When I give, I give myself. — Walt Whitman, Leaves of Grass
In preparation for this past holiday season, as a way of honoring my values of integrity, stewardship and serenity, I chose to focus on how to give the gift of myself to my family and friends.
The result? Less stress, more fun, cleaner teeth (just kidding on that last one!). Focusing on how and who I wanted to be and the aligning actions really changed how I looked at this past holiday season.
And, it got me thinking: how can I do this year ’round? What would be the impact of fully giving myself and my gifts, no holds-barred?
You know where I’m going with this, don’t you?
What are the gifts the world needs to receive from you? Please don’t make us wait another year to open them.
Before specializing as a professional coach in 2004, I spent more than a decade in leadership, management and program development for state and local government and non-profit organizations. Now I get to help leaders and teams have more clarity and ability to stand up for what's important in their work and in their organizations. Working with me, leaders and teams find more meaning and purpose, feel happier and more confident, navigate change and conflict, and work together better.
Hanna: What a great question for all of us to consider! As my wonderful mentor says, “When are you going to stop ripping off the world?” We really are ripping off the world if we’re not sharing our gifts. As I’ve discovered my genius, I now understand that “Inviting Dialogue” is just who I am and I realize that that is what I need to give to the world. As I give it, I also receive and learn because dialogue is by its very definition, about suspending assumptions to learn something. 2007 is going to be fabulous (it already is)!
Thank you for you!
I’ve begun to recognize my role as a connector between and among disparate people and ideas. This year I’m trying to bring those people and ideas together through my blog, greenbuckeye.com. Maybe Jodee can coach me on how to “invite dialogue” on that site!
Hanna – can’t WAIT to see you go all out, as I thought you couldn’t get any more amazing! Wow! Here’s to a GREAT 2007!
Jodee, Tina:
I love hearing where you’re headed with inviting dialogue, and connecting people & ideas! Thanks for sharing – how lucky we are that we get to connect and dialog with you both!
Phil:
Your persistant generosity and encouragement humble and inpire me – it’s definitely one of your gifts, if you didn’t already know it! You knock my socks off, dude!