There is no single word that describes the Close To My Heart community better than “blessing.” During this month of gratitude and Thanksgiving, I want to share why this community has been such a blessing for both myself and my family.

Close To My Heart—her Consultants, her Home Office team and Executive Team, and above all, Jeanette, have become a family to me. They have not only helped me discover who I am but also have helped me define the type of woman that I aspire to be. They have continually supported my dreams and fostered my growth as an individual, mother, leader, artist, and businesswoman.

This family is composed of a community of many: my personal Team, my larger Team, my fellow Consultants across the country and around the world, and our Home Office teams. They have provided a support system that is like no other—a community that has seen each other through tears of sadness, trials and tribulations, losses, sicknesses, triumphs and celebrations, and complete joy. I have found strength within these relationships and have witnessed bonds like nothing else I’ve ever had the privilege of knowing or being a part of. These relationships are indeed priceless. They are genuine. They are real.

Within this community and on this journey that we call life, I find hope, respect, empowerment, unity, and togetherness. I find individuals building each other up. I find inspiration, faith, and celebration. We share a passion for preserving our memories and these relationships. I truly believe that these passions are what enable these unique relationships to grow. Along my 9-year Close To My Heart journey, I have been taken under the wings of great Consultants and encouraged to fly. I find myself now taking my own Team, and others who are now where I once was, under my wings. Their goals have become my goals to help them achieve. I want to walk with them as they make their dreams—with both Close To My Heart and in their personal lives—come true. All the while, Close To My Heart will help them grow and let their inner beauty shine.

I am continually touched by the caring, selflessness, and giving nature that is a trademark of the Close To My Heart family. I have witnessed first-hand Consultants rally to help families recreate their families’ memories when they lost their homes to floods, help fellow Consultants earn incentive trips, make cards for troops overseas and at home, and hold creative fundraisers for our amazing charity partner Operation Smile™ and so many other personal causes. This selfless nature speaks volumes to the character of the Consultants and their company.

One of the things I love the most about our community is that even though I am the Consultant, my own family is treasured and valued as well. My children are asked about with genuine interest, not just as a formality. Little details are remembered by the Executive Team and other Consultants, which I find truly endearing.

To illustrate, my most cherished Close To My Heart memory is shared with my daughter, Abigail. She is now eight and has grown up with CTMH. She can do the “twist-twist-tap-tap-tap stamp dance” in her sleep, and with sass! She can name most of the colors in our palette, knows many of our products inside and out, and could probably teach my classes better than I could. She loves Close To My Heart and tries to be a part of it. Last year, Close To My Heart did a special promotion in which copies of Sticky Boy were sent out randomly with orders. Abigail wanted me to have one so badly! She stalked my orders looking for a Sticky Boy, helped me post to his Facebook page that she would give him a good home, and more. The campaign ended, no Sticky Boy had arrived at the Sheridan household with my orders, and Abigail was in tears. The following week, a package arrived addressed to Abby. Tucked inside was a handmade card and a stowed-away Sticky Boy. Never have I seen such delight and pride in her eyes! That is the magic of Close To My Heart—a magic that is incomparable! One individual taking note and blessing another. Astounding.

The Close To My Heart community is truly a blessing. Within Close To My Heart, I have found the place where I belong.

Thank you, Tonya, for the beautiful blog post. We’re so glad that you’re part of our Close To My Heart family!

A few months ago, Tonya sent in some beautiful artwork for Monica and Jeanette that we just had to share. First, this beautiful Designed Décor chalkboard, which features an array of messages that embody Close To My Heart’s mission:

Tonya also sent both Monica and Jeanette amazing cards inspired by a page we created at Convention this year:

Didn’t she do a wonderful job of turning a scrapbook page into a card? Tonya, we’re so lucky to have you. Thank you to all Consultants and customers who help make our Close To My Heart family fabulous. We love you all!

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