Today we celebrate. For a moment.

As many of you know, it was many years ago I set out to follow my heart as a teacher. I have not only had the good fortune of being able to speak, train, consult, and coach as a full time living, but today I receive my Certified Speaking Professional designation from National Speakers Association — their highest earned award.

While it will be awesome to walk across the stage this afternoon, I also want to hold this award with a very loose grip. It has come at a price that I’m not sure I’d pay again as I’ve made choices along the way that were less than perfectly wise.

Countless numbers of you have been part of this in various ways, especially my beloved wife Angi and longtime business partner Scott.

I am acutely aware that there would be no speaking or teaching if there were no audiences or students, no rent paid if no one bought books or invested in their teams, no giving of my gifts if no one received them. For this I am grateful beyond measure.

Please accept not only my deepest thanks, but also my invitation to share this award with me.

Perhaps most importantly, I’d be honored if you were part of writing the next chapter with me as this moment fades into the rearview mirror.

-R