December: Letter from our Co-Founder

Dear friends,

It was incredible to see so many of you in San Diego last week at the YATA Conference. It was beyond gratifying to see how this little organization has blossomed into what it is today. The feeling of camaraderie and connection was palpable all week in San Diego; a huge thank you to everyone who sent kind texts, stopped by our table, and especially to those who laughed at my lame jokes.  All of it was a blast, and it was great seeing so many of you there and discussing the state of our field and what is ahead – if you could not join us, we cannot wait to see you next year, register early!

People's minds were occupied by the need to pivot and reorganize their businesses and programs to meet the needs of clients and the marketplace today. I was inspired to see how people are adapting. Ingenuity and creativity come out of complex times for those of us who have been riding the up-and-down roller coaster.

When things drastically shift in work and life, the initial reaction for a lot of us is “Oh shit,” or a ruminating sense of fear/the unknown. This is normal and healthy, but the real meaning of perseverance comes when we acknowledge and accept that a change is not only what we need but what, likely, our clients need as well. In our industry, where serving others is the goal, the mission to adapt is not a choice; it is a calling to continue to help people heal themselves and their families and to make overall life better for one another.

At AIM, that means adapting to the needs of outpatient customized care and the need for AIM Assessment to help people get started on this journey. As we embark upon our 26th year as an organization, we are as excited and committed as ever to operating with the utmost integrity, creativity, and passion.

As I mentioned to many of you, I had the great fortune of visiting India this past winter and meeting His Holiness, the Dalai Lama, with a small group of people. I was struck by the simplicity of his message, which was a gentle reminder that we are all the same. We all want to be happy, we all want to be loved, and we all have the capacity to be well within us. A heartfelt thanks to all of you, who reminded me that I’m not alone in this journey I’m working with myself, my path, limitations, fears, and dreams, and I have the absolute privilege to work alongside people doing the same.

Wishing you all a happy holiday season and a wonderful Thanksgiving, that I hope is filled with family and plenty of time to relax and enjoy the splendor of the season!

Danny

Co-Founder, AIM