I stopped and thanked her for being available for our staff. 

“Leslie must have had a really good spirit,” she said. “There is a lot of love here for her.”

Today, I am thankful for the 19+ years I experienced that really good spirit.

Leslie and I worked together on and off as each of us changed roles over the years.  For most of the last ten years, she was a customer service supervisor on my leadership team.  We both were committed to the company’s owner and the growth of the business.  We both had a passion for customer service and our team members’ success.  Leslie and I would often exchange stories and share new photos of our children, marvelling at how much they had grown and how old we were getting!

One of my front line customer service staff stopped in my office yesterday to let me know she was sorry for the loss of my “close friend.”  That gave me pause, because Leslie and I did not socialize outside of work.  When I tried to down-play the reference, she said,

“But, you were close work friends.  Everyone needs a friend at work, and you’ve lost yours.”

Thank you, Leslie, for being my work friend. You will be missed.

.

While I enjoy a few days of R&R, here is a timely re-post from the start of Spring last year…

Spring officially began [this week.].  As the temperatures warm up, windows open, trees bud and flowers bloom, thoughts turn to…

Spring cleaning?

Yes!   Why not make it a family affair wrapped around charitable giving?

First, A Family Meeting

Enlist the whole family in a one day “Spring for Charity” event.  First, have a family pow-wow about the importance of having a clean and organized home, what it means to have a giving heart, why some people may need help from others.

As a family, choose what charities you will support.  Consider letting the children help choose an organization that specifically helps other children, so they know that toys and games are going to someone like them.  Being part of the selection process will increase their commitment to doing the work.  Then circle a date on the calendar and agree that no other activities will be scheduled that day.

Be Prepared

Plan to start the day off with a family breakfast and a family to-do list.  Be sure to have extra heavy duty trash bags on hand, some boxes for books, games, household items, and enough cleaning supplies that everyone can be kept busy.  Have some family break time pre-scheduled for snacks and water or juice and to check progress.  Then, turn up the music, open the windows and go!

Games, Toys, Books

The children can go through their games and toys and set aside what they no longer play with.  They should check to make sure all the pieces and parts are in tact.  They can also check shelves or closets for books, movies, or board games that they’ve outgrown.  HERE are some organizations to keep in mind for toy donations.

Clothing

Everyone in the household (except for the very young), can look at each item in their closet or dresser.  What has been outgrown?  What doesn’t match anything else?  What is no longer in style?  If it is late enough in the season, each person can also go through scarves, mittens and boots from the past winter that can be donated.  If a clothing item is clean and in good shape, HERE are some organizations who would be happy to receive them.

Household Items

Mom and Dad can go through kitchen storage, the linen closet, the basement and the garage to see what household items can be given away.  We often buy a new household item without getting rid of the original because it still works.  If it does, but you aren’t using it, give it a new home!  Not sure where to donate?  HERE is a list to help you.

What About A Garage Sale?

Another alternative is to gather all of these items together and plan a family garage sale.  Spring brings out the bargain hunters, especially on a nice day.  Your family can agree to donate and funds raised to a local school organization, or senior center, or perhaps your church.  Need some help in planning?  HERE are 101 Garage Sale Tips from FrugalFrog.

Other helpful resources include:

• H&R Block offers these tips about tax deductions for charitable giving.
• The Better Business Bureau (BBB) shares this advice for donating used items.
• NASCO (National Association of State Charity Officials) provides contact information for each state’s office responsible for charitable organization regulation

Say Thanks

At the end of the day, don’t forget to thank everyone for pitching in.  Take time to reflect on the difference each person made.  Review what good will come out of the family donations and what a difference the items will make to children, parents, homeless, etc.

There are many other ways to combine the chore of Spring cleaning with family together time while instilling an appreciation in your children for helping others less fortunate.  

What ideas can you suggest to combine Spring cleaning with Spring giving?

Why not start this new family tradition in your home?

Well, sort of.

