Recently, I unintentionally hurt someone’s feelings over a gift they’d given me, a sneaker cleaning kit.
I forgot it had been a gift and put it out with a bunch of things for neighbors to take if they could use them. This person saw it among the other items.
To make matters worse, I thought they were kidding when they said they were hurt. To me, it was a little thing, but to them, they had put thought into how I walk/bike a lot and my sneakers take the brunt of it.
I felt awful for hurting them, and I found myself floundering in real time to be gracious, apologetic—and not defensive.
I was forgiven, and all is well, but the experience, though uncomfortable, served as a reminder about the importance of sharing feelings, listening, and honoring what someone else shares. These are the building blocks for relationships that weather all kinds of storms.
This Week’s Theme is Perspective
This Week’s Theme is Perspective- Do you think billionaires think differently from the rest of us? In this piece for The Atlantic, Noah Hawley talks about the how’s and proposes some why’s. I found it eye opening. Guest link so you can read the whole piece.
- Don’t let the title keep you from reading James Michael Sama’s tips for bros on finding “the right woman.” I love it because it so easily applies to finding the right partner for any of us. If you’ve already found “the right one,” this may be great validation. If you’re still looking, it’s a great tip sheet. And if you’re fine on your own, I salute you, but keep this in your back pocket just in case life surprises you.
- Sarah Hayes shares about the time she quit her job with no back up plan. It’s open and vulnerable and well worth reading. As is often true with online content, the comments are as valuable as the post.
- Twenty-nine percent (29%) of Americans surveyed are estranged from a family member. Because so many awesome people in my life are experiencing the heartbreak of an adult child being “influenced away,” I had to share this great take by someone who shares his thoughts for the people removing themselves from their families.
- What if we approached challenges differently and discovered better outcomes? Can we take notes from these countries and re-examine our personal goals and how we measure wins?
- Play is not the thing you put off until you have more time. Play now, here’s why…
Heroes Without Capes: Dr. Liviu Lebrescu
Heroes Without Capes: Dr. Liviu LebrescuA note for our readers: This section contains topics that some may find sensitive. Please read at your own comfort.
Do you know about Dr. Liviu Librescu? You might…
He was a man of great accomplishments. As a child, he survived the Holocaust in a Jewish ghetto in Romania during WWII. He went on to achieve significant academic successes in the field of aerodynamics while living in Romania despite it being under communist rule. Eventually, and with much effort, he and his family emigrated to Israel in 1978.
Then in 1985, he and his family moved to Virginia where Liviu became one of Virginia Tech’s most respected educators and researchers in the field of aeronautical engineering.
Are you remembering him yet?
On April 16, 2007, during the Virginia Tech shooting, then 76-year-old Liviu was teaching inside Norris Hall when gunfire erupted. As the shooter made his way through classrooms, Liviu made the decision that I would like you to think about.
He moved to the door and blocked it with his body, holding it for as long as he could against the assassin. He was struck multiple times by bullets ripping through the door and through him, yet Liviu held firm. He refused to fail his students. Every second he held the door enabled more students to exit through the windows. He knew what he was doing and he did it anyway.
Dr. Liviu Lebrescu did not survive, but 22 lives were saved because of him.
Please take a moment to remember this hero without a cape.
Do Good Spotlight: Earth Day Charities
There are so many awesome environmentally focused organizations and causes to celebrate on Earth Day, April 22, so here’s a list of just a few.
⏳Until Next Time…
Deborah Froese recently wrote how her mom challenged her when she was a child to think about the other person’s perspective when she had tough situations with her peers. Deborah later realized the same approach could be helpful in challenging her own internal narratives. You can read her post here.
It’s important to balance holding ourselves accountable while being compassionate too.
Simply put: don’t be too hard on yourself. Life’s an evolution, not a revolution.
Niki