This is a tribute to Skip Ross, a wonderful man I had the privilege of knowing 44 years ago. His passing not long ago deeply saddened me, as the world lost someone truly special. Skip was not only admired but loved by everyone who knew him. His kindness, wisdom, and generous spirit left a lasting impact on so many lives, including mine. He will be missed dearly, but his legacy lives on in the countless people he inspired.

One of the saddest things in life is seeing someone with low self-esteem. I understand this pain all too well. When I was in elementary school, I struggled as a slow learner. This label, given to me by my peers, became a heavy burden to carry. It made me question my worth and abilities, causing me to retreat inward and doubt myself even more. Those early years of self-doubt were tough, but they shaped my journey in profound ways.

Although many students at school knew who I was, I didn’t form close connections with most of them. I had one good friend who became my lifeline during those lonely years. Before school, we would wander the halls together, chatting and waiting for the bell to ring. Still, there were moments when I felt utterly alone. At home, I often found solace in talking to our family’s pet goats. That little farm was my sanctuary, a peaceful place where I could be myself. It was my small piece of heaven in an otherwise challenging time.

Looking back, I am deeply grateful for the incredible teachers, church leaders, community members, and, most importantly, my parents. They saw potential in me even when I couldn’t see it myself. Their encouragement and belief in me helped me begin to reshape my self-image. Slowly but surely, I started to become more confident and outgoing, breaking free from the shadows of self-doubt.

My journey toward self-confidence took a pivotal turn when my parents joined the Amway business. At the heart of their business was a focus on personal growth and self-improvement. This is where Skip Ross entered my story in a meaningful way. Alongside weekly product orders, my dad would bring home a cassette tape called “The Tape of the Week.” These tapes were filled with motivational messages from speakers like Zig Ziglar, Rich DeVos, and Skip Ross. Listening to them became a routine, and Skip’s powerful messages resonated deeply with me. His words made me believe that I could rise above my struggles and accomplish great things.

When my parents told me that Skip Ross was coming to town, I couldn’t contain my excitement. To me, it was like going to see a rock star perform. Skip Ross wasn’t just a motivational speaker; he was a beacon of hope, radiating self-confidence, humor, and talent. Hearing him speak live was transformative. Watching him captivate the audience and inspire everyone in the room, I thought to myself, I want to be like that someday—a person who radiates positivity and confidence.

The impact Skip had on me didn’t stop there. My parents also told me about his youth camp in Rockford, Michigan, and I was determined to attend. Saving up $800 on a $3.15-an-hour job was no easy feat, but I worked tirelessly for a year to make it happen. That camp became a defining moment in my life.

It was my first airplane ride and my first time being so far from home, surrounded by strangers. I was nervous but excited. Each day at camp, Skip Ross taught us how to unlock our full potential, weaving lessons of self-love and perseverance into every session. He didn’t just teach us to dream—he showed us how to act on those dreams. Between these lessons, we engaged in activities like swimming, horseback riding, and barn chores that reminded me of home. These moments taught me that growth often happens when we step outside our comfort zones.

One memory that stands out was a trip to Lake Michigan. I had the privilege of sitting in the front seat with Skip during the drive. He had a cassette tape of himself singing, and when I asked if we could listen to it, he agreed. That small moment of connection made a lasting impression on me. It reminded me that even someone as accomplished as Skip Ross was still relatable and genuine.

That camp didn’t just teach me how to dream big—it gave me the tools to overcome my self-doubt and take meaningful steps toward those dreams. One lesson in particular stuck with me: “Love yourself, for if you don’t, how can you expect anyone else to love you?” Those words have guided me through many challenges in life, reminding me that self-love is the foundation for all growth and success.

This message has deeply influenced my journey, even beyond Skip Ross’s teachings. I think often about how far I’ve come since my early struggles with self-esteem. Today, I write, teach, and share my passion for essential oils—something I find incredibly fulfilling. Essential oils have become a part of my story, helping me find focus and balance in ways I never imagined. They represent a journey of healing, much like the one Skip inspired in me.

What would you do if you knew you couldn’t fail? Would you stay in the same job? Go back to school? Pursue a long-forgotten dream? I believe we’d all live with greater courage, healthier habits, and deeper self-love if we embraced the possibility of success. Skip’s lessons remind me that the greatest love of all is learning to love yourself—because everything else flows from that foundation.

There are so many ways to express love, both for ourselves and for others. One simple but powerful step is to remove the word “hate” from our vocabulary. By doing so, we open ourselves to greater compassion, understanding, and connection. Skip Ross taught me to see the world through a lens of positivity and possibility, and his legacy continues to inspire me every day.

This tribute to Skip Ross is also a tribute to the power of generosity, self-love, and the belief that we all have the potential to rise above our challenges. His teachings changed my life, and I hope they inspire others to dream, grow, and embrace the incredible possibilities within themselves.