Suffice it to say it is very complicated.
The pinnacle reason why I enjoy doing what I do stems from a meeting I attended back in 2008, when I worked for the Behavior Health arm of a major medical insurance company. I was charged with providing coverage information to providers and to our subscribers, as well as alternatives in the case of non coverage scenarios. Typically I would be assisting family members, caregivers, and the patients themselves, and since it was the Behavioral Health branch, at times I found myself enmeshed in crisis situations (suicide threats). At that time there was a real push toward being "customer oriented" and actually caring for the person on the other end of the phone line, as opposed to spouting information, and terminating the call.
As a relatively new hire, I listened intently to the long tenured director of our department, as he discussed his mindset regarding how he approached our job. He said to us:
"After I finish my work day, I go home, step into my office and I get real quiet. I review the events of my day, and then ask myself, 'Did you make a difference in someone's life today?'"
My mind was completely blown when I heard him say this! I thought to myself, "Wow! What a wonderful way to live and think. Instead of clocking in to get a paycheck, I can choose to adopt a lifestyle of service to others."
Now whether this was his heartfelt belief and practice, or just a bold strategy from management 101 to re-direct our attitudes towards the job, I will never know. Frankly it was irrelevant. For my entire life, all I ever wanted to do was something that mattered, and to be of help to people. I immediately bought into this idea, and went all in. I don't even remember the rest of the meeting. All I focused on was the revelation that yes, my job IS to help people. Even more importantly, I have the opportunity to actually make a difference in someone's life on a daily basis. I was ecstatic, and from that day forward entered each work day with thankfulness and renewed vigor. From that day forward I loved my job!

With renewed focus, I did everything I could to help my callers, and in the days that followed, management began to take notice, and in time I gained a reputation for displaying exemplary customer service, and received a number of accolades and citations for my hard work. Unfortunately, several months later, the director who inspired me was transferred into a new position, and I never saw him again. After he left, the corporate philosophy changed, and I was heartbroken.
Fortunately for me (and for you!) I have never forgotten this man's words.
Making a difference...what a wonderful way to approach life in all aspects! It is a phenomenal thing to know
that in everything we do, we all have

To this day, I do everything I can to adhere to this simple message, and incorporate it in all aspects of my life, including when I am preparing our Winter Goddess products. Since there is power in food, I believe that my good intent and positive energy translates into food and drink that are "Made with Love for your well-being," and can in some small way make a difference in your life as well. I gain great satisfaction from living this way, and I highly recommend that you give it a try. Remember, you don't have to save the whole world, but maybe, just maybe you can effect one person in a positive way.
Have you made a difference in someone's life today?
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