“The spirit, the will to win, and the will to excel are the things that endure. These qualities are so much more important than the events that occur.” -Vince Lombardi

Tomorrow is the big competition for the local Willamette Angel Conference, but in some ways after tonight’s VIP reception, I feel like I already won. First, how cool to be on the guest list of the VIP reception. Better still was the recognition by so many of the investors who were there and had seen my struggling performance several weeks ago, but more importantly had heard about my company through all of the due diligence work that goes on behind the scenes.

Repeatedly, the people who had participated in this process over time noted the clarity of the company message and brand and how authentically I represented this. How deeply gratifying to witness the values that have driven your endeavor reflected back to you so clearly. This is a win that will take me further than the bank, because for me it means that the work and mission of Good Clean Love is making its way in the world. 

The months of work to participate has been some of the most clarifying, directed and organized time in our organization’s history. The process of defining and refining the plans that have taken shape over the last couple of years into a vision that inspires a community is all the proof that I need that we are on our way to achieving it. Achieving this clarity in the context of my community has been the icing on the cake.

The real life changing win for the day was learning that I am getting well instead of sicker. The hours between discussing a visit with a hematologist and the blood test results were some of the most fearful I have experienced in a quite a while. The only win I could imagine caring about in those hours was having enough time to see my kids into adulthood. Learning that both my white and red blood cell counts have climbed slightly was new beyond relief, it was the joy of realizing how much I love my life and how grateful I am to have this time.

Tomorrow I will go up there and share the story of Good Clean Love one more time; and all that really needs to be conveyed is that loving always carries a win. Whether it is loving your family, your job, or building a company dedicated to love- Living life authentically is winning everyday, whether or not anyone takes note. But what a nice day when someone tells you they see it. Stay tuned for the exciting results…