Perhaps you can relate?

After forty years in the same home, I finally decided it was time to tackle my office.

Yes… the drawers, the boxes, the files I promised myself I would “get to one day.” That day has arrived, and with it comes a mixture of nostalgia, discovery, and a surprising sense of renewal.

My speaking career spans even more years than my address.

Tucked away in one filing cabinet is a treasure trove of letters from clients. Thank-you notes from keynote speeches, enthusiastic follow-ups from sales training, and heartfelt messages from executives I coached. Some I remember vividly. Others… well, let’s say it has been a delightful reminder of how busy those decades were.

My goal is simple: reread each letter, enjoy the memory, and then let it go.

Shred, recycle, release. What I did not expect was how encouraging the process would be. Rereading old success stories is like receiving a personal master class in confidence. It reinforces what you have contributed, the lives you’ve influenced, and the remarkable journey that has brought you to this day. Sometimes we are so focused on the next project, the next client, the next deadline that we forget to celebrate what we have achieved. Those letters are proof, not of ego, but of the impact we have delivered.

The very first file I pulled came from the “Grocery” category.

Now, I admit—while I remember companies like Marsh Supermarkets (they hired me many times), not every detail from the 1980s is instantly retrievable! Yet there it was: a letter from the National Pork Council Women about a speaking engagement on March 13, 1984.

Their brunch theme was “Stir Up a Little Excitement,” and judging by the glowing note, we certainly did. Even better, that event placed me on the same platform as the always-beloved Willard Scott. The photo from that day brought back the energy, the fun, and the unmistakable feeling of being exactly where I was meant to be, doing what I was destined to do.

Going through these files is becoming a joyful ritual—part memory lane, part career gratitude, part spring-cleaning therapy. Clearing out an office is not just about letting go of paper; it is about making space for your next chapter. And reading these reminders of past success? That is fuel for the future.

If you have letters, notes, or mementoes tucked away somewhere, I encourage you to revisit them. You may be surprised at how much wisdom, encouragement, and renewed confidence you’ll find in the words you once inspired.

Let me know what you find in your older files. I wish you happy memories.

“As usual, your keynote speech at Microsoft was terrific. All day the buzz was about your keynote.” Bill Koefoed, General Manager, Investor Relations, Microsoft.

“We enjoyed having Patricia Fripp serve as the emcee for our recent thought leadership event. Her passion and enthusiasm enhanced the experience for all of our guests. From initial discussions to event preparation and post-event follow-ups, Patricia shares her expertise and takes great pride in her work. She brings a valuable perspective to any engagement for which you need top speakers.” Therese Van Ryne, Head of Global PR, Zebra Technologies.

“Patricia Fripp is the BEST keynote speaker and investment! She keynoted our major client conference, Meeting Of The Minds, and was a HIT! After her opening keynote, she conducted half of the top ten breakout sessions. Based on this incredible feedback, we invited her back the next year for an equally successful repeat performance. We were so impressed by Patricia’s performance that we have engaged her for executive speech coaching and sales presentation skills training.” Dave Larson, VP, Client Marketing & MOTM Conference Chair, ADP National Account Services.