Smucker’s would be the ideal fit for us. But when I finally got the Region Manager on the phone, he told me he would only be in Charlotte for one day and his interview schedule was already full. Sorry. Later that evening, my thoughts started to come together. I was not going to accept his NO answer. Period.
Principles
Handshakes Matter
I won’t say that I ever made a decision solely on a person’s handshake, but I will say the handshake is always a big part of my first impression of that person. Good handshakes convey warmth and strength. They’re firm but never overpowering, conveying confidence and truthfulness. I trust a good handshake, and at the close of the meeting I feel comfortable with my partner, never pulled off-balance.
Lessons From a Spice Cabinet
I’ve learned there are a whopping 8.7 million different spices in the world. The spice trade is both huge and ancient. It’s been around for over 5,000 years. Spice trading was a global industry even before we discovered the world was a globe, instead of being as flat as my kitchen table. Clearly there has always been a demand for more than my basic ten choices.
2017 – Saying “Thank You”
In 2017, I will focus on the two big magic words, THANK YOU. I’ll say “Thank You” for the people and memories in my life – some old, some new – for filling me up each day. I’ll say thanks for all the gifts that come my way. I’ll say thanks with my words, with my smiles, and with my acts of kindnesses.
How’d it work out … 2016?
I already had enough stuff, so I put my retail therapy on hold for a year. I wanted more time for intentional choices. It was actually easier than I thought it would be. I didn’t buy a single piece of clothing all year! For 2017, I vow to only buy when necessary, focusing on keeping what I have in good repair, and then replacing things when it’s time …
Celebrating The Season With Kindness
In every tradition: Christian, Islam, Hindu, Buddhist, Sikhism, Judaism, Baha’i, “Nones” and more – the message is the same – Be Kind.
Too Early for a Legacy?
“Are we being good ancestors?” Getting that answer right shapes my legacy. If each choice I make reflects a desire to be viewed as a good ancestor then the choices should all be good. The choices won’t be only for today, but choices that will reverberate forever through time, into my children’s children’s lives and beyond. If the children smile and are happy, it will have been a good choice.
My First Meeting … Walking
I had a meeting – my first scheduled walking meeting. The organizer just wrote, “Walk at 10:30 AM – Freedom Park.” No written agenda, no coffee served, no “death by PowerPoint,” just fresh air, exercise, and conversation.
What Would You Like For Christmas?
Our gifts of choice have become donations to the other’s favorite charity. I’m happy to say that our children have picked up this choice too and now there is far less holiday hassle and less wrapping paper in the recycle bin after Christmas. If you’re like us and don’t need another piece of jewelry, shirt, or sweater then a family Holiday Donation Exchange may be the best choice.
A Prayer for Thanksgiving
This is my prayer for Thanksgiving, and for every day that follows. It comprised from a series of quotes from author Melody Beattie. She is known primarily for her self-help books on the issue of codependence. She has overcome many hurdles in her life, and I find her perspective on giving thanks and gratitude especially meaningful. Will you join me?