Admire or Acquire?

We can become obsessed with what we pay for items.  And when we focus on price, we can celebrate successful concessions, deals, finds and steals.  But ultimately, we are all seeking things we value at a price we feel is reasonable.

I love a great deal!  There have been countless great deals I've not taken advantage of.  Though the allure was great, I decided long ago that I was going to differentiate between the items I admired and those I acquired.

I love the things I have, and have the things I need, so I smile, knowing that I've admired more than acquired recently.

Killing Time or Fulfilling TIme

The difference in killing time or fulfilling time is mostly attitudinal.  And one of the best ways to ensure we spend fulfilling time is by saying yes consciously, rather than merely because there is open space on our calendars.  We fulfill time when we are engaged in activities or thoughts that:

• bring us joy
• provide new skills or knowledge
• are good for our mental, physical or relationship health
• create memories
• make us laugh
• give us a sense of accomplishment
• exercise our creativity
• advance a project important to us
• work through troubling issues
• evoke gratitude
• make a difference

Here's to millions of hours of fulfilling time!

Minutes Matter

We all squander minutes.  Often, we aren't immediately accountable for wasted moments.  However, we become grateful for well-spent moments when we encounter unexpected situations.

My parents and I enjoyed a lovely weekend together!  Travel logistics require a 90 mile trek to the airport, and since threatening weather was imminent, we planned accordingly. Thus, I experienced something I've never encountered - no one was in the airport security line before or after me.  This was especially surprising as my flight was clearing standby passengers. So, a moment earlier or later, and I might not yet have  experienced the joy of being TSA's only expectant passenger.  

My flight was expected to be temporarily delayed, but took off on time.  My anticipated minutes waiting were minimized. However, another passenger got the delay announcement, but didn't receive the back-on-time communique.  She was moments away from missing the flight.

 Fortunately, Mama and Daddy made it home moments before the icing conditions curtailed safe travel. And, an accident that had created huge traffic delays on my route from the airport cleared 10 minutes before I arrived.

We are told to seize the moment.  Realizing the consequences of missed moments increases our chances of  actually seizing them.

Absence to Presence

Though all of my zoo visits have been delightful, I've not made frequent trips since Julia and Gar lost interest in these family outings several years ago.  So, I'm amazed that I've been to two wonderful zoos 1400 miles apart within the past week.  And, absence of giraffes at one, was contrasted by the special opportunity to actually feed a giraffe at the other.

Since I readily seize new opportunities, I would have eagerly embraced the chance to feed a giraffe this week.  However, it wouldn't have had the same significance, had I not realized the previous week,  that not all great zoos have giraffes.

Interestingly, this made me vividly aware that sometimes absence, contrasted with presence, enhances the impact and appreciation.

Little Things Make a Great Day

Early this week, I reflected on another great day.  Though nothing spectacular happened, I realized a number of small things combined to create a remarkable day:

• lovely, even if only brief, connection with those I love most
• meaningful interactions with treasured work colleagues
• important incremental advances on work projects
• special, planned time with long-time friends
• time committed to advancing the mission of a marvelous nonprofit organization
• yummy food, lovingly prepared

We can get so caught up in expectations for significant events, milestones and plans that we can lose sight of the many, many small occurrences that create great days.  

Great moments lead to great hours, then days, then weeks, then months, then years and thus lifetimes.  

Look at Who?

This week has provided the opportunity for me to be a part of two special luncheons honoring most deserving women and men.  It's always energizing to me, to celebrate the accomplishments of high achievers.  Of the many awards presented during these two very different events, one presentation was distinctively different than all others.  This very articulate, poised presenter did a lovely job of making the honoree shine.  But by also drawing significant attention inward to the credentials of the presenter, generated the feeling of "look at the honoree, but don't forget to look at me".  This most gracious honoree, not only made the presenter feel special, but also heaped obviously heartfelt appreciation and praise on so many others who were part of the honoree's success.  The "look at you" recipient garnered the respect that the "look at me" presenter was obviously craving.

In this case there was a significant contrast between the one receiving and presenting the award.  Naturally, the "look at you" recipient was far more favorably accepted than the "look at me" presenter. 

When we're honoring another, the entire focus is most appropriately on the honoree.  When we take time to selflessly honor another, the reflected praise from the recipient has far more impact than any attempts at misplaced, self-generated acknowledgement. 