I sat next to a startling Elvis look-alike, an actor/musician playing the part of Elvis in a musical currently running in Chicago.  He and a few more cast members were on the flight.  The others were sitting in the two rows behind us.

It was challenging to focus on the book I was trying to read (interestingly enough, a book on gratitude*), because they were a bit of a rowdy bunch, real jokesters.  The one-liners were fast & furious.  I couldn’t help but listen to them, smiling all the while.

Today, I am thankful for the reminder that everyone has a story to tell; everyone is fighting some kind of battle. 

The actors’ conversation wound its way to comparing the metropolitan environment of Chicago to the green fields they saw as we approached Columbus.  They were happy to see the rural environs, though they would have like more hills.  One of the men commented that his home state, Georgia, is just the prettiest place there is.  He explained that the last time he was there was in July, when his brother died. 

It turns out that his brother was a gay man who died of AIDS.  He lived with HIV for many years, but he was deeply troubled by drug addiction, and that combination ultimately took his health in a downward spiral. He developed some kind of related cancer-like disease and, when diagnosed, was told that he had about four months to live.  He died four months later, to the day.

The actor’s voice grew quiet, almost soft.  He wasn’t laughing at this point.  He somberly shared that he and his brother had not been close, only seeing each other maybe once a year, if that often.  However, he did return to his beautiful Georgia about a month before his brother died and they had a great time together.  It was a wonderful visit.  It was the last time they saw each other.  His brother was 44 when he died.

After a quiet moment or two, a comment was made that took the conversation in a completely new direction.  The lightheartedness  and laughter returned.  The entire group started making up songs about silly things, feeding off one another, humoring all of us within earshot.

I hope I never forget how quickly the laughter turned to mournful sadness.

The person behind me was good looking, very quick with the one-liners, had a great singing voice and, apparently, a successful show biz career.  Just looking at the outside, many people might even be envious.  What a life, right? 

But, looking a little deeper, he carries a sad, sad story in his heart.

You just never know.

Do you ever think about when or how your life will end?  What about this idea: How often do you think about finishing your life well?  That is exactly what this book is about. Famed evangelist Billy Graham shares his thoughts on aging and nearing the time when he will pass from his earthly home to his heavenly home. 

At the age of 93 years, Graham continues his ministry by sharing the trials and opportunities of advanced age.  There are everyday challenges that come with diminished physical abilities.  There are emotional issues as friends and family members become seriously ill or die.  Yet, Rev. Graham keeps readers looking forward.  He reminds us that the best is yet to come and each day that goes by brings us closer to that best.

As one would expect, there are many biblical references throughout the book.  What I really enjoyed was the way those ancient stories are interwined with human experiences of today. Graham talks about what he learned from his wife about dying well, as he watched her suffer with dignity and humor.  Graham talks about the joys and responsibility of grandparenting. He provides ideas for retirement planning; planning to live an active life filled with hope.  He also discusses the very real struggles of aging; diminishing skills, fearfulness, depression.

The stories are told and lessons are offered as if author and reader are sitting across the kitchen table, engaging in conversation over a cup of coffee.  I could hear the quiet voice of wisdom from a man sharing what his life and faith have taught him.

Chapter seven begins with this quote:

Wise counsel to the young is the duty of the aged. -unknown

If that is the case, Reverend Graham has fulfilled his duty, and then some.

If you would like to order this books for yourself or as a gift, click on the link for Amazon or ChristianBook.com.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the BookSneeze®.com book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.

I’ve always loved watching the sun rise and set.  My poor husband has endured (and enjoyed) many early alarms while on vacation at the shore or other beaches so I could take countless photos of the sun rising.

We happen to live very near a large reservoir, and the setting sun reflects beautifully in the water.  Even from inside our home, I can watch the sun rise through my family room window, then watch it set from my kitchen window.

Today, I am thankful for the fresh start with each new sunrise and the comfort and rest that comes as another day ends.

.

I took these two photos just this week.

The sunset was Monday night while my husband and I walked around the circle of our neighborhood.  The golds and oranges were warm and calming.  The walk was a nice way to end a very busy day. 

