All the things I can think
Answering to this prompt from grateful.org from yesterday.
What one quote most often gives me the perspective I am seeking?
“Do what you can, with what you have, where you are.” by Theodore RoosevIelt.
There is acceptance, compassion, courage and agency packed in this simple sentence. Small steps can go a long way.
I have been on jury duty for the past few days and it came to a close yesterday. It felt surreal and humbling to be part of something so profound and solemn especially given the unrest we are surrounded with. It gave me a greater appreciation for the democratic form of government and how ordinary citizens like me have the opportunity to be intimately involved in the judicial system. It’s a duty, privilege, and responsibility. I am grateful to have had this one of a kind experience.
Apart from the enormity of what this experience entailed, I am thankful that it shook my routine and resurrected some forgotten skills – getting dressed up with something more than activewear, driving long distances during peak hour traffic, and interacting with a room full of strangers. I never realised that these seemingly trivial things made a difference to how I felt and showed up for myself and the world at large. Working remotely has its perks and drawbacks.
Grateful to be part of a team where my contribution is valued and personal commitment is honored.
Grateful for the little joys this weekend brought
It felt so good to resume our dance class after a really really long break. Greatful!
The adult kid of our home is home for a night. Greatful that he is home, even if it’s for less than 24 hours.
Prompt from Grateful.org
Looking back on my life so far, what unexpected twists and turns am I grateful for?
I got married sooner than I thought I would. I am eternally grateful for whom I am married to and the family I am married into.
The team that I was part of was disbanded in a reorganization effort 5 years back. I am extremely grateful to whom I am reporting into and the team I am part of.
My childhood friend lives two doors down. We didn’t plan for that to happen. A blessing that I am truly grateful for everyday.
An acquaintance at college, she is now one of my very close friends. Gratitude that all the stars aligned.
Keep an open mind. Assess the situation, not based on your likes or dislikes or with bias or prejudice. Just based on facts.
Grateful for this message
The following paragraph from Hidden Potential by Adam Grant caught my attention and got me thinking.
“A critic sees your weaknesses and attacks your worst self. A cheerleader sees your strengths and celebrates your best self.A coach sees your potential and helps you become a better version of yourself.”
While I would not describe a critic as someone who attacks your worst self, it’s certainly a person who is drawn to mistakes and flaws. Criticism is not necessarily a bad thing because if I don’t know what I need to work on, how will I ever grow? It’s hard, it’s uncomfortable but that’s where growth happens. It becomes problematic when I internalise the criticism and let it define me.
We all need cheerleaders. Ones who will lift us when we are unable to lift ourselves. But there is a thin line between cheer leading versus people pleasing. Am I cheering someone to remind them of their strengths or to make myself feel better (they are happy, so I am happy)? So cheer leading is not to be taken at face value either.
I find the concept of being coached or being a coach fascinating. To be a coach, it takes someone who can look beyond a person’s strengths and weaknesses and show the way of possibilities.
Next time I receive feedback, I need to ask myself – is this person being my critic, cheerleader or coach, and then determine how I want to respond to it. Next time I provide feedback, I am going to ask myself – can I help someone unravel their potential.
Gratitude for this insight.
After a long time, Ram wrote a piece of fiction! Always a delight to be at the receiving end of creative prusuits. Greatful for the opportunity.
Thoughts Unlimited 