Hi Friend,
What a wonderful week. I hope you are still living in the glow of gratitude. I’ve been waking up every morning this week and acknowledging what I’m grateful for, out loud, before I get out of bed. It’s been a good practice. Hopefully it will turn into a habit. I often think of my morning routine as what happens once I get to my chair and have my coffee. I like the idea of a Before-I-Get-Out-of-Bed Routine.
I ran my first Edmond Turkey Trot on Thanksgiving morning with my friend Jeremy. It was windy cold, but about 2000 people showed up. I run 4 miles a few times a week, so to get all geared up for a “race” and it’s only 3.1 miles (5k) felt a little silly. However, running with Jeremy forced me to a keep a pace I haven’t in a while. Also, the energy and fun before, during and after felt like an actual race.
I’ve always considered the Half Marathon the “short race”. I love the vibe on race day probably because I love being around people – and there are a bunch hanging out. I also feel some sort of connection. I’m not in any running community, but on race day, looking around, I have a bit of understanding what people have done to be there.
So to have that similar experience, but only run 3.1 miles – done in less than 30 minutes – sign me up! I’m a fan of the 5K!
It’s curious that I run with Joe or alone 100% of the time, but find races so rejuvenating because of the people all around. Don’t get me wrong, they bug the heck out of me all crammed together on the first couple of miles. Once through the clustering, I weirdly find delight watching others around me run.
Extract Joy from People!
I have this experience with my children regularly. Listening to some of the things they’re doing, of course brings a sense of pride and satisfaction. However, sometimes just seeing them or thinking about them has a similar effect. I do that with other people who are in my life too. I see or know what they’re accomplishing – I have nothing to do with it – but still am filled with joy.
Have you ever been proud of someone from a distance?
Have you ever told someone you were proud of them, even though you weren’t directly involved in their progress?
Has anyone told you lately they are proud of you?
I have three streams of thought happening right now:
1) Sourcing our joy.
2) The impact of pride.
3) Generic encouragement from strangers.
I’ll work through them backwards.
I’m generally uninterested and put off by people who post “encouragement”. Stuff like “If no one has told you today, I think you’re doing a great job.” It kind of has the opposite effect on me. I get some sort of attitude towards them. I believe they’re genuine in their effort but it strikes me as entirely insincere. It must be useful for somebody though, because I see plenty of it. 🤷🏼♂️
I’ve made someone who matters to me proud before. It causes my soul to tingle when they communicate it. I don’t think I need a lot of external motivation, but when someone who knows me, knows what I’ve attempted and sees the results, articulates it that way, I’m moved. Granted there are only a handful of people who know me well enough, for those words to carry weight.
Happiness is a hot pursuit in life, and in business these days. I consider joy a deeper work in the soul that isn’t altered by the external environment. Tapping into it is another soul-tingler. Having multiple sources that keep it thriving is essential. It is fuel for energy and hope.
Joy Sources
Faith
Relationships
Others Accomplishments
Personal Wins
Consistency
Instigating Ideas
1. Tell someone you’re proud of them.
2. Go for a short run.
3. Create your list of Joy Sources.
4. Find a way to say the word “tingle” every day this week.
What causes your soul to tingle?
Loads of people came to the turkey trot with strollers and dogs. That was unexpected. It could be I was entirely in a mindset of gratitude or that the cold wind was numbing my brain, but it caused lots of joy and smiles!