Emeralds are one of this world’s great miracles. Created under intense geothermal pressure, they come in a variety of shades of green and they all have flaws and imperfections. You can tell a natural emerald from a man-made one because the genuine ones have flaws.

Several years ago, I did something very brave and made room for many positive but frightening changes in my life. As a reminder of my bravery I rewarded myself with a beautiful natural emerald ring. Green is my favorite color and both my sons share the emerald as their birthstone.

Now, each day as I wear my beautiful ring, I am reminded of many of my own qualities. What are they, you ask?

Just like a natural emerald, the person I am now was created only after being put under enormous pressure. Just like my natural emerald, I am substantial, unique, bright, colorful, valuable just because I exist, intense, beautifully “set”, and….deeply flawed.

My clients share all of those same qualities. Some clients are beautifully polished and presented; many don’t know how best to present themselves. Some of us are square, some round, some rectangular but we all seek to “fit” into our best setting.