“As a child, we grew up valuing independence and a strong work ethic. Both my parents worked hard and my brother and I got jobs early on to earn extra spending money. We grew up ‘having enough’ although some times I sensed things were tight. To this day, I value this hard work ethic and independence. However, it wasn’t until I was working with Shell that I realized that I learned that I HAD to earn money… in order to enjoy it and even spend it. Why were gift certificates I received going for ‘needed items’ but never ‘me’ toys? Because I technically didn’t earn it. Why was I continually reminding my kids about doing their chores before they play? Because they had to ‘earn it’. (OK I’m not totally tossing that out). Why was it hard for me to accept gifts I thought were extravagant? Because I questioned if I earned it. "Shell helped me see where this came from and more importantly how to begin to change it. I’m working on “being me” and all the other ‘non jobs’ things I do as enough. I’m working on realizing that everything doesn’t have to be hard or earned. It can be easy!!! What a relief!!! Thanks, Shell!” — Ann King