This week I have embarked on a build a "better Jeannie" campaign and yesterday added an element that I plan to keep as a permanent part of the plan. I know that when I am feeling my best, I bring my best to those I serve. I can feel it - in my stride - in my voice - in my relationships both personal and professional - in all I do.
What was the addition? It was my pledge to do one thing outside of myself each day.
Yesterday as I watched the house next to mine be leveled after a tragic house fire (all people out of house thank God!), I thought what can I do....
Gift cards for essentials have poured in to this lovely family. I wanted to do something more, something else, something different. Consistent with the theme that we do our best job of helping others when we have taken care of ourselves, I considered the mountain facing the Wife/Mom and the challenge of dealing with the loss herself and helping her family through it. I wanted to do something nice for the caregiver, something restorative to help her help those she loves.
I delivered my card to her personally with a hug and kind words of support and stood and watched the demolition with her for a few moments. In the card were two gift certificates for massages.
I know myself that when times are toughest and challenges greatest, I often put myself last and focus on those I love. But to be my best to others, I know that I have to bring my best and taking steps to do that are not an indulgence - but a necessity.
And as is so often the case, when you do a "right thing" it comes back around.
Yesterday I improved the day of a friend - and had one of the best and most productive days I've had in a long time.
That ole' adage, what goes around, comes around rings true again.
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