To Serve well

Serving with Excellence for a Life of Excellence

Focus

Simple Thoughts Sunday: Breathing in all that is good

In high school I was a part of a group that was introduced to the power of controlling our thought processes through focused breathing and channeling in the good and out the bad stuff that tends to create anxiety. It admittedly has helped over the years, when I remember to do it.

If you ever find yourself in a place where you are upset or out of sorts, take a minute to breathe deep and thinking of calm and peace. Then with a strong exhale, push out all that is causing this distraction. For me, that exhale sometimes feels like there are 10 things that went through my mind…

This practice – which we now call meditation – is a hot topic in our increasingly-hectic world. As we start the new week, remember that we are all human, and we weren’t designed to take on all that we try to on some days. (Heck, we don’t even have to try. The issues just seem to come our way, at times – fast and furious.) 

The following scripture supports this idea that we are better if we are able to focus our minds in the right direction:

“Set your mind on things above, not earthly things.” Colossians 3:2

My prayer for you this week is that you will try to do just that. Keep your mind focused on the fact that we are here to serve well and achieve our purpose – the rest is simply a distraction. I hope that this idea of breathing in peace and breathing out the rest really is a game changer for you.

If you want to dive deeper into meditation, there are so many resources.  One I have found helpful is the CALM app. It offers a daily 10 minute guided meditation exercise I started using earlier this year. 

A shout out to those focused on personal growth!

First of all, apologies for the language choice. My perspective has always been that the appropriate use of a word should be acceptable as long as it’s not mean spirited… that is never okay.

THIS. This makes the point that needs to be made. To those on the relentless path to growth, a huge shout out to you today! You are brave and are right where you are supposed to be. Keep that mental focus and conquer it all. You are a warrior!

I’m sure most of you know that change is not something for the faint of heart. It’s not even close to easy for the stoic, the strong, the wisest among us.

You see, understanding the areas we need to grow in and then actually making the CHOICE to face them head on is real work. It’s the kind of work that might create some uncomfortable moments, and for many of us, a few tears. Tears are healing, though. A wonderful person once told me tears are how we cleanse our soul. I like that idea. To be a better person, to serve well, to grow in all areas of your life takes work and that work is the best kind. It’s in my opinion exactly what we are supposed to be doing in order to achieve our best self.

I’m cheering you on!

Let’s be GENEROUS with our love and praise

It’s so natural and easy to be generous with our love – at least with some people in our lives. This picture draws to mind a grandfather and granddaughter, which reminds me of those in our close circle who we are able to embrace so much easier (most of the time, that is…). That’s a good thing!

Today, however, I’m thinking about how to be generous with love with all people. It’s absolutely essential that we all learn or grow this character quality of generously giving love, praise and gratitude. It makes our world the best place, when we all come to the table with this approach and attitude. Here are a couple of things that I am contemplating:

  • Too often, we jump into a conversation – let’s use the business world as an example – and start right into the topic at hand. We establish meeting agendas and construct our days with a focus on getting the work done. That’s America in action.

    What if we all held ourselves accountable with setting up every conversation, every meeting agenda, every day with the focus on people first? What if we genuinely took time to express genuine praise, or to share a fun story to highlight someone’s wins? What if? Wouldn’t it be nicer? Wouldn’t the energy increase? Wouldn’t the culture and momentum of the team build?

  • I’m also giving thought to the fact that there is so much power in the written word. Let’s not forget that while our schedules heat up with back to school, sports and a renewed focus on wrapping up the year strong, that we need to stop and generously offer words of encouragement. A tiny post it note of thanks will often be found on someone’s work space wall, home desk or tucked in a wallet for months and years to follow. People need and want to be recognized. That’s all people, regardless of status, title or age. If our schedules somehow get in the way of putting pen to (actual) paper, then I would submit that generously sending text messages or emails are also powerful. Those, like the post-it note, can be screenshot, and will serve as an ongoing reminder to people of their impact.

This is so important and I hope today that you will join me in being generous with your love and praise.

Simple Thoughts Sunday: Priorities

In Matthew Kelly’s classic book ‘The Rhythm of Life,’ he shared that he often sites this prayer during the day, especially during busy times.

His theory is that finding the “rhythm” is largely about assessing and reassessing our resources and energies, ensuring they are in alignment of fulfilling our purpose.

Most of us do this annually, or maybe a few times a year, but daily? That is powerful thinking.

As you launch into February, my prayer is that you will take pause to make sure your efforts, time, actions and focus are in the direction that aligns with you being the best and most amazing version of yourself! I will for sure tuck this one in my proverbial back pocket to ask throughout my week. It’s pure gold in my opinion!