Here’s what’s been “waking me up” this week. Well, it’s been a week full of learning for me and hopefully for a few others. There are three themes that are clearly in my awareness this past week. They landed in my heart, where so very many of my personal life lessons land as they transform. These particular lessons have helped my eyes and my heart open wide and for that I am grateful.
Here’s the deal:
- How we interact with another can have a huge impact. Probably more impact than we know. Sometimes it is super positive, sometimes it’s neutral, and sometimes it’s just downright critical. Some people know their impact and “impact away” while others are clueless about how they impact. And, yes, even those of us who are on a path of self discovery and enlightenment go clueless from time to time. Yet, the impact is the impact. If we are to be great leaders, or good friends and colleagues, we must learn about our impact and then make solid decisions and be intentional as we interact with others.
- Without moment by moment self awareness, old habits take over and can damage relationships for a moment, or forever.
- Kindness never goes out of style. Truth is always a good answer, and the timing of stating your particular view of the truth with someone matters greatly. When sharing something with a colleague, friend, or loved one, please make sure it’s the right time and check out what your intentions are in that particular moment. Sometimes we need to say something right away, however, much can wait until we are clear headed. Words can be powerful. You may want to take what I am now calling a “Consideration Pause” before you speak to make sure that your message is constructive, helpful, kind, and honest!
Believe me when I say that I really KNOW that this growth stuff is at some level simple, and not often easy. My hope is that we all learn to get clear, take our time, be reflective, and when we mess up – (because we are all going to) take responsibility for our impact by sharing a heart-felt and honest, I’m sorry!
Cheers to kindness!
