What if we couldn’t turn the page?
What if we couldn’t turn the page?
For the last while, I have had a very strong urge to visit a friend of mine who is going through seriously tough stuff. She stays far away, and the visit required me to board a flight to spend time with her and her family. The urge went into action when I read the following quote:
Imagine a book and you cannot turn the page. That is life.
Firstly, a few things you need to know about me:
· I do EVERYTHING with my kids and husband. Doing this trip on my own was a huge stretch.
· I am probably the least impulsive person you will ever meet. Deliberator is my top Talent on my Clifton Strengths. (Note from PJ: Shinell does nothing without thinking about it from 72 angles).
· I believe very strongly in listening to your gut – that repeated nudge to do something.
Everything about this weekend stretched me outside of my natural comfort zone. I literally planned nothing except my flights. I let go of the inherent need to plan every minute. I allowed myself just to be there.
You may be asking why I am sharing this with you this morning (or whenever you are reading this). The answer is simple: Doing something meaningful for someone you care about deeply, even if it is uncomfortable, is what fills our metaphorical batteries. The best part – it is a two-for-one. You do something for someone else, and the spin-off is that you are restored.
I recently read “Happiness is love. Full stop.” I challenge that. Happiness is the result of showing love and care for someone or something other than only ourselves. The challenge is that, in a world where we are continuously told to focus on the me, lifting our heads to notice the “needs” of those around us is a skill we need to practice continuously. It requires fully noticing people, being sensitive, present and willing to step outside of our comfort zone. I am reminded of the “ARK” concept- Acts of Random Kindness. I think we all could do with more of this. My challenge to you this week is to notice what your world needs – maybe it is a hug, a smile, a dinner or a night off – and then to fill that gap.
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