I’ve noticed the world, our people have changed lately. Or have I?
I have had so many encounters lately that leave me thinking. Some leave me filled with joy and some I stand in disbelief.
One conversation happened just the other day. I was doing call backs from the week before. I typically call within 24/48 hrs but with this busy season, I’m way behind. My entire afternoon was returning calls. I greeted each caller, let them know that I was unable to call them last week but grateful we were connecting now.
We would dive in to the conversation, I’d listen, I’d share and I’d listen some more. (Pretty typical stuff) as each conversation ended I felt connected and thankful that they called. Each one thanked me for calling them back saying that they had called several other providers and not got a call back. Every single call told me that.
How can we be in a business of service provision and not call people back!
That is likely one of the most nerve wracking calls they have ever made. I love the conversations, yes they take time, that’s the best part.
These families are sharing their heart, show up for them.
I’m a ‘you can always see the silver lining’ type person. I can look at any situation and see a learning opportunity, a vision or hope.
This year has been more challenging and I can still do it 80% of the time. My family is the same way. Having them all here over a weekend was a perfect example.
No matter what else is going on in the world, what worries, struggles or woes, when you come together in celebration, you let that go, lean in and be present to the people around you. I now understand why it is my default, it’s been modelled my whole life. My mom is a shining light and has instilled that in all of us.
On the flip side of that, I’ve had opportunities to share joy and reflect on joy and have been told, ‘not everyone feels joy so you have to be mindful of how you speak.’
My empathetic heart says ‘Oh you’re right, I must water down my joy.’
But my head, my head says a big WTF!?!
I loved that just yesterday someone said to me ‘Don’t make yourself smaller for others.’ That aligned better with me. How will others rise if we continue to fall or default to sadness and despair. What kind of world will it be? I am choosing joy.
I get down too, I feel immense sadness and disappointment some days, I’ve been through very challenging times. I just simply cannot live there. That’s in my rear view and I’m not going that way.
Today as I work an extra long day, I’m grateful. My day starts and ends serving others.
I will give joy, I will receive joy, I will give hope, I will receive hope. I will give love and I will receive love.
As my family awaits my arrival home, they will share a warm mug of hot chocolate together. As I arrive home I will continue to give and receive joy, hope and most of all L♥️VE!
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