Something really unexpected happened this week. I got an email letting me know I had been selected to the Springfield Business Journal's 2014 40 Under 40, an award that 'recognizes the area's brightest and most accomplished up-and-coming young businesspeople.'
Um... what? I was totally shocked. And honestly felt a little silly telling my family and friends about it. This past year I was chosen as 417 Magazine's 20 Under 30. When I told my brother about 40 Under 40, I promised him that there are more young professionals besides just me living in Springfield, and no, I wasn't nominating myself. I have no idea who nominated me for either (so if it was you, fess up).
It is definitely humbling to receive either of these recognitions. Receiving both in one year is just too much. So it was hard to even tell anyone. In my mind I already was hearing all the jokes, 'What's next? 70 under 70?' I could see the eye rolls from people who don't care, or don't think I'm deserving, or just think that any of the awards are a big fat joke. I didn't want to or know how to tell anyone about 40 Under 40.
But then I saw who else is being given this award. So many of my friends, peers, and mentors. I started getting super excited to be able to celebrate with them, especially because I missed the 20 Under 30 celebration last year.
And then it hit me. Dude. Kim. You work hard. You love your community. You have given it a lot over the past decade. You have had a pretty incredible year. And you didn't fall on the ice even once these past few weeks. As stressed and anxious as I can get over work or projects, when I look at all that I have accomplished this past year, it has been extraordinary. 2013 is one year I will never forget. That thought alone puts my stress in perspective.
We are all our own worst critics. I so often feel as if I'm not doing enough, or not doing this whole life thing as awesome as I should. This recognition is a huge pat on the back saying, 'Hey. You're okay.'
So, I decided to be proud to be named to another 'insert age' Under 'insert other age' list. :) I think lists are driving my life this year, and I love lists.
And hey, if I'm going to enter a new decade, I might as well get a pretty award for it. :)
A huge thank you to whoever nominated me and to the judges who selected me. And an enormous congratulations to everyone else who made the list! I look up to so many of you and am so honored to be in the same class as you.
The issue will be out the week of March 3rd. I'll post the article when it is published. http://sbj.net/main.asp?SectionID=48&SubSectionID=108&ArticleID=96389
Now what to wear?
And hey, if I'm going to enter a new decade, I might as well get a pretty award for it. :)
A huge thank you to whoever nominated me and to the judges who selected me. And an enormous congratulations to everyone else who made the list! I look up to so many of you and am so honored to be in the same class as you.
The issue will be out the week of March 3rd. I'll post the article when it is published. http://sbj.net/main.asp?SectionID=48&SubSectionID=108&ArticleID=96389
Now what to wear?
