“No matter who you are. No matter where you go in life. You’re going to need somebody to STAND BY YOU . . .”

It’s just three simple words.  But, those three words have played an integral part in my life. Ben E. King summed it up first when he sang, “Stand by Me!” The Playing For Change crew (seen here) did a beautiful and heartfelt rendition.

I’ve always prided myself on being independent and relying on myself to get what I want. After all, I am the only one who knows exactly what I want and what I need to do to achieve it.

I like to think that my successes are all 100% self-made. I busted my butt and put in the hard work to make it happen. But looking back, I realized that there are very few, if any, things that I conquered completely alone. As fellow blogger, Sam Davidson, points out there are no true solo acts. My family and friends- my support network- all have a little (and sometimes a large) part of my successes. In their own unique ways, they have all contributed and helped to make me the person that I am today.

And for that, I am eternally grateful.

Sadly, I realize I don’t always express my gratitude when I should. In the spirit of the holiday season, I want to urge everyone to give back to those who have helped you this year. For both the small gestures and the big ones. It’s amazing what a small gift or a simple “thank you” can mean. Give back to friends, relatives and the less fortunate this holiday season.

After all, even a simple, heart-felt “Thank You!” can make the biggest difference.