(Can’t see the video? Then try watching it at Work Happy Now – The Hard, The Fun and The Beautiful – Puffy Smile Edition)
Where we are free to talk about the hard, the fun, and the beautiful of our work week.
Connecting with like minded people has been the theme of this week. So many people tell me to connect with others who are different than me. I know that it’s good to have different people in my network, but having like minded people has been more important.
I was on a teleconference this past week for a membership site. I talked about the importance of building your core foundation in order to be able to feel happiness more easily. The energy was high and I enjoyed the heck out of talking to new people.
It’s these connections help me feel at home wherever I go. Some people just make me feel loved. I love helping out people who make me feel that way.
Let’s begin…
Hard
Preparing for a conference call. I wanted to be up on everything. I jotted down a whole bunch of speaking points earlier in the week. I had two pages of notes. I could feel the excitement running through my veins. I worked until midnight making sure I had everything just right. I went to bed and my mind kept going. Another talking point popped in my head and I got up out of bed to add it to my notes. It was cool to see how excited I was, but I still have to learn when to turn the work switch off when I need the rest.
Fun
Being a guest speaker on a SpeakEasy podcast. I was tripping over my own thoughts for the first few minutes, but after that I relaxed and had a good time. The thoughts were flowing fast and I wanted to give everyone my knowledge in only an hour. I have to learn to slow down so I don’t overwhelm the audience.
Beautiful
My son smiling at me first thing in the morning. My wife was holding him in her arms while we were sitting on the couch. I greeted him with a warm, “Good morning, how are you?” and he looked at me in all his “just woke up puffy face” beauty and smiled. My heart grew three sizes that morning. Just thinking about it makes me all emotional.
Oh yeah, Tess from the BoldLife made a comment on last week’s video that was so beautiful. She described a beautiful moment with her grandson: “He is learning to eat and one thing I loved watching was him chew bread. I know this sounds silly but then I realized this is “mindfulness” in action. I could see him examine the bread before picking it up. I could see him feel the texture on his tongue, he chewed and swallowed slowly. After thoroughly chewing he swallowed. He savored!”
She said, “You know if you didn’t have this Friday thing I wouldn’t even be realizing this.” This is why she was so glad for reflecting on her week.
That’s the beauty of reflection. When done in the right way it can really support our happiness.
What about you?
What has been hard, fun and beautiful in your life? I’ll see you in the comment section.
Join over 300 people who have already subscribed to the FREE Happy at Work 10 Week eCourse. It will arrive in your inbox every Monday morning. When you need it the most. (Sign up is also in the top left corner)
***
Hugh Macleod of the Gaping Void wrote a really cool post called “the moment.” He is talking from a business perspective, but it’s also about life in general.
If you enjoyed this post you’ll probably like these too:
Good morning Karl!
What a beautiful experience you had with your son – thinking of it makes my heart melt too!
As for my week…
Hard – not being able to go outside, for a walk or really spend any time in nature. It has been cold, windy and rainy all week. And I know, I know I could toughed up and go bear the elements, but that wouldn’t make it fun or beautiful.
Fun – well this is going to sound odd, but my husband getting laid off this week. I know most people would see this as some tragedy and far from fun, but for one we were expecting it, his company which is in the financial district has been crumbling for over a year now, and the fun part of this is that now we are both free to work for ourselves and are open to new exciting opportunities.
Beautiful – well since you mentioned babies, we went to see some friends this week who have two little ones and those cute, puffy faces are indeed beautiful 🙂
Karl,
Hey thanks for the mention my friend! Henri is back home and I’m missing his cute little in the moment face!
Hard:
Feeling jealousy. Auuugghh! It took 24 hours to get through it. For me I’d rather be angry than jealous if that makes any sense.
In fact I wrote a very real article for a women’s blog. I’ll let you know when it’s published. You can see the real me!
Fun:
I’ve been tutoring some kids in reading. One little first grader is missing her 2 front teeth. She’s so cute I want to hug her but not allowed in todays world:( Anyway I feel like I’m giving back and making a difference I can see immediately.
The Beautiful: The sunsets and the pink clouds above and over the mountains in Arizona. Hiking a four hour trail in The Superstition Mountains last Sunday. My mom’s 89th birthday.
Isn’t life grand?
Karl, I’m with you – whenever I have something big, important and new to do, my mind doesn’t want to turn off. I, too, get up in the middle of the night to jot things down. Eesh! I recently put a notepad by my bed so I wouldn’t have to walk to grab one at 2 a.m.!
I loved reading about your son, too, and Tess’s grandon. What gifts!
For me, here goes:
Hard — Not knowing what’s next in life. One opportunity ends, but I don’t know if anything will take its place right away. I’m not necessarily the most patient person, though I try!
FUN — spending time with my friend, Barbara, who at 50 years old plays like a little kid. Her goal is to bring out my inner child. I was at her house yesterday to help her with a business letter, but instead we got caught up in something else. I apologized that we got off track, and without missing a beat she looked at me and asked, “Are you having fun? Because I sure am!” And that was it. We continued “playing.”
Beautiful — having so many amazing friends and fellow bloggers share their love and encouragement with me this week. People really are GOOD!
Hi Evita, It is hard dealing with the changes in the weather. I know when the summer hits in Texas I am never ready.
Hi Tess, Teaching people is an amazing experience. I would say hug her, but that’s just me.
Hi Megan, People are good. I’m always amazed by people’s generosity.