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Every Little Thing by April Jeppson

I was able to attend a work conference this week. I had the pleasure of traveling to Eau Claire for the first time. I like to think that I’m well-traveled, but I’ve learned that I have been to very little of Wisconsin. This time of year is always a great time to drive and admire the changing fall colors. Add in the hills, rivers and cliffs, and I’m quickly reminded that autumn in this part of the world feels like a Hallmark movie.

Over 400 leaders from my profession gathered to learn, discuss and celebrate. Something magical happens when you put that many people together who share a common mission. You can literally feel the energy in the room.

I love a good training event. Events like this fill my cup, remind me of my purpose and connect me with others that share similar problems and goals. This is my third year attending this particular conference. The first time I was here, I had a mentor show me around and introduce me to his friends and colleagues. I am so thankful I was given that opportunity and didn’t have to go at it alone.

I think about all the people that I met that first year. How those relationships have grown and expanded to other people. I now have a long list of people that I can reach out to when I have questions or concerns.

My job has an array of tasks that vary from day to day so the questions that I’m faced with are all over the spectrum. No matter what I am faced with I know that there is someone that I can reach out to for help. Simply knowing that I am not alone in this helps make difficult situations bearable.

It’s not just about the hard times though. New programs, exciting opportunities and sharing good news is also more enjoyable with colleagues who “get it.” These relationships are the icing on an already delicious cupcake.

Even though I only get to see some of these people in person once a year, I spend hours with them virtually. Through Zoom, email and phone calls I’ve been supported and uplifted as I’ve transitioned through my various roles. They say it takes a village to raise a child, I’ve talked about how it takes a village to support adults and now I’ll add that a village is needed in the workplace as well.

This year I had the opportunity to show some of my co-workers around. Connect them to other leaders in the Midwest that I want them to meet. I know that these introductions can turn into emails and phone calls that will provide insight, comfort and even an opportunity to vent. I look forward to seeing how these relationships grow and bloom for them.

Albert Lean April Jeppson is a wife, mom, coach and encourager of dreams. Her column appears every Saturday.