The Retroactive Feast

Squanto Saved the Pilgrims...Who Saves Us?

Alas, when we are younger, we are often cocky and proud and think that all of the things we accomplish are because of our own smarts and coolness.  Now, looking back, I realize that I wasn't born knowing how to "hunt and fish," and that I had many guides who saved me from freezing winters (metaphorical ones, mostly, although there was the type when I had to be rescued off a mountain in Colorado by a ski patrol dude).

So, if I was assembling a feast of celebration and gratitude and could invite anyone (living or dead), the guest list would include (in no particular order):

1. My parents who gave me good genes and fueled my dreams.  My brothers who taught me how to hold my own against boys.
2. The hippie friends and drummers of my youth who gave me an appreciation of rock and roll and bad behavior. 
3. My daughters and husband, who taught me not to take myself too seriously and always make me laugh.
4. Various bosses (even the quirky and borderline abusive ones). The great ones inspired vision and confidence and the bad ones taught me not to take anything personally in the business world.
5. The folks who supported my late-life decision to become an entrepreneur.  Many of them still keep me focused and boost my spirits in tough times.
6. The wonderful people I've worked with over the years.  I learned something from each one of you.
7. The people who serve as my left brain or right brain, when I need a whole brain.
8. Girlfriends.  Who else will tell you the truth AND keep secrets?
9. Well-trained doctors who fix various body parts and necessary organs. 
10. Writers, filmmakers and even reality TV producers who entertain me and help me relax.
11. People in my life who are vigilant about health, exercise, and spirituality.  Without them, I would be quite slothful.
12. The teachers from grade school through college (even the ones we made fun of) who gave me an appreciation of the English language.  Whether I'm writing a 1,000 word business article or a 140 character Tweet, I thank them for making me fearless and reasonably articulate in expressing myself.
13. My social media community.  They share cool new tricks and devices(some of which actually have real-world value).
14. Whoever actually invented in the Internet. If not for the power of the blog, how else could I possibly offer up so much universal gratitude in just a few bullet points?