Free Don't Tell Me I Can't Do It! by Erica Miller Page A

Violence and Sexual Assault at The University of Texas at Austin:
    Thank you for your upbeat spirit and insightful advisorship on causes about which you care.

    To Representative Elliott Naishtat, Member of the Texas House of Representatives:
    Thank you for your leadership on so many important issues, including Holocaust remembrance. I’m a lucky gal to have a friend like you. Give ‘em hell, Elliott!
    To Dr. Naomi Lindstrom, Associate Director of the Schusterman Center for Jewish Studies:
    Your wealth of knowledge in your field is admirable. I enjoy being around you and appreciate your academic and personal contributions to your community.

    To David Potter, Neighborhood Development Program Manager for the City of Austin:
    My big, lovable teddy bear. I know you’re a leader, a strong force in the Austin Housing Finance Corporation, and a person with resolve. To me, you’re a warm presence, always.

    To Liz Elam, Founder of Link Coworking:
    Go girl, go! Keep building your amazing business. You’re a strong and formidable entrepreneur, and you have great style. You’re my kind of girl.

    To Adam Slosberg of the Mayor’s Committee for People with Disabilities, Austin:
    You have a big heart and a dedicated purpose. Your energy level is awesome. Keep doing good.
    To the late Dr. Arthur Kovacs, Founder and Dean of the California School of Professional Psychology:
    You were an incredible, supportive mentor through my rough last year of graduate school. Thank you for your steadfast encouragement and support. Thank you for believing in me. By the way, I never told you I had a big crush on you!

    To Jimmy Flannigan, Austin LGBTQ Leader and Candidate for Austin City Council:
    You have some of the best hair a city leader could have. And under that hair is a driven, capable, and amazing leader.

    To Brandon Chicotsky, Consummate Marketer and University Instructor:
    Long after you become Dr. Chicotsky, I’ll still be your unofficial Bubbe. We cause good mischief together, whether in marketing or community building. I told you I won’t let you out of my life, right!?

    To Jared West, Founder and Owner of TEAM WEST, a real estate corporation in Austin, Texas:
    You are a wise old soul for whom I have great respect and admiration. Your leadership and business skills are admirable, as is your loyalty to your family, friends, and community. Keep going strong! You are my friend for the long haul.

    To Renee Hanson, Director of Development for the Child Guidance Clinic:
    I am energized by you even though you are “new in my life.” I admire your commitment and hard work at the Child Guidance Clinic. I look forward collaborating with you in your quest to promote a better life for the children in your community.

    To Lise and Don Grillo, my wonderful neighbors:
    I cherish you and your generous presence, my welcoming and thoroughly enjoyable Austin friends and neighbors. I look forward to sharing my professional and personal life with you for years to come.

    To my adult, “sandwich generation” children, Diana Turk and John Miller:
    My love and devotion is endless and forever. “Don’t tell me I cannot do it” is the slogan you grew up with. I hereby acknowledge publicly: I was not an easy parent, yet you survived and prospered in spite of me and because of me. Thanks for standing by me, close to me. I cherish you.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

    A Holocaust survivor, Israeli Air Force veteran, and proud Bubbe (grandmother), Dr. Miller holds a PhD in clinical psychology and has written extensively on topics of positive psychology. In her inspirational memoir Thanks for My Journey she encourages others to follow her lead, living life in the moment and being open to life’s many opportunities. Dr. Miller is a sought-after clinician and motivational speaker, most recently addressing such topics as overcoming life challenges, the importance of education, aging with gusto, and achieving one’s full potential. She is also CEO of Miller Properties, a