Tuesday morning, as I went to the kitchen to get a cup of coffee, I saw beautiful blues and pinks through one of our windows. I quickly sanpped the photo on the right from our back porch.  What a jolt of positive energy for a new day.  

Whether it’s a fresh start, a good ending, or simply the beauty of nature’s palette, I am filled with gratitude for every sunrise and sunset.

What are you thankful for today?

Jot Once, Remember Anywhere 

OK, notetaking isn’t exactly a leadership skill.  But, I happen to be compulsive about taking notes in meetings of all kinds, so this article drew me in.

Today’s newslink has some great tips for all different ways to jot quick notes to yourself – and keep them organized and handy.  From old-fashioned pen and paper to the best smart phone apps, click HERE and you might find a new tool to help you keep track of all the great ideas and many to-do’s that randomly come up in your day (or, maybe even the middle of the night)!  Today’s article was published online January 26 on FastCompany.com.

Newslink: Leadership features articles about the development and practice of leadership skills in today’s business world.

It has been a very trying few weeks.  I’ve been working extraordinarily long days, six and seven days a week, feeling a lot of pressure on a couple of projects I’m on, and consistently finding myself behind the eight ball at the end of the day.  I’m not sleeping well.  OK, I’m exhausted.  And, if that’s not enough, I’m putting a little bit of weight on, because that’s what I do when I’m stressed. 

I struggled to focus on gratitude.

My husband, perhaps trying to give me an “out” from my writers’ cramp (gratitude cramp?), told me to stop trying.  “You don’t have to write something every single Thursday!  Maybe there just isn’t something to be thankful for today.”

Wha-a-a-a-at?

Today, I am thankful that every day there is something to be thankful for.

I started to compile a list of the usual – family, health, home, food, comforts.  But really, every day, it comes down to just one thing:

Simply being alive.  

I like to collect sayings on different topics.  You never know when a little extra inspiration might be needed!  Below are a few of the items I’ve pinned to my “Positivity” board.  Enjoy!  (Then, go set up your own Pinterest account and start pinning!)

Tuesday Tidbits are weekly messages I send to my leadership team. They are generally short & sweet, often focused on leadership or teamwork, always positive and, hopefully, motivational. I hope you also find some meaning in them.

This past weekend, thanks to a great last minute airfare deal, my husband and I traveled to spend New Year’s with our families.  Included in our weekend was a visit with Mom. 

Today, I am thankful that for nearly our entire visit, Mom sang a happy song!

One of these days, I know that my last visit with Mom will truly end up being my last visit ever with her.

Each time is difficult, and this one was no different.  She does not recognize me.  She doesn’t recognize my husband.  She occasionally mutters something in her native German, but any realistic communication is long past.  She spends her time in  her own world, lost to the rest of us; sitting in a wheelchair or laying in bed.  In several of our more recent visits, she didn’t even seem to see us.  This time though, she clearly made eye contact with my husband and I.  She did not know who we were, but she at least knew we were there.

And, how she sang!

My husband thought she was singing “hallelujah, hallelujah.”  It did sound a lot like that.  Perhaps influenced by recent Christmas carolers?  Maybe she was recalling the carols that she sang so joyously years ago?  I do not know.

What I do know, however, is that whatever prompted it, she was definitely singing a happy song!  I left with tears rolling down my cheeks, but grateful that somewhere deep inside, she still has a song in her heart and was sharing it with those around her.

That’s actually a lot like the Mom I remember.

For this new year’s week, I challenge you to develop some stop, start, continue resolutions for yourself.  Complete the three sentences below.  Write down your answers.  Save them in a file, tuck them in a drawer, add them to your calendar at the end of the quarter.  Then, on some selected date, review your progress toward achieving them.  Good luck!

I resolve to STOP:

I resolve to START:

I resolve to CONTINUE:

Tuesday Tidbits are weekly messages I send to my leadership team. They are generally short & sweet, often focused on leadership or teamwork, always positive and, hopefully, motivational. I hope you also find some meaning in them.