READER'S FEEDBACK AND SUCCESS STORY

Hi, Bruce --

I just wanted to let you know once again how much I am inspired and encouraged by your newsletters! I hope you have an absolutely WONDERFUL 2008, with much success and joy coming your way.

At the ripe old age of 57, with a husband who just retired, I've just taken what I consider MY "dream job" as the program coordinator for the 130+Extension Master Gardeners here in Guilford County, North Carolina. It's only a part-time position, not what most would consider a "career move," but it suits me to a "t" (literally everyone I know who has read the job description has finished and said, simply, "This is you."), and it never would have come about if I hadn't decided to "go for it" and pursue a long-held dream of becoming a Master Gardener last year. I live 20 miles from the Ag Center, the Master Gardeners have to commit to 50+ hours of education and volunteer service each year, AND we have to pay for the privilege, so it's not what I'd call a convenient thing to do. However, as I've seen time after time after time in my life, the things that either
scared me the most or were least "practical" ultimately proved to be the most richly rewarding, soul-nourishing, and satisfying undertakings of all. I've learned that saying "yes" is perhaps the most life-changing and life-affirming choice anyone can ever make.

May you encourage thousands more to dream . . . and to go after those dreams!

All good wishes to you,
Linda