Greetings from the dynamic state of Texas! My name is Janet Anderton. It's a privilege being a part of AssistU and of this wonderful community! What a gift!

Personal background: I'm a life-long Texan (wasn't born here, but got here as fast as I could!). Being blessed with a wonderful sense of humor is one of my strongest character assets. I'm also tenacious and dedicated to whatever I decide is important. I've been married for almost 20 years to David, my wonderful husband. He unwaveringly supports me and says often that I'm always able to accomplish whatever I set out to do! I have a beautiful 25 year old daughter, Angie, who just graduated Nursing school. She just started her new job — working in the Pediatric Intensive Care Unit at University Hospital in Lubbock, Texas. She's been married almost a year to a wonderful young man, Michael (I couldn't have picked a better husband for *my little girl*). Michael will begin law school in the fall; he got a full-ride scholarship to Texas Tech Law School! Now, all I'm waiting for is those little people (grandchildren), however, they've told me it will be several more years. Do you think *patience* may be one of my lessons here? I'll work on it...

Professional background: From the moment I read one of Stacy's articles in Office Pro magazine (Fall of 1998), I instinctively knew becoming a VA was my dream! The seed was planted and I *processed* the information until December of 2000. The boss I had worked with for the previous 4 years was fired. They brought in a *new* boss. I was paralyzed with fear, afraid I was going to lose my job, not knowing if the new boss would accept me and want to work with me. The culture at the company was horrendous and extremely negative; there was lots of gossip, character assassination and backstabbing. Hence, part of the reason the new boss was brought in--to change the culture (a very difficult job)!

That fear was the catalyst that motivated me to seriously inquire about AssistU and exchange several emails with Stacy regarding my enormous fear of financial insecurity! What I didn't realize during that time, was that all of the pieces were being put into place, leading me to my dream! My new boss was a fabulous man, a true *leader.* Without a doubt, the best boss I've ever had!!! He lived his values of integrity, honesty and respect on a daily basis in the corporate world which was very different — he was the President of the company.

As I began the VTP, I learned about abundance, attraction and strong ethics — all these principals were being cemented and demonstrated to me on a daily basis at work, then at home through my VTP coursework! The puzzle was almost complete! I successfully completed the VTP and was excited about starting my VA practice. Although, that fear of financial insecurity still loomed large. About the time I completed the VTP, my wondeful boss told me he didn't care where I officed and gave me permission to work from home when he wasn't in town (which was rare). The last year of my corporate career was spent working from my home office! It was SWEET! However, deep down I knew I really wanted to step out on my own, but could not summon the courage.

In July 2002, 7 days before my daughter's BIG wedding, I received a call from my wonderful boss, saying he had been fired. The reason being he *wasn't the leader they wanted anymore.* Basically he took a stand for his values and refused to comprise them for anyone or anything! What a lesson for me! Of course, I found out a week or so later they were going to let me go, which was a blessing. In the end, God did for me what I could not and would not do for myself!!!

That was a very difficult time — I had to *act as if* everything was OK and not let anyone know, especially my daughter, that I was going to lose my job! I'm very *transparent* so it was another miracle that I pulled that one off! I didn't mention a word of what was going on to anyone except my husband and a trusted friend! Major growth on my part!

In the span of a couple of weeks my one and only child got married, left on her honeymoon, the boss I adored got fired and I lost my job! Talk about *shaking things up!*

However, I knew that everything was as it was supposed to be (even though I was deathly AFRAID) and that everything would work out for the best. I immediately began focusing on my VA practice and quickly realized, whoa, this is going to be a challenging transition process! It just wasn't quite that simple and easy! I had many years experience in the corporate world, however, in the VA world, I was a beginner with a lot to learn! It's been an enormously rewarding journey. I learn so much on a daily basis, however, I still have such a long way to go!

Building my business and marketing myself has been a challenging adventure. I've had to stretch way out of my comfort zone. I've had the opportunity to practice the attraction principles and experience the rewards of *giving first.* People have been put in my life who inspire, motivate and empower me to be the best I can be! I know this is just the beginning; I look forward to the abundance of growth opportunities and learning experiences. I don't have to fear change — CHANGE has ALWAYS benefitted me!

My favorite quote which sums up my life adventure thus far: