Hi Friend
It has been an extraordinary seven days! From last Saturday to this, I’ve had several memorable moments and simply good times. Both professionally and personally, I’ve been fulfilled, challenged and surprised. On top of all that, a part of my fence that blew down a couple weeks ago was finally replaced, which oddly brings me great joy!
From starting a Culture Refresh consulting project with my favorite non-profit, to hosting our third Culture Shot online, to engaging in a riveting 9-hour conversation, to unexpectedly purchasing concert tickets in Vegas, to speaking to a dynamic group of L&D professionals, and having a killer creative team meeting – this week has given me so much. Honestly, the people this week brought me deep satisfaction.
It could be that because I look out my dining room window every single day, but the fence being replaced is really speaking to me. I am looking at it right now. My previous one had blown down from all the wind that has dominated Oklahoma the last few weeks. Something about the strength of those shiny poles comfort me.
My daughter and I talked this past week about having a perspective that finds the best in every situation, which then somehow leads to really good things happening to us. By assigning gratitude to the mundane we open the door for the fantastical to enter.
It’s Just a Fence!
Feeling giddy about a few cedar planks seems ridiculous, I know. What’s even funnier, is that I didn’t replace the whole fence line, just the front part. My neighbor wants to wait one more year to replace the whole thing. The contrast between the old and new is stark.
Have you ever painted inside your house? Same walls, but different colors creates this fresh clean experience that feels all new. When we take something that’s beat up and improve it, it’s incredibly satisfying.
When we do that with our mind and relationships it’s rather spectacular. Every time I read a good book, I experience that same sensation; my thinking gets refreshed. This week in the different settings when I engaged with stellar professionals my entire life got better. I know that’s a bit of an exaggeration, but it felt like that in the moment!
Update Your Soul
My phone, computer, watch, ipad and TV regularly push out updates. As you know, sometimes they are major, altering the appearance and other times they are small security elements that I don’t notice. Whichever, I’m under the impression they are designed to offer the most current effort that makes my device the best it can be.
When was the last time your soul was updated? Frequently it’s the small updates we require. A change of perspective or a glimpse of understanding that shifts our beliefs. Other times it’s a major alteration of our existence that’s required.
When our hearts and minds are clogged up or bogged down, it’s time to consider a refreshing.
Instigating Ideas…
1. What could you do to make a small update to your soul this week?
2. Whose life could you be refreshing? Go do that.
3. Spruce up something that’s been beat down.
4. Read a book that alters your perspective.
When they installed the new fence, they threw my old panels out front. Later in the day a guy came by to pick them up. I found out he has a business of repurposing old wood into productive uses, like picture frames and interesting house decorations. I was happy to hear that my beat-up fence was getting a new life.
Repurpose is a Sacred Offering
This weekend is a reminder that dead things can come to life and old things can be made new. I personally like the new versions. When our mind and spirit are revitalized we can contribute more authentically to the world around us. The refurbishing isn’t just for us, but for those whose lives we intersect with and impact. I’m grateful for the rejuvenation that transpired in my heart and soul this past week.
I hope you find people, books and experiences that are a catalyst for you encountering life afresh. Whatever is stale, dilapidated or simply outdated, may your efforts generate a renewed vigor in your entire being!