conservative nature, I no longer have the same psychological comfort level previously afforded by the constant financial security that my corporate career provided. I was tired and definitely feeling the stress that comes with owning my own business.
As is normal, UPS packages had been placed inside our home while we were away and I was completely perplexed as to the contents of a rather flat large parcel. I then saw the name on the address label: Erin Gilmore. Since I jumped off my corporate executive track and dove into entrepreneurship, Erin has been my respected “go-to” person within the hunter/jumper business community due to her acumen of the industry and transparent conduct. She has spent years dedicated to improving the journalistic standards of domestic and international equestrian reporting, including her coveted position as Editor In Chief of Horse & Style Magazine. Why, though, would she have sent me a rather large parcel?
It then hit me as to what the contents most probably contained. My heart rate literally quickened as my husband carefully opened the large box. Inside was a black and white canvas of Sloane Coles taken at the Ridge by Erin. I have absolutely coveted this image since first seeing it on Instagram and I have rather been a bother that she needs to make her work available for purchase to the public. Even more significant, though, attached to the piece was a handwritten note that deeply touched my core because it thanked me for my perspective on Erin’s professional talents.
The note and gift were so unexpected that any question I had felt just hours earlier about my career path instantly vanished. I left a financially lucrative position because I truly believed I could make a difference using my business experience to assist others within the equestrian industry. I had no idea how “wealthy” and stable I would feel when someone I deeply respect acknowledged my contribution without any type of solicitation.
A little haggard from a long day of travel, but elated all the same.
Erin’s note also mentioned that she hoped I would find a special place for the canvas in our new country home. Little did she know that during the renovation, we added a photo studio & reading room. It even has a hidden office within in a dormer that is covered by a white farm door. The metal hardware on the farm door is black and the piece Erin created for me is wrapped with a black finish. Uncanny how well the gift finishes the space and it will always have a permanent spot in the new K.M. Thornton & Co. studio.
Attached to the photography studio and reading room is a "secret" office behind a barn door.
I was adament to document this story due to the importance of gratitude and respect. When one is truly following their passion, wealth will follow in unexpected ways. Erin's unexpected gesture and hearfelt note reminded me of the priorities most important to my value system. Maybe I can’t justify the specific show hunter I once could easily afford, but a gesture of gratitude from a friend and colleague I deeply respect prompted me to recognize how much more bountiful my life has become.
I hope that you are fortunate enough to form lasting relationships with those you hold in the highest regard.
Salut!
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