entry I had made a couple years ago on Facebook. It was one of those special moments where I was taught by past thoughts. This small but substantial interaction online compelled me to revisit this blog. It also gave me the desire to take the time this evening to share some of the important lessons I have learned recently.I think all to often we travel down roads we've all ready traveled, roads we continue circling back too because we never found what we were looking for the first time, or never learned the lesson we were meant to learn first time. Over the past few years I have been fortunate enough to experience a number of these occasions- or unfortunate enough depending on the circumstance. In particular, I have learned the power of NOW, the process of being PRESENT, and the constrictions of PRIDE.
The Power of NOW
We are each given moments to act. Moments to reflect and make a decision that will effect the outcome of any given circumstance or situation. I have learned that key to my personal and professional success is my ability to be able to articulate reason and understanding- before the window of opportunity disappears. I will give you an example: I was traveling recently in Washington, DC for work and I came across what appeared to be a woman who was mad at the world. I watched her deal with conflict in a way I was not accustomed to while being somewhat in shock and somewhat intrigued to find out why she reacted the way she did. The more I watched her the more I wanted to interact with her, and of course the opportunity presented itself as she passed by my booth, I stopped her to ask how her day was going. She went on to tell me how unimpressed she was with her decision to participate in the
conference (I too was attending) to profile her business. The more we chatted the more I realized my first impression was jaded by my dis-taste for her interaction with others, rather than my ability to seek to understand where she was coming from, her world, her experiences, and her natural abilities. After spending more time which included dinner and a Canuck's game, I believe I am the fortunate one to make a friend who's perspective is not only enlightening but fulfilling and who's abilities were far beyond interacting with prospective clients who may or not take the time to stop by her booth.We have the power to choose, when to take a leap of faith and bring light or darkness into the life of another individual. We have the choice to be frustrated or find a solution. We are all children of a loving God who desires most to give us peace and happiness- IT IS UP to US to CHOOSE.
The Process of Being Present
I am a firm believer the only way we will truly make a difference in the world, is if we except, that our ability to make a difference starts by small and simple means.
When I say that I mean as simple as being present with those we are with. This is one lesson I am learning more at work than anywhere else. I find my battle- is all that I have on my mind ( my mental to-do list) seems to be restrictive when I come face to face with someone I work with who doesn't read my facial expression or 'you lost me look'. Lost me because I just don't have the time or mental capacity to hear you right now- when the conversation has started and now its too late to say can this wait until I am in a better place to be here for you? Let me explain- At home I find it easier to be present because of my love for those I am with- its easier to engaged. At work my struggle is letting go of my mental to-do list in order to seek to understand the person who just needs to talk and needs desperately for me to listen. My commitment is to become a better listener while I seek to understand the speaker. I have also realized, its better to be honest with those you are communicating with- because chances are they can see you are not connecting the dots they are drawing for you anyway. Oh do I ever have a lot to learn! I think I am going to have to travel this road a few more times before I remember the twists and turns.The Constrictions of Pride
Pride is one of the greatest limitations we can exhibit and hold on to in this life. I
have often misunderstood pride and thought of it as a positive thing, i.e to have pride in your work - that's good right? Well it can be if we are not constricted by constructive feedback and alternative solutions to the work we put our name on. I have found that pride is truly the wrong aspiration for me, I want to seek humility and share everything that I do and all that I am. It is my goal to seek to be inclusive rather than exclusive, to earn respect over praise, and to encourage team over self. I don't think any of us will ever be completely free of these limitations; but, we can choose to leave our pride at the door:)Ok that is it for now- next entry coming soon. MMDHK
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