Summer is here. Sunlight lasts longer, fireflies flit, and strawberries are ready. Here in western Michigan we leapt from a cool and wet Spring into a steamy, drippy Summer.
We’re approaching the Independence Day holiday, and time to make “Strawberry Dream Cake,” recipe here: https://emjayandthem.com/2023/06/18/in-season/.
Hubbs and I are celebrating the joyful news of another grandchild coming this Fall. As much as we enjoyed raising our sons, those years flew by. Grandchildren give us the chance to savor & enjoy, and we couldn’t be happier! I’ve already bought a stroller, bouncy seat, high chair, and other items :). Hubbs tells everyone that “Nana is nesting;” he’s not wrong!
Last week I traveled out of state for a corporate conference. A full agenda resulted in 16 hour days, with limited opportunities to connect at breaks or meals. About half-way through I found myself leaning more into the relationships than the business. Multiple colleagues asked advice; some pulled me aside to share their gratitude for help or advice given. I’m considered senior staff now, and I suppose that hadn’t occurred to me before. Weird. Looking back, I have to laugh at a few quips I gave, including:
- “He’s a hunter, and views you as prey. Stop showing up as the 3 legged fawn.”
- “You’re right, but not every fight is worth fighting, pick the hill you want to die on.”
- “If you don’t want to be a doormat, get up off the floor.”
- “Celebrate what’s working & promote that – teams follow leaders, if you lead with what’s working, others will follow.”
I’m a lot like my Mom, direct and to the point. (Gee I miss her!) I can be too blunt at times, but ironically, directness seems to be exactly what is sought. (You can can find sugar-coating at a candy store.) I choose peace over proving, and no longer save space for the chaos creators.
Have you noticed a shift in how others perceive you? How did that surprise you?
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I remember when a colleague described me as the moral compass of the company (for HR related issues). I wanted to tell my very first supervisor that. She said I’d end up in a typing pool forever. (Actually I wanted to go “na na na na na!” Yes, so mature of me! 🙂 )
When you get heartfelt feedback like you did, that resonates, and sticks with you! And shame on that first supervisor; she likely thought she was being motivating, and still you remember her prediction that, with joy, did NOT come to fruition! Bravo! -MJ
Love, love, love, your crisp direct input. I know those that talked to you did as well. Which state did you have to travel to? (if I can be nosey)
Thank you; time dictated a quick response! I flew into NY & meetings were in CT, we were under the NE Heat Dome and it was soooo hot. Thankfully we were inside most of the time, but getting from A to B to C was made more difficult b/c of the temps. Too much! Thanks for weighing in 🙂 MJ