Last week, DASH Systems, Inc. had the privilege of hosting our first networking event for members of the extended DASH family. More than 250 clients and friends of DASH got together on Long Island, New York for a night to remember.

The primary purpose of the event was to provide networking opportunities for the extended DASH family. And from the early reports that I've received about the event, many attendees were able to make valuable contacts that may go a long way towards helping them to make the most of their dashes.

On a personal note, the event was very special because it allowed me an opportunity to see just how far I've come towards realizing my dream. Of course, I am by no means "there" but I'm much closer than when I started 18 months ago with nothing but the DASH principles and a dream.

The event also allowed me to do something special - publicly thank and acknowledge the people who have made such a difference in my dash during the last eighteen months. Although I attempt to constantly give thanks to the people in my life, I'm not always successful in that regard. Therefore, it was good to be able to take a moment to share my love, appreciation and respect for the many people who make my dash better.

When was the last time that you've shared your appreciation for the special people in your life? When was the last time you thanked your spouse for all of their love, support and companionship? When was the last time you thanked your children for bringing so much joy in your life? When was the last time you thanked your parents and family members for all of their guidance and assistance throughout the years? When was the last time you thanked co-workers for making it possible to do your job efficiently? When was the last time you thanked a trusted friend or mentor for the times they provided you with contacts, advice or just a shoulder to cry on?

If the answer isn't "today," then perhaps it's time to change that. Many of us wait until we're honored at a banquet or award ceremony before we launch until our list of "I'd like to thank -" However, you can't always depend upon receiving an award or being the guest of honor at a banquet. Those events are few and far between in life.

Fortunately, there's nothing stopping you from letting the people in your life know just how special they are to you TODAY. Often, we have the tendency to put these things off until we've "arrived." We say that when we've accomplish our goal, then we'll rent out the Grand Ballroom at the Ritz Carlton and invite everyone for a victory gala. Well, if there is one thing I hope to accomplish with DASH, it's to smash the myth of "someday." Someday isn't promised to any of us. The only day that we have is TODAY. So let's all use it to let the special people in our lives know now just what they mean to us.

In fact, I'd like to challenge you to a 30-day appreciation challenge. For the next 30 days, make it your daily goal to express appreciation to someone who is adding to your dash. And please keep in mind that you don't have to express in your appreciation in gifts. You don't even have to buy a card. A simple phone call is enough. In fact, it will be more than enough. Just imagine if you received the following phone call tomorrow morning: "Hi, I just called to say that I really appreciate all of the love and support you've shown me over the years and I just wanted to let you know that I'm very thankful to have you as a [friend/colleague/sibling/parent/neighbor]."

What would that call do for your day? Well, that's exactly what you could do for someone in your life starting today. And guess what? It will make your day as well. And if you keep up with the challenge, it will make your month. In fact, I suspect that if you keep this up for the full 30 days, it will become such a positive part of your life that you will make everyday a day of thanksgiving. And why not? Why should thanksgiving be reserved for turkeys?