Day 30–100 Days 100 Ways Being Visible
What you do makes a difference
How often do you underestimate the value you add to the people around you? Where do you not offer of yourself to a friend or to a client who might value your contribution to their life? Where do you not show yourself because you are worried about yourself and how you will look or feel or what someone will think about you? On the other hand, how much do you appreciate it when other people take a risk and reach out to you to have a coffee or tell you that they appreciate you or to genuinely offer you some assistance without attachment to whether you take it or not?
We all hide at times. But at what cost?
I was reminded today of how much we impact others without realising it. A friend I had not seen for a few months invited me for a coffee and proceeded to tell me how much I had contributed to his life over the past six years and how he felt somewhat indebted to me. I had no idea. His decision to share his gratitude today was such a gift. Now, in turn, I am the one feeling gratitude. Yesterday I was in a mood of resignation and feeling my work is not of much value and today I receive external validation that I, in fact, do offer real value through my coaching and leadership work.
“Our doubts are traitors, and make us lose the good we oft might win, by fearing to attempt.” ― William Shakespeare, Measure for Measure
I am resolved to persevere with offering my online leadership training and to keep playing for gold in my being-visible game.
Feeling good after getting the external validation, I jumped on the phone this afternoon to make a phone call I had been procrastinating for nine months. The support person I spoke with was delightful and took on investigating my concerns. The call was easy, even a pleasure. Now it’s hard to see why I had avoided being visible by making the call. I am chalking this call up as another win for this 100 Days 100 Ways project.
Knowledge
Today I can see that I don’t know or accept the positive impact my work has on at least some of the people who encounter it. I know that many of us forget how important we are to the peace and wellbeing of the people in our lives. I know I am grateful my friend shared his gratitude with me today. I know that when I focus on the cares and concerns of other people I live a more meaningful life than when I focus too much on how I am feeling.
“You cannot get through a single day without having an impact on the world around you. What you do makes a difference, and you have to decide what kind of difference you want to make.”
― Jane Goodall
Progress
I am buoyed and experiencing a more positive and ambitious mood than yesterday. I am on track and making progress. Life is good; I am very lucky.
30/31/100 (Number of days goals met/ number of days into project/ 100)
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