There is a certain amount of irony about writing today's post - Yellow Envelope Project - from Leadershape, a six day institute for college students who are serious about making a contribution.  My days last 16-20 hours and the monetary compensation is negligible.  I'm not complaining, though.  The pay-off is huge.

For six days I get to work with talented staff and motivated students.  I get to hear students' share their hopes and dreams and I get to sit along side of them while many of them think, for the very first time, about their passions.  We talk about values and visions and goals and how they, if willing to do the hard work of leadership, can make a difference in the world.  We introduce these students to a world of possibility.

I cannot imagine a single thing I would rather be doing.

I am quite certain the recipient of today's Yellow Envelope Project understands why I feel so privileged to be along side these students while they are undergoing such meaningful discovery.  And yet, it is her nominator who describes feeling grateful.  Read what today's nominator had to say:

"Deb is beyond amazing as a life coach and mentor. She is a partner in the Authentic Leadership Center. She does incredible work transforming lives and working with changing people's negative core beliefs. She truly is an inspiration and her work is life altering and powerful. She literally changed my life for the better with only 5 words. She helped me work through some very painful childhood moments and what they meant about me today. With her guidance, I am a new woman. Deb has done and continues to do her own self work. The work she has done with me ever so gently has been done with hundreds of others. I've witnessed the magic. Authentic Leadership Center is her second job, this is not a venture that is for profit, they only look to cover their costs. The programs and leadership seminars they put on are amazing. She is now retired but worked for years in California state government and holds a Ph.D in Toxicology. She is also a Minister in Religious Science and an all around amazing woman. I don't feel like I've conveyed the depth of her contributions very well. Please contact me if you have any doubts about giving Deb the Yellow Envelope and I'll share much more."

Deb is a worthy recipient of our Yellow Envelope Project because she chooses to spend a portion of her time elevating others.  Her coaching and mentoring allows people to move past obstacles that keep them from living a full life.  Simply put, Deb brightens her corner of the world by helping people shine.

The truth is, if Deb was reading this, she would insist that she was the one who ought to be sending a letter of gratitude.  I know that, because it is exactly how I feel the night before leaving Leadershape 2011 - grateful for the chance to facilitate such a meaningful experience.

All the more reason why flooding Deb's box will be fun.  Our anonymous letters of gratitude will be totally unexpected and totally appreciated.

Here is how to join our tribe:

Write Deb a short note telling her you think she shines.  Commend her for helping other people live their best lives and, in turn, for helping to power our planet with shine.  Seal your note in a yellow envelope - or a white envelope decorated with yellow markers and stickers.  Mail it to the address listed below and commit to sending it sometime before next Saturday when we meet again to recognize another worthy recipient.

It's that simple.

Shining off until tomorrow...