Leading With Kindness.

Right now, there is a lot of tension in the air. I feel it. I'm sure you do too. Many people are unhappy with the current situation we are all living through. You don't have to look very hard to see that disappointment, uncertainty, and animosity is felt by many of us right now.

I want to share a story with you. This was a tiny act from a stranger but it highlighted how the smallest thing can turn your day around.

Yesterday was tough. Our day started by contacting clients and discussing how to continue providing support under the new restrictions and we were feeling deflated. We had to get out of the house for a walk and enjoy some sun. We find this always helps us clear our minds and restore our moods.

On this walk, we crossed paths with a grandmother walking with her grandson and a really cute, 6-month old dog. As we approached, we started to move to the side and give them ample room to pass by. With a polite smile and hello as we passed by, we thought the interaction was over. But then the Grandmother asked, "Can my dog say hi?". We have grown so accustomed to assuming strangers would rather avoid you than interact these days. The common courtesy has become to give everyone more space than our infrastructure was designed to give. But this sweet lady broke through that assumption by flipping the script and asking us if we would like to pet her dog!

*This is Tilly. Paul & Lori's pooch (Not the one in the story) 😊*

I'm not sure if she sensed that we could use a little mood booster, or if she could tell that we love dogs but the proposition/offer caught us off guard & was mutually beneficial to us and the pup! We all loved every moment of it.

This small interaction inspired the message I hope to send with today's blog post.

Times are tough. People are feeling more isolated than ever. Interactions are being replaced with avoidance and we aren't able to read the minds of the people we care about. Letting someone know you’re thinking about them goes further than you may think.

Reach out to the people you care about and let your guard down. Open up to them about how you are truly feeling and allow them to share how they feel too.

As we battle the pandemic, let's heal from it together instead of alone. We are all battling something and we are notorious for hiding our truthful feelings behind a smile. Sharing what is bugging you or lending an ear to someone who needs you to hear them out is powerful for healing and moving on.

Giving the people you care about an outlet to share and move forward may be exactly what they need. Thoughts can fester and without a way to release those thoughts, they can become toxic. When these thoughts stay bottled up, it is easy to feel alone.

I want to part with the message that we are listening. If you need to share something, or just want to check-in, we are here. If you are feeling disconnected, reach out to us or someone you care about. Get outside, and spend time with family and friends in a safe manner and give them an outlet to share. Give your friend that you haven't seen in far too long a call and laugh with them.

I long for the day when I can look you in the eye while I shake your hand! Here's to hope that it is finally on the horizon.
Coach Steven