What did you think of the Words to Live By?
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“I am thankful . . . to be in my right place . . . doing my right work”
How does this apply to you?
When I first read this, it shocked me. It pushed me to consider work – and life – from a completely different perspective.
Have you noticed how complaining about work has become a kind of sport? Sometimes it seems that there is a competition to see who can complain the most. As an administrator, I didn’t join in –the complaints may very well have been about me – but I certainly could create my own mental list. There was the schedule, the numerous reports, the binders full of procedures that had to be followed to do the simplest task, and then the weekly updates of those procedures!
And then I read, “I am thankful . . . doing my right work.”
Putting my ongoing thoughts on Pause, I took time to really consider those words, and that produced an emotional upheaval of my mental foundation. The way I’d thought, and felt, and my very point of view all crumbled. And in its place, there was a new foundation, one that was stronger and much more truthful. That was when I realized: I am in the right place, doing my right work. My perspective shifted from Complaint to Gratitude.
I recognized that I felt thankful for my work; that I valued it.
It was a wonderful discovery of what had always been there.
I understood that this concept of work would never be found in an official job title; for it goes beyond that. It defines work at a totally different level.
Work is what happens during person-to-person interactions,
Work is what happens through support and encouragement,
Work is sometimes accomplished by being the person, who shows the way,
Work is doing your best, to complete whatever the assignment is,
Work is found in the camaraderie and spirit of people working together to accomplish a goal,
Work is hoping that you helped to make a person or a place better, and
Work is noticing and appreciating all of it – the tasks, the place, the people, and the effort.
This is work that can never be measured or reported.
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“I DON’T LIKE BIG PEOPLE TELLING ME WHAT TO DO!”
This was shouted by a 3-year-old who defiantly stood with his arms held across his chest.
I feel this way at times, don’t you? “Don’t park here. You must eat more this or less of that. We no longer carry that (your favorite) product.”
There is also the image from the old Peanuts cartoon. It shows that whenever the adults speak to the children, the children only hear discordant music and noise.
Speak with and include young voices – they have much to say.
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“Let thy speech be better than silence or be silent.”
I’ve observed that some people talk a lot. They are simply: talking too much!
I wonder – why?
After giving this some thought, I’ve concluded that it may be a signal, a clue that this is a time when listening really matters. Listening to what is being said, yes – but more importantly, listening to what is not being said.
As I take in the non-stop chatter, the rapid procession of words, I first of all wonder why, and even how, they can speak so many words so quickly and not have any spaces between them! There are so many words, and so fast! The non-stop chatter – often meaningless and repetitive – is often an involuntary sign of something going on that is deeper than all the words. It may signal that it is time to listen carefully to discern the real message. All that is needed is simple awareness with no need for action or acknowledgement; instead, the need is best met by simply being silent.
This may just happen to be their opportunity for a mental spring cleaning, a clearing of the mind, and a chance to sort out thoughts and observations.
There may be a need for a listening post – someone who is simply there without judgment, guidance, or suggestions. And you are lucky to be that person.
The non-stop chatter may also be a way to prevent you from asking an uncomfortable question or making a critical observation. And the speaker has to dominate this conversation; let them.
Or it could be that the speaker is simply excited – excited as a child approaching Santa Claus – bubbling over with excitement and joy, and the words just tumble out.
Whatever the reason, it is important to simply be there.
And then I realized that I may speak – too much.
Me? Why?
It is uncomfortable – and yet important – to consider this.
Let’s look at what happens –
We take over the conversation; eyes are on us as we spin out a tale or give a lecture. Must we? Would silence be better?
What’s going on here? Is it the excitement of recounting an adventure? Is it the contentment of being among dear family members or friends and feeling their love? Or is it the need to have the attention of the audience, and control the interaction?
Perhaps a bit of situational awareness may help here.
“Oops! I’m babbling on . . .”
Yes, it is important to recognize and value silence.
Speeches, talk, silence, chatter – All are used to communicate – to tell so much more than words.
What do you learn from talk, and from silence?
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And now it is your turn. What do you think about these words?
- “Start with the end in mind.” Stephen Covey – ‘The Seven Habits of Highly Effective People’
- “Blessed are the flexible, they shall not be bent out of shape” Modern Proverb
- “Seek first to understand; then to be understood.” – Stephen Covey
- “Be kind – for everyone you meet is fighting a great battle” – attributed to Ian MacLaren
- “Life’s a ball – if only you know it.” – Lyrics by Lee Adams
