What I Found in My Attic—and Why It Still Shapes My Life

The forecast called for over an inch of rain today, so I decided to make the most of it and tackle organizing our attic. While I was digging through old boxes, I stumbled across my Gardiner Board of Trade 2011 Director Award. It's hard to even remember that far back. I look so young in the photo—clearly pre-kid era!

That award came from my first real business: my first retail location in beautiful, historic downtown Gardiner. It all started because I said "yes" when someone asked if I wanted to expand my little online business into a storefront. I didn’t know what I was getting into—but that one decision changed everything.

From that shop, I got involved with Gardiner Main Street and really began to understand the role a vibrant downtown plays in the life of a community. That led me to run for—and be elected to—the city council, where I could be a voice for small business owners like myself.

Even though I eventually moved away from that little city on the Kennebec River, I have not forgotten the lessons I learned there. I am who I am today because of the people, the experiences, and the opportunities I was brave enough to say yes to.

Looking back, if I hadn’t said yes, I might have stayed a small online brand, invisible to my local community. I wouldn’t have learned how to network, bought my first investment property, or started a burrito shop. Saying yes unlocked a whole new world—and it reminded me of something my dad always believed in: the power of learning. He was a huge fan of lifelong learning, always reading, always curious. That drive to unlock the potential inside of us is a gift I am forever grateful for.

And if that wasn’t your childhood, that’s okay.

You have me now—you’re reading this. Learn from me!

Not long ago, an entrepreneur wrote me a note that said, "I definitely didn't grow up in a house with any financial literacy or business acumen, so it's been a steep learning curve. It helps to have someone who is a mentor, and also just really cool and down to Earth (that's you)."

That message meant the world to me—and it’s exactly why I believe so strongly in saying yes, in getting involved, and in helping others along the way.Instead of staying small and hidden, I got the chance to help make a difference.

"The strength of a community lies not in its buildings, but in the hearts of those who choose to invest in it."

So here's my challenge to you: Say yes.

Say yes to an opportunity, a new experience, a little bit of unknown. Get involved. Show up. Learn something new. Leave your mark. You never know where one simple "yes" might take you.

Enjoy the ride.