We all want to matter. The question I asked is no different than the one you've asked yourself a hundred times. The difference is that I came to a point in my life when I was ready and able to answer. And
The Secret Gratitude Rock.com was born.
I believe that the single most powerful sword we have is love. It can be used to serve and protect, or it can be used to destroy. I wanted to find a way to lift the burdens of stress, despair, and hopelessness that so many experience and give them a Secret refuge to come home to - a place to recharge their batteries and fill up their proverbial bucket.
Gratitude is the active form of love and so I created an online development center called The Neighborhood. In it's safe haven you'll find streets devoted to specific areas of improvement in your life. For instance, University Drive is home to our online school of Self. Within its hallowed halls, you can take online courses to become the YOU you were always meant to be. On Center Street you can develop your mind, body, and spirit to create the physical vessel that will give you the confidence and energy needed to navigate through your life. On First Street you can develop your spirituality. On Union Avenue you'll find games and activities to build better relationships. And...there's more, but I think you get the point. The best part is that everything you find in The Neighborhood is totally and completely free. We're able to keep the site up and running through products that are sold on Market Street (the ONLY place that costs money on the whole site!) and through advertising dollars from our sponsors (hint, hint.)
Over time, we've added to our site, and have expanded our vision to include ways that we can make a difference in our own community and in the world. More programs, products, and personal passions have made their way to the surface to reach more people and make an even bigger difference. This is how FISH-Sticks was born. You've heard the saying, "Give a man a fish, you feed him for a day, but teach a man to fish and you feed him for a lifetime?" Well, on my vision board, I had, "Teach a Woman to FISH" (sorry guys, but I am a woman and was initially inspired to help other women.) One day I was sitting there and noticed that I had put FISH in all capitals and was contemplating why. That's when I was inspired with Find, Improve, Sustain, Help. It didn't take many more questions to get to "Find your talents, Improve your life, Sustain the changes, and Help others."
I'm sure we can agree that in our years in business, we've all watched a whole lot of "programs of the month" come and go. The problem is that the "going" wasn't intentional...they just sort of petered out. So the sustainability factor was crucial. I wanted to find people who were making a difference and figure out how to make those changes STICK! And what better place than rural Idaho - with it's mountains and fresh air to hear a few good FISH Stories from a few of our incredible crop of business leaders?
And so the dream was born. And with your help, it will continue.
In deepest gratitude, I welcome you and give thanks for your contribution,
Michelle Niederer
CEO & President, The Secret Gratitude Rock.com