Your Organization Is Mine

At a lovely charity luncheon and style show today I met a colleague's guest, and asked about her organization.  She wasn't certain that I'd know of it, but, in an everything's connected way - she works for my law school.  Suddenly, three non-practicing attorneys had the opportunity to collectively appreciate our law school education and the positive impact on our lives.

When we are eager to meet and connect with new people, we often reap unexpected  rewards.  Though I'm extremely grateful for my legal training, I'd not recently had occasion to consciously remember some of the many benefits of this undertaking.  When we take the time to understand our connections, we often realize that your affiliation is mine. 

Thank You!

Thank You! These two simple words when offered graciously and sincerely can make a day! 
When we take time to conscientiously add the reason for our gratitude, the impact increases.

Preparing Nests

This morning when I awoke unreasonably early, I opted to finish preparing Julia's, Gar's and our guest room for next visits. 

Stripping the beds conjures sadness, because my loved ones have left.  Laundering the linens is no big deal.  Putting fresh linens on all the beds can appear as another thankless, time-consuming chore until we realize that we are creating a comfortable nest for our returning loved ones. ((I've lovingly prepared your nests for your next appearances!)

I've long known that attitude contributes significantly to the success or failure of many projects.  Inserting love into our projects and tasks makes all the difference.

Precious birdies, you are always welcome!

No Boiled Chicken

I'm a most appreciative beneficiary of Edgar's culinary talents.  Every woman I know is jealous that he is our household chef. 

Since I realize how very fortunate I am to have a talented husband preparing lovely meals, I'm hesitant to react negatively to a new menu option.  Today, however, was challenging, when I thought he told me that we were having boiled chicken for dinner.  My stomach knotted, but fortunately, my mouth closed.  Only after hearing this announcement a second time, did I question the evening's menu.

Thankfully, we're about to enjoy a lovely broiled chicken dinner.

This experience reinforced for me how miscommunications can derail business opportunities, relationships, simple instructions, introductions, learning and more. 

Great Day!

Today was many degrees warmer than the rest of the week (yeah - cold isn't in my vocabulary) and I decided to alter my normal walking route to walk to the polls for the Houston City Council run-off elections.  So glad that I did!  If I hadn't voted then, as I feared, I would have missed this important civic opportunity.  And, this adjustment to my walking route afforded me the opportunity to enjoy two visits with friends I'd not recently seen. 

There was just enough time to finish my coffee table Christmas decorations before my much anticipated Saturday call with my precious Mama.

A fabulous birthday/Christmas celebration with dear 30+ year friends provided much love and laughter and many more cherished memories and physical gifts.

Then, my best friend and I had the opportunity to enjoy a long fireside chat in the shadow of our Christmas tree.

She left moments before Gar and his pledge brother completed their 10 hour road trip, arriving at our doorstep.

Christmas began today!

Hot Tea

I'm the only person in my household and birth family who has never enjoyed a cup of coffee. And, I've never liked hot beverages. My morning beverage of choice since college has been a diet soft drink.  I began with Diet Dr. Pepper, migrated to Diet Coke for many, many years and now alternate between the two.  Though my favorite beverages are still ice cold, I've begun to enjoy occasional cups of hot tea in the evening.  It's still a far cry from my family's love of coffee, but I'm finally learning to appreciate their affinity for hot beverages, one cup of tea at a time.

Stages of Corporate Appreciation

We could all benefit from remembering the stages of corporate appreciation:

• Recruiting - I got the interview!
• Hiring - My skills matched their expectations!
• Orientation - I am now one of them!
• First 90 Days - What Now?
• 91+ Days - I Can Do This!

Making a Difference in Classrooms

Sterling Bank's annual Thanksgiving grants benefited 28 classroom projects in high poverty schools in Houston, Dallas and San Antonio.  DonorsChoose.org makes it easy to find projects and quickly learn of the impact through the immediate grateful feedback from these classroom teachers.  This appreciative letter from one of our Houston projects beautifully illustrates the difference these classroom grants can make.

Dear Sterling Bank, Aunt Pat, Mrs Salinas and Anonymous Donor, 

My students CHOSE to skip recess so they could learn more math! I could not believe what I was hearing when my students actually decided they would rather play our new multiplication Bingo than go outside for recess - WOW! They loved it!
They were so thrilled when the boxes arrived! They have even started making suggestions for how we can use the materials in workstations. It is so nice as a teacher to see them get excited about and take ownership of their learning.
Thank you so much for your generous contributions to my students and me. It truly will help me be a better math teacher and help them be better math students! Thanks again! With gratitude,
Ms. W.

Some Gave All...

