Happy Holidays (with an exciting announcement)!
We are in the heart of the holiday season. It is Christmas Eve and night #3 of Hanukkah is approaching this evening. As much as I have loved being able to share my experiences starting my own business through this blog, it is very important to be able to take a step back at the right times to give myself the chance to reflect on my journey and enjoy those around around me.
This weeks blog post is short & sweet as I am making my best effort to disconnect for a bit during the holidays, even if only for a few hours. I am thankful to have this platform to send my best wishes to each and every one of you and wish you a happy holiday. I hope you have the chance to hug your loved ones and let those you appreciate the most know how much you appreciate them. I could not be more thankful for all of those who have supported me in helping to make Andrew Exler Consulting a reality and I cannot wait to continue working with new clients in 2020.
This holiday season was an extra special time for my (current and future) family. I am thrilled to announce that there is an addition coming to the Andrew Exler Consulting team. On the first night of Hanukkah, I asked my best friend and biggest supporter to marry me. Without Kari Semel in my life, this business would not have been possible. Kari has been my rock since we first met in 2017 at a BBYO Staff Conference. Kari has supported me every step of the way as I dove in to this venture to be able to provide for our family over time. Kari does not like the spotlight so she is absolutely going to yell at me for discussing this in my blog, but that’s ok (I had to write a fake version for her to read over before adding this part in). It is so important that you have strong support systems in everything you do in life and without Kari, I would be lost. I love her so much and cannot wait to continue building Andrew Exler Consulting with her next to me. Kari is the smartest, caring, most genuine human I have ever met in my life. She is an amazing dog-mom to Lucy. She works harder than anybody I know. She is currently finishing her final year to earn her Master’s in Social Work at the University of Pittsburgh while balancing life and work and she does everything with a smile. She is amazing and I could not be luckier to have her and her entire family in my life!
For many people the holidays are a special time filled with love, family, friends and laughs. However it is important to remember that your holiday experience is not the same as others. For some, the holidays can be a difficult time for a variety of reasons. You should always be considerate of those you interact with, especially over the next few days.
I came across the attached images from a new friend I’ve had the chance to connect with over Instagram, PGH Taco Truck (who is also an Ohio University graduate, GO BOBCATS!). I find it very important to share.
Regardless of who you are, where you come from or what you believe in, you are important. If you find yourself in any situation where you are in need, please utilize the Crisis Services, including their 24-hour hotline at 1-888-796-8226. Click this link for more information.
Wherever you are sitting while reading this, I wish you the best. I encourage you to put your phone or computer away for a bit and enjoy your surroundings and tell your loved ones how much you love them. Don’t take anything for granted!
HAPPY HOLIDAYS FROM ANDREW EXLER CONSULTING!
- Andrew