Feasting on emotions

Colleagues,
 
Like way too many families in the United States, mine has been fractured by politics and disagreement. At the same time, loss and grief have reminded us how important family is. As members of my extended family sought to find common ground or at least to move forward in a constructive way, I was reminded of five important lessons this week. I hope these lessons find meaning in both your personal and professional lives.
 
Lesson 1: We choose how we show up.
 
Every day, every interaction, we choose what we bring to the table. We can choose to bring our anger, our hurt, our frustration. Or we can bring our grace, our empathy, and our love.
 
The really cool thing is that how I choose to show up is not controlled by the other person. Another’s anger, hurt, and frustration does not prevent me from being graceful, empathetic, and loving.
 
Today’s intention: Be mindful of how you show up for others. Be mindful of the people who make it hard for you to show up as your best self. And then remember, they do not control you.

Cheers!

Frederick