We often take for granted the many freedoms we enjoy.  When someone in our circle dies protecting our freedom, we are vividly reminded that we owe incalculable debt, appreciation and honor to all of our soldiers and their loved ones who have bravely fought and continue to lay down their lives to protect the freedoms we hold dear.

Cpl. Chris Yauch is a fallen soldier who has been a part of my circle since his birth.  I am enormously grateful that he was willing, but incredibly sad that Chris had to give all to protect our freedom.

Chris, his family and I grew up in an amazing town in north central Arkansas - Batesville.  I've never been more proud of a community honoring the ultimate sacrifice of a local hero.

 http://www.slide.com/r/CDk1BR3-5z-nk9D2NSYECFHLNmwNiJt-?emt=1067381811229489416

Thank You!

One of the nicest ways to acknowledge another person is by simply thanking them specifically for something they have done. The method is not nearly as important as the actual execution.  A heartfelt thank you delivered in person, electronically or via handwritten note is far better than an intended communication that doesn't happen.  A privately spoken or publicly announced thank you  can be spontaneous or planned. In our electronically connected world email provides a quick and easy way to share appreciation and to simultaneously let other team members or managers know about the contribution.  And a hand-written note stands out since they are becoming more and more rare.

And while I'm on the subject of appreciation, I want to thank each of you who read, comment and share my blog.  I'm most grateful!

Generosity!

It's always heartwarming to see individual's and organizations' charitable gifts and acts that make our community and world richer and better.  We all have many, many examples of acts and impacts, but I want to share a special call to action that motivated our son's lacrosse team to make a big difference.

Teachers and coaches do what they do because they care about kids.  There are multiple opportunities to express gratitude, which I hope happens frequently.

Our varsity lacrosse coach loves what he does and cares about each player.  He's even gotten fouls for demanding that the referees ensure the safety of all players.

He and his wife (who is also a beloved girl's lacrosse coach) gave birth during this season to a precious baby boy.  Despite this forever life-changing event, they continued their commitments to their players. 

Our boys' lacrosse parents chose to make a most special tribute to our cherished, hard-working coach.  We had 100% participation from parents in purchasing savings bonds to establish an education fund for their newborn and any other children they are fortunate enough to parent.

We all have the chance every day to express gratitude in meaningful ways.  What special examples will you share?

Broken Eggshell

It's amazing how many birds, squirrels, rabbits and raccoons we see in urban settings.  Growing up in Arkansas, I took these and many other creatures for granted.  Though I could do without the raccoons, even they are interesting to observe.  Most often, I'm delighted to see our furry and feathered neighbors scurrying about busily tending to their duties.  The rare sight of a broken eggshell on the pavement vividly reminds me that even with our best laid plans, tragedy can strike unexpectedly.  As far as we know, our furry and feathered friends just move on.  However, with our appreciation for life, we only slowly move on with the loving support of family and friends.

Performance Assessments

Some think I'm weird because I look forward to performance appraisals.  Though I am fortunate to receive consistent positive feedback during the year, formalizing the review process provides a way to document accomplishments.

Ideally, we'd all provide consistent, timely feedback for our associates, colleagues, friends and bosses.  Life, work and time constraints intervene...

Yes, annual assessments provide an official record of our performance.  Episodic email, face-to-face and social media praising of accomplishments amplify our impact.

Little Things are Big

We can make a positive impact when we exercise any of the following actions.

Smile
Hug
Kiss
Kind Word
Wave
Congratulatory Note
Verbal Acknowledgement
Birthday Greeting
Acknowledgement of a Job Well Done
Holding a Door
Stopping an Elevator
Change an Airplane Seat to Accommodate a Large Passenger
Prayer
Email
Note
Phone Call
Voice Mail
Personal Recommendation
Favor
Appreciative Gesture
Accommodation for Tardiness
Gift for No Occassion
Kleenex
Sunscreen
Bug spray
Compassionate Interaction
Dessert
Meal
Drink
Tip
Advice
Introduction
Flattering Story
Shared Photograph
Recommendation of Service Provider
Letting You Change Lanes
Compliment
Empathetic Ear
Job
Certificate
Handshake
Greeting
Joke
Story
Dutch treat lunch turns into a hosted event
Unexpected recommendation on LinkedIn
Positive feedback on a blog entry
Making the bed when it’s not your turn
Bringing the paper and breakfast upstairs

I want to always remember that it doesn't take much to make someone's day. Thanks to each of you who have made my day(s)!