President's Message - Reaching the Summit June 2001

What a remarkable year we are having! The 21st century certainly began with marvelous energy and fantastic achievements. Thousands of new customers are coming to us, looking for safer, more economical products in their homes. A large percentage of these people realize that the time is right to build a Melaleuca business, especially now with the economy struggling. Everyone wants a better, more stable income opportunity! These people are enrolling as business builders, teaming up with their mentors and reaching Director status within just a couple short months. And our leaders continue leading by building their contact lists, taking part in Fast Tracks and helping others in their organizations win. More of these people are becoming heroes in their own right as they bring financial stability and prosperity to their own homes.

Recently I heard of someone hailed as a modern-day hero. His name is Erik Weihenmayer, and he's been featured in the news because he's starting an expedition to climb Mount Everest with a team of 10 other Americans. Now, you may not think that's extraordinary, but Erik happens to be blind. And although many people told him his blindness would be an insurmountable obstacle that would limit his potential, he broke through the limits and achieved his highest dreams.

Erik lost his sight at age 13 due to a rare eye disorder called retinoschisis that unravels the eye's retina. But with the support of his family, especially his father, he challenged the ideas of what a blind person can and cannot do. "I [understood] that blindness would sometimes be a nuisance," he says, "but would never be a barrier in my path." He became the captain of his high school wrestling team, earned a Masters degree in Middle School Education, and taught fifth grade. Then he decided to try rock climbing. He set his goal to climb the Seven Summits, the tallest peak on each continent.

Erik has already conquered four of those peaks: Mt. McKinley in Alaska, Kilimanjaro in Africa, Aconcagua in Argentina and Vinson Massif in Antarctica. You may ask, "Why would a blind man climb a mountain if he can't see the view from the top?"

This is Erik's response: "For me, summiting is not important for the view. It's more internal. Summiting is the realization that my life has meaning, that I can forge a tiny scrap of dream into reality."

Erik encourages everyone he meets to turn a scrap of dream into reality, to reach for the near impossible goals and have the determination to transform their lives into "something miraculous." In climbing, Erik learned to listen to the sound of the footsteps of his teammates and to put his feet exactly into his leader's footprints in the snow. He has learned to turn the differences between him and his rope team into strengths. He uses the tension of the rope between them as a guide, and trusts what he feels but cannot see. Erik has often found himself clinging to a sheer rock wall, afraid to let go of his hold on the rock face to reach for the next one. But in reaching out and finding the next step up, he conquers that fear and finds a new success.

So if you're facing a little discouragement in your life right now, or even a huge obstacle, ask yourself this: Is my fear or discouragement preventing me from reaching out for the next step? If I don't dare to fail, will I ever dare to win? Is there someone else who can become a part of my "rope team" and help me over this wall? Am I enjoying the small successes on my journey to the top, and not just waiting until the end to begin enjoying my climb?

We are confident that if all of you put more courage and energy into each step of your journey, you will reach the top of the mountain you are climbing. You will experience the thrill of success, and your little piece of dream will become reality. We invite you to make Melaleuca a part of your rope team. Then throw your whole heart and soul into reaching the summit. We are thrilled to be part of your adventure and want to help you make your life everything you ever hoped it would be! The trip will be fantastic!

Sincerely,

Frank

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