10 Lessons We've Learned - Thanks to You!

“We’re glad you’re here.”

 That was the simple opening line of our first ABG post one year ago today.

It’s hard to fathom that 365 days ago I pressed “go” on a website platform even though I really had no idea how it would read. I just knew that it needed life.

So 75 collective stories later, and a year in the rear-view, here are 10 lessons we have learned from you during this journey.

1. You have to show up.

Every week. No matter how cranky, overwhelmed, jetlagged or jammed our days and weeks are, it’s you that keeps us showing up. Because we made a promise, and it isn’t one we plan to break anytime soon.

2. You help us keep it real.

You’ve taught us that it’s important not to shy away from the sticky subjects, the icky underbelly or the uncomfortable truths. It’s the stories that are tangible and relatable that resonate the most. From the jungle of selling wine in Manhattan, to inequality in our industry, or the aftermath of Anthony Bourdain’s suicide, you all ensure we keep things real around here.

3. It’s not always easy.

As the unstoppable New Zealand wine icon Erica Crawford says, “some days [life] is just snot and tears.” There have certainly been those times. When the deadlines loom, and your feet drag, some days just plain suck. But the jewel is to get up, dust off and keep on going.  It has never not been worth the effort.

4. You never know your impact.

Sometimes you think a topic will literally resonate off the page, but the response is crickets. Other times, the post you reluctantly put out there comes back with a slew of messages of thanks, appreciation and gratitude. We never know what others are going through, so we just never know what will hit a nerve.

5. When the sum is more than the parts.

Working as a writing partnership has been a gift. While Cathy is details, I’m mind-map ideas. I’m the WHY, Cathy the Why NOT? We can continue to work as we do because of a friendship based on a quiet respect and understanding. Finding a collaborator who is the inhale to your exhale is the best gift you possibly never knew you needed.

6. You’re showing up, and you’re bringing friends.

In 52 weeks, this community has grown to now more than 500 folks on the FaceBook Group, 400 weekly subscribers (if you’re not yet a subscriber simply go here) and every week brings new faces to the fold. Thank you for helping us plant seeds in the global wine and wellness garden.

7. You love gathering!

So many online groups remain just that, but not the ABG tribe. From a room of colleagues practicing breathwork and meditation at Women of the Vine and Spirits in 2018, to early bird yogis practicing at the base of Aspen mountain, and our upcoming “Fermati e Respira” (Stop and Breathe) session at Vinitaly next month, you have shown up in person too. We love to convene with you anywhere you want to go.

8. People are taking notice.

Katherine Cole and her NPR podcast “The Four Top” gave us the opportunity to share thoughts, insights and challenges of maintaining health while working in hospitality and wine. Next month will air our perspectives on wellness, self-care and all things cannabis with the Garden Society poTcast. Finally we are thrilled to share that ABG has been shortlisted for the “Vinventions Award” at this year’s Born Digital Awards.

9. You are a diverse and fiercely loyal bunch.

From New York to Napa Valley, Florence to London, you chime in from all over the world. We’re being stopped at events, and pulled into quiet conversations or messages of thanks. Please know that your sentiments live quietly in a “testimonial folder” that is referenced on the “Nope, it’s not that easy…” days for motivation.

10. We’ve only just begun.

One year down and many more to come.  This project is flourishing in more ways than we imagined. Thank you, sincerely, for coming along for the ride. There are plenty of new adventures in the months and years ahead, including projects, collaborations, partnerships and

So as we enter Year Two, there's so much to do and learn. So please stay tuned. We are just getting started.

This article appears over at A Balanced Glass - a web forum for global wine industry professionals focused on providing tools, community and support to manage a healthy long-term career in beverage alcohol. Join the conversation at Join the Tribe.