The darkest and most challenging time in my career happened while I was working with Jen. We were faced with the challenge of re-building a team from the ground up. Where any other new manager would have ran and let someone else take care of the problem (that someone was me), Jen stayed. She slept less in a month than most people do in a week and made many personal sacrifices. I’m sure she questioned why she decided to take on that responsibility several times, but she never quit.
Jen is receiving a 7 of Hearts because she never gave up on us. I have a grim picture sitting above my computer that reminds me of that challenging time…and in bold magic marker the words, “Remember what you’ve overcome” are written across it. When I find myself feeling overwhelmed and thinking I can’t overcome an obstacle I look at that and feel like I can do anything. Thanks for being a part of that transformation Jen and giving me a constant reminder that getting over obstacles might not be easy, but is never impossible, no matter how big they might be.

Angie is the first recipient of this card and I hope she passes it on to someone who has impacted her.
“Having a soft heart in a cruel world is courage, not weakness.” I heard that quote and thought of Angie because despite how many times Angie has been let down, disappointed, or faced adversity she continues to look for the best in people. She is one of the most self-less people I have met and on more occasions than I can count she has put other’s needs before hers, without hesitation. She never expects anything in return, and her kindness is often taken for granted. Angie is getting a 7 of Hearts because she continuously reminds me of the goodness in people. It is refreshing to be able to believe in somebody the way I believe in Angie. “Never stop doing little things for people, Sometimes the smallest things occupy the biggest parts of their hearts.”

I had plans with my career, big plans…none of which involved providing in-home care to adults with disabilities. In my initial career search right out of post-graduate school I started work at an adult family home and had the honor of meeting Sam. At just over 5 feet tall she was an intimidating little woman with drive and tenacity. I’d never heard anyone tell stories about her residents and her job like she did. Rarely does she tell a story and not cry, either from laughter, sadness, or a little bit of both. All of her stories are about how other people (whether it be co-workers or residents) have impacted her, and never about her taking credit for the impact she has made on others. Sam is receiving a 7 of Hearts to remind her of one small moment that impacted the choices I made. *It was that cold winter day she stood outside with a hoodie and stocking cap on and told me her stories as she cried. I stared at her in awe as she jumped around, talked with her hands, and laughed and cried. She was so proud! I wanted that…I wanted a career I could be proud of, one that really made an impact on peoples’ lives. As I glanced at the company logo on her shirt I decided that this was where I wanted to build my career, and from that day forward never filled out an application to another company. I still have the honor of working with her to this day, along side a team that believes in her, and I couldn’t be more proud. Sam, never forget how simple moments have a huge impact. Never stop inspiring people!

I will look for an opportunity to share this card with someone I see making a difference in a simple moment. To be continued…

When I began working with the company 9.5 years ago, she was one of the first people (not in my department) to strike up a conversation with me. It wasn’t about work – it was about me. She was generally interested in me and made me feel like a great person. She has a heart of gold and I will always remember her compassion for others.

After seeing how passionate Jon was during his presentation and seeing how just one moment can change someone’s life. I decided to take a card and pass it on when I see someone with as much passion as Jon has.

I was so moved by Nathan’s story, that I just had to take one of the cards. I can’t wait to pass it along to someone!

The book has already inspired me to do quick “small” things for others.