22 Apr Write these 5 notes and…change your life!
Here in Australia (and, obviously in other parts of the world also) we're taking time out to remember those who've gone before, fought various battles and made sacrifices in an attempt to make our lives, now and in the future, safer and better.
On such days it's timely to give thanks…that, for example, we live in safety, with stability and that we are priveleged to enjoy the quality of life many others can barely imagine.
Keeping such things in mind, I thought you might, today, take some time to reflect upon the following article which although ostensibly unrelated to the theme and topic of ANZAC Day, carries in it (I believe) several subtle concepts that are relevant and very much worth considering…
by Jeff Haden from Inc.com
Phone calls are great. But when you want to say something important, writing a note, especially a handwritten note, can be even more powerful.
Why? Notes are unexpected. (Who writes letters anymore?) Notes can be savored. Notes can be saved. Notes can be pulled out and reread dozens of times.
The memories of phone calls can be fleeting. Notes–meaningful, sincere, genuine expressions of thanks, of praise, of feelings–can last forever.
Here are five notes you should write today:
1. Write a thank-you to someone who believed in you. Belief is a powerful thing. Some people have incredible stores of self-belief, but most of us are given confidence and self-assurance by others. Slowly but surely, through their encouragement and support, we develop a stronger sense of self.
At some point, someone saw you struggling and gave you hope. At some point, someone saw something in you that you didn't yet see in yourself. Who you are today is a direct result of that person's faith in you.
Belief, founded or unfounded, is incredibly powerful–and when someone else believes in us, it's unforgettable.
Tell someone what a huge difference he or she made in your life. Reading your note will make a huge difference in that person's life–and in your relationship.
2. Write an apology to a person you let down. We've all made mistakes. We've all done things we regret. Or we haven't done things–and we regret not acting. We've all failed to step up, or step in, or show support, or lend an ear or shoulder…
Maybe you feel you've moved past it. Maybe you feel the other person has moved past it, too. Maybe you're dreaming.
An apology not made is the elephant in a room. No matter how much time has passed, it still colors every subsequent interaction. Kill the elephant. Say you're sorry.
Just don't follow your apology with a disclaimer. Don't say, "I'm sorry, but I was really mad because you…" or "I'm sorry I blew up at you, but I do think you were out of line, too."
Don't say anything that in any way places even the smallest amount of blame on the other person. Say you're sorry, say why you're sorry, and take all the blame. No less. No more. The elephant may never totally disappear, but once you apologize, sincerely and genuinely, the elephant will no longer matter–to either of you…
…keep reading the full article HERE