Celebrate the Good
I have been reading all of the comments coming in for the dehydrator. Some make me laugh…like the one from my daughter’s non-boyfriend’s mom, who needs a dehydrator to replace her “decrepit” dehydrator as deemed by my daughter, some make me cry, like the one from the mother who is battling her second bout with cancer and has two young children at home.
I wish I could send dehydrators to everyone that has entered. But that would cost me over 240,000.00 dollars.
Back in November, I tried to start a movement on twitter with a hashtag, #celebratethegood. It was inspired by an observation along the lines of everyday gratitude, except taking it outward. Looking at another person, and instead of just seeing one or two things that drive us nuts, celebrate all of the good things about the person. It can be amazing how a shift in attitude can have such a large impact.
Unfortunately, the hashtag isn’t catching. I guess too many of us would rather sit in the negativity, as it somehow I think it lets us justify our own shortcomings.
Yesterday, I went to pick out a tree. The lot was full of frozen trees that were still tied up. I have a high ceiling in my great room, so I like to get a nine foot tree. I couldn’t find one anywhere. I talked to one of the guys in the lot. No help. The woman who I encountered next was completely unhelpful. And then, he showed up. The teen with the Christmas tree finding cape, flying from his shoulders.
I let him know what I wanted and this teen, Morgan, spent the next half hour, searching through tree after tree to find one that would fit my bill.
He was driven, he was on a mission. His friend stopped by and said, you are crazy. I was simply, completely impressed. This kid said, I love selling trees…and it was apparent.
Last week, I got a new phone. I got remarkable service at Verizon.
At both places, I searched out and found the manager to let them know how exceptional their employees were. Both managers, stared at me open mouthed. One summed it up, beautifully. “Wow, it is so nice to hear something positive for a change.”
It really is up to us…to celebrate the good. It is all around us, we just need to look.
Don’t forget…you have until 10:00pm CST time tonight to put in your comment for the dehydrator. You must put it on that post, and also no double entries or you will disqualify yourself.
Shari Z wrote on December 6, 2010
I submitted my comment last week for the dehydrator and I want to withdraw it. Instead, I would like to ask that you give the dehydrator to the woman who has cancer. A good friend battled cancer last year and I did a lot to help. Unfortunately, I could not talk her into going raw (I really tried). She is doing well. But the woman with cancer needs it far more than anyone. Happy Holidays.
Susan wrote on December 6, 2010
Shari, unfortunately, there are many people who entered the contest that are battling very serious illness. The contest rules can’t be changed especially now that the contest is over. I will consider other options.
Alexis Allard wrote on December 6, 2010
I work at Starbucks and for every 100 cranky rude customers I have to deal with, I’ll get 1 who can totally make my day by complementing me. I’m always shocked at how self centered and rude people can be, especially at 7am. People don’t realize how much it means to someone when you genuinely smile and say thank you.
Elena Lipson wrote on December 5, 2010
Thank you for your beautiful inspiration…;)
Sarah wrote on December 5, 2010
Do you think these people know how they impact our lives? Does the Christmas tree boy know how extraordinary he is and how far reaching his behavior is? (As we talk about him and it over the ‘net…) There is a guy who I see when I am out running – on my way back usually, and slugging up a big hill. His smile is so totally genuine and captivating, like it emanates from his heart, that the hill gets easy. I swear, I fly the last few meters and I notice I am flying and I am grateful to him for my ability to fly and I wonder if he might be some sort of angel. (OK so the last might be a stretch but seriously, how come the vast percentage of the population is so depressed and angry it is visible and yet there are pockets of ‘these people’ that do not have to pretend to love selling Christmas trees or smile from the heart?)
That’s what I want to be when I grow up!
Thanks for the great post.
Ellen wrote on December 5, 2010
Yes! We so often get caught up in all the negativity around us, most of which we can’t do anything about. When we celebrate the good, it not only helps us, but everyone we touch…
Eco Mama wrote on December 5, 2010
I also Love to go out of my way to thank managers and whatnot for employee’s helpfulness, I write emails, make phone calls, etc. because I really appreciate when people are extra good to me in a store or service situation. It’s the least I can do to pay them back–good for them and it makes me feel great too.
Deanna wrote on December 5, 2010
What a great reminder for all of us this holiday season.
polly raichert wrote on December 5, 2010
Oh sooo true!!!!!!!!! I too have found when you commend an employee for having a great attitude and going above and beyond employers are shocked and pleased. It has to be really hard to only hear back the negative. It’s a great blessing and motivating when what you do is seen and praised. I just was rereading Phil 4:8 this morning, whatever things are true, pure , lovely and of good report. think on these things. I have so much more energy and strength to keep going when I am thankful instead of rehearsing the negative. I guess God wanted me to really think about this today since I read in His word first and then He reaffirmed it thru you. Thanks!!!!