I’ll never forget the day I met my mentor, Susanne. I was drifting aimlessly, unsure of my path. Then she entered my life and turned everything around.

Through countless cups of coffee and deep, winding conversations, Susanne became so much more than just a mentor.

She was a guiding light, offering life-changing insights that have shaped my personal and professional journey since 2001. Take a trip with me as I revisit Susanne’s wisdom, which continues to inspire me today

Fall Eight Times, Stand Up Nine

My daughter had just entered residential treatment, I was still dealing with an abusive former husband, and I was overwhelmed with fear and a sense of failure.

The outside world felt like unfamiliar, uncharted territory.

I had just begun advocating for children with IEPs and found myself drawn to advocacy and educational consulting. Noticing my uncertainty, Susanne shared her story with me—recounting the many setbacks she had encountered over the years and how each failure became a stepping stone toward eventual success.

Susanne was an exceptional advocate for children, wholly committed to ensuring their best outcomes. She stood by us during mediation with the local school district, going above and beyond what any exceptional education attorney had ever done. Even the school district’s attorneys recognized her as a tireless champion for our daughter. Her support was invaluable to all of us.

She told me, ‘There comes a time when you must embrace failure. It’s not the enemy of success but a crucial part of the journey.’

Susanne described resilience as a muscle that requires regular exercise to grow stronger.

“Each time you stumble, you discover more about yourself. Get back up, brush off the dust, and keep pushing forward. If you fall eight times, make sure to rise nine.”

Her words showed me that diversity is a gateway to growth.

I understood that challenges aren’t obstacles but markers pointing us toward unexplored opportunities.

Stay True To Yourself

I recall when Susanne encouraged me to “just be yourself.”

I brushed it off with a laugh, assuming it was just another cliché thrown around without much meaning.

Susanne was relentless in driving this message home.

She often said, “The most transformative act you can undertake is to honor your true, unique self.”

She encouraged me to let go of the pressure to fit into societal norms and to embrace my unique quirks.

“They’re what make you, you,” she said with a smile.

Susanne’s unwavering authenticity in every situation deeply inspired me.

I understood that embracing my true self was the key to building authentic relationships, succeeding in my career, and living purposefully.

Everything You Need Is Already Within You

Early in my career, Susanne noticed my tendency toward self-doubt and people-pleasing.

One day, as we sat in her home office, she told me, “Everything you need is within you. Don’t surrender your power to others.”

Her words ignited a change within me. I understood that I needed to trust in my boundless potential instead of seeking validation from others.

Susanne instilled in me the value of uplifting others.

She often said, “When we support one another, there’s no limit to what we can achieve.”

When I moved from Pacific Grove, California, to Coeur d’Alene, Idaho, I started my own business, bringing other advocates and educational consultants on board. I took pride in supporting my team members and fostering their talents.

The rewards were immense, professionally, and in my deep sense of fulfillment.

Susanne honored me by joining my new business, demonstrating how empowerment can create waves of positive change in the world. Her legacy continues to live on through me and everyone she inspired.

This Moment Will Eventually Pass

When the I.E.C.A. (Independent Educational Consultants Association) Board of Directors denied my attendance at their conference, it felt like my world was collapsing. I had already paid for my registration, booked my hotel, and arranged my flight. However, weeks before the event, I received a letter and a refund check via Federal Express from the Board, informing me that I didn’t meet their standards and requesting that I not attend.

(I’ve kept this letter and a copy of the check in my safe deposit box, as it will be included in my book).

StrugglingTeens.com had also been raising doubts about my integrity and professionalism through articles on their website.

Overwhelmed, I sought guidance from my trusted mentor, Susanne.

She shared her experiences of navigating through both professional and personal crises.

“Adversity is inevitable; suffering is a choice,” she reminded me. “This moment will pass.”

Susanne’s grounded wisdom taught me that true strength is found in how we face challenges—with adaptability, grace, and resilience.

Her calm demeanor during the most turbulent times showed me how to stay grounded and navigate adversity without losing hope or giving up. She embodied resilience, rising through the cracks of life’s challenges.

Pursue What You Love, And Find Joy In The Work You Do

Early in my new business and career, I was becoming successful and wanted to ensure my work was meaningful.

I sought guidance from Susanne, my trusted confidante and mentor. She encouraged me to connect with my deepest passions and find meaningful ways to advocate for children, just as she had done for my daughter.

“Focus on what you love as an advocate, and don’t get caught up in the ‘educational consultant’ title—that’s just for the business world. Do what you love, and you’ll never work a day in your life,” she told me.

That inspiring quote, now displayed on a silk cloth, still hangs on the door of my writing room.

With her guidance, I committed to prioritizing advocacy for every family I supported. I fully immersed myself in each family’s unique situation, and in doing so, I ultimately discovered my true calling.

Susanne showed me that success isn’t a final destination but an ongoing journey of growth and discovery.

Her wisdom encouraged me to live fully, welcome new experiences, and cherish every moment.

Appreciate The Good Things In Your Life

On days when I felt down, Susanne encouraged me to focus on gratitude. She emphasized how it could quickly lift one’s spirits.

Whenever I felt the urge to complain, she reminded me to “appreciate the little things” instead. It could be something as simple as a warm cup of cocoa, a shared laugh, or the beauty of a sunrise.

With Susanne’s guidance, gratitude became second nature to me. It kept me grounded and gave me a profound sense of grace.

Susanne’s wisdom and enduring example remind me to cherish life’s big and small moments and focus on the journey rather than just the destination.

Ignite Your Spark

When I asked Susanne how she wished to be remembered, she responded surprisingly.

“I’d like people to say that I lit a candle or two to help others find their path.”

She showed me that real success isn’t about collecting accolades but about making a meaningful impact, no matter how small.

I had a successful career spanning over 30 years as an advocate and ‘educational consultant.’ I recently retired from my woman-owned business without the support of the I.E.C.A. or the endorsement of StrugglingTeens.com

I honor Susanne’s legacy by living purposefully, uplifting others, and embracing the next chapter of my life.

Her light still guides me, even through the darkest nights.

Closing Thoughts

Reflecting on this journey through my memories, I am grateful for my mentor, Susanne. She illuminated my path when I was lost in the dark. The life lessons she imparted are forever engraved in my heart. Her wisdom continues to guide and inspire me as I embark on the next chapter of my journey. Some lessons take a lifetime to grasp. I feel truly fortunate to have had a guiding light like Susanne, who helped me navigate some of the most profound ones.

If you have someone like Susanne, take a moment to appreciate their impact. Then, they honor their lessons by paying them forward and becoming mentors to others.

That’s the true sign of a life well lived.