A New Avenue, A Proposition, and Gratitude
A New Avenue: Thursday night I got offered a great new opportunity as a leadership coach for an education company that owns two universities. Chip was at work so I met friends and celebrated until Chip joined us and we celebrated more. Leaving the amazing students and many incredible individuals I work with will be hard, and aligning my values with an organization so strongly is an exciting draw. My new organization's values are: Ethics, Integrity, Service, and Accountability. Wait, those are my values! Yeah, that was an easy interview question to answer. Friday I got to tell several people I care about, about my shift. The overwhelming outpouring of support was amazing. Thanks to all of you who so wholeheartedly supported me in my new path. I am filled with Gratitude.
A Proposition: No, I'm not talking politics, I got told I was beautiful in Costco today! Let me tell you, it wasn't about external beauty. I have a bruise above my eye on my forehead from essentially walking myself into a door last night, I was wearing my beanie, and just in a snow jacket and jeans. The guy was probably mid 40s and with his mom, and clearly had some developmental situation. And, I was flattered all the same. I was more than flattered. I was grateful that I come off as approachable, and that he felt safe to approach me and say I was beautiful. I of course smiled and said, "excuse me?" Ha ha ha. I'm just not used to strange men approaching me in Costco telling me I'm beautiful. He stood his ground and said it again. I lit up and said THANKS, wow, THANKS. He proudly walked away. I was still standing where he left me thinking that was the first time in my life anyone randomly walked up to me and said I was beautiful when he reappeared, stood tall and said, "I'd be honored to take you out." All right men of the world, you should take a cue from this guy because his approach was so affirming and respectful. I looked him straight in the eye, said thank you again, and then kindly let him know I was married, yet appreciated his approach. He smiled again and walked away. He and his mom happened to be on the same route as I was through Costco, yet in reverse order so I must have passed them 5-6 more times. Each time, we looked each other in the eye and just smiled. What a wonderful example of respect and pride. I wish more interactions in life could go so beautifully, and leave both people feeling really good about themselves.
Gratitude: I already bolded Gratitude and it's worth bolding again. I am grateful for so many people who over the past two weeks have handled requests, calmed me down, pumped me up, listened to me, texted me, emailed me, hugged me, looked me in the eye, connected with me, encouraged me, and so much much more. In short, a lot of love and gratitude have been enveloping me, and I am humbled. I have The Best community in the world. Thank you all again for being who you are in the world, especially mine.
Today, I leave you all Gratitude.