All this resurfaced when Rick asked me, "How can we quantify the benefits people receive from workshops?" You see, to answer that, I have to start with my own results, which sounds (to me) like bragging. But here goes - the benefits I experience from doing workshops and pursuing a life of personal growth are evidenced in my life. In a word, it is "magical."

I've led workshops for eighteen years and I still look forward to each one. I'm still intrigued by what makes people tick and the process of discovery. I enjoy the people. I enjoy the process, and the results are very fulfilling. I've created a business that allows me to perform my job within five miles of my home. When I'm not close to home, I'm in some location that many would consider a world-class, once-in-a-lifetime vacation destination. I've "worked" snowboarding in: Grindelwald, Switzerland; Whistler, Canada; Telluride, Colorado; and Park City, Utah. I've been on safari in Africa, spent weeks in Hawaii, enjoyed SCUBA diving in Fiji, toured London and played golf at Pebble Beach. And, this was just in the past eighteen months. I travel with people I enjoy, doing a job that makes a difference in the lives that I touch. For me - it's a life's dream come true.

My day starts with an hour of surfing at sunrise (a combination of exercise, hobby and spiritual connection.) I'm not sure why, but my spirit soars when I'm in the water. From there I go to my office to fulfill my responsibilities as President of PL&L. The business brings the type of challenge I have always loved in my life. I organize my time so I can coach my three children in their various sports, attend school functions and be home on their days off. Although I travel often, I spend more time with my family and miss fewer events than most working parents.

Most important are my family and friends. I've sustained close friendships dating back to elementary school with people who have taught me and supported me for over thirty years. I am close to my father, mother, stepmother and sisters. Most of the people I work with have been friends and co-workers for over fifteen years. My lifelong friendships are a treasure.

Robin and I celebrate our 22nd anniversary this August, and we are happier than ever. She is an incredible person who complements my life, and she has helped to make me more than I ever could have been on my own. The kind of person she is reflects clearly in our children: they are bright, gifted people who shine in the classroom, in sports, music and student government. More than that, they are just plain wonderful to be around. They are respectful, laugh easily, especially at themselves. They are remarkably aware.