Nice to have a place just to be

My other online presences are so focused - I find it nice to have a place where I feel comfortable mixing that more directed work and my more personal stuff.  Today I got the call that I will be one of the superstar team at National College of Natural Medicine known as the Presidental Ambassadors Leadership Society (PALS).  I'm very excited about this opportunity.  It's essentially a group of people judged by the administration to be exceptionally talented and dedicated to the cause of natural medicine who work to improve the NCNM community, natural medicine as a whole and - of course - themselves.  The three main points of excitement for me are:

1. The opportunity to work with the people involved.  I haven't learned the names of the other PALS members, but I'm sure they're as committed and passionate as I am in pursuing a greater system of healthcare for all people.  Also, the recently retired President of NCNM, Dr. William "Bill" Keppler and our new, full energized and amazing President, Dr. David Schleich will both be involved in the group and I'm very excited to work with both of them.
2. The group conceives of and works to complete a "legacy project" with the aim of improving some aspect of NCNM or natural medicine in Portland (and beyond).  Past projects have been wide reaching in their aims and have almost invariably been successful.  One example - the PALS worked to establish Natural Medicine week in Portland!  They got the support of businesspeople, governmental agencies and others... amazing work.  A true legacy.
3. Every month we have speakers come present their topics of expertise... from the CEO of New Seasons Market (a sustainable market here in Portland) to current and outgoing NCNM board members... and the opportunity there for personal growth is truly phenomenal. 
   

I just feel this is a great opportunity for me to take the next step in both personal and business development.  In concert with the continued growth of my blog, the accelerating growth of my partner's business and associated blog (still very much a work in progress)... it's just going to be a great year all around.

Eric