A Year of Gratitude - Day Two Hundred Ninety-two

Day 292 - Keeping an Open Mind

I had a happy hour meeting with a colleague today for whom, when we first met three years ago, I didn’t start with a very positive impression.  Others within the group in which we both took part were not terribly complimentary; in fact, they blamed him for some problems we were facing as a group, and I never made the effort to find out for myself what was going on.  I didn’t dislike him, but I didn’t make an effort to bridge the distance, either.

Fast forward to the budding of our friendship; I spoke with him at a couple of mixers last year, and then later, as he was interviewing for a job, he asked me for some help in preparing.  That was when I realized I had misjudged him and had neglected the “due diligence” that ought to come after hearing gossip.

This evening’s conversation was particularly pleasant, and I find myself relating with him on several levels.  I am glad that I kept an open mind enough to get past the old gossip.  My first impressions of him were misguided, and I’m a little better for knowing that now.

A Year of Gratitude - Day Two Hundred Ninety-one

Day 291 - Coaches

The last time I wrote about Dick Warn was Day 34, shortly after I met him.  He is a no-nonsense tell-it-like-it-is type, and I thought perhaps I could use a little bit of that caring, honest feedback.  He didn’t disappoint.  

What makes Dick a particularly good coach is that it is obvious that he cares about his pupil; if he didn’t care, he wouldn’t be there wasting his time.  I have spoken with others who push away those whom they attempt to help either because they don’t know their audience (their needs, attitudes, sensibilities, etc.), or because they simply feed their own egos by giving advice to others.  I’m grateful to have met with Dick, who can give it to me straight without making it feel like a fist to the solar plexus.  He pointed out the faulty thinking without making me feel stupid.

I came away feeling a little more empowered, a little wiser.  I appreciate the honesty of a good coach who helps his learners toward understanding the “why” and not just the “what.”

A Year of Gratitude - Day Two Hundred Ninety

Day 290 - Continuity

I’ve said many times that “there is security in a lack of change.”  While I would never suggest a lack of change is, in itself, the goal, we all recognize how change can be difficult, and as humans it is easier for us to deal with “the devil we know vs. the devil we don’t know.”  In order to progress, though, we have to accept change; to thrive, we ought to embrace it.

Still, sometimes it is a nice break to have a predictable day.

Today was one of those.  I didn’t do much except meet other networkers for coffee.  It was pleasant enough - nice conversation with conscientious people.  Maybe we made progress; who knows?  But at least it was positive and comfortable.  I’m good with that.

A Year of Gratitude - Day Two Hundred Eighty-nine

Day 289 - Commitments to Activity

I had an interview today for a job I want; the conversation was done via Skype, to gap the distance between their office in Southern California and my home in Portland.  Of the first four questions, three of them were around e-learning - my weakest skill - and I felt as if I were on the defensive for the rest of the interview.  It was so completely disappointing, I felt as if I had handed this opportunity to the next person in line.  

I was glad to have begun the day with the Breakfast Club meeting and coffee with another networker, and more for the rest of the week.  It’s good to have commitments already on the books to keep me moving along.  I’m sure I would hole up in a cave if I didn’t have other things to do.  As it is, I expect to have a busy week, which will take my mind off this less-than-stellar performance.

A Year of Gratitude - Day Two Hundred Eighty-eight

Day 288 - Co-Moderators

I wanted to write today about being grateful for “New Friends and Colleagues,” but that subject was taken (Day 24).  A side effect of the effort to avoid repeating myself is that I find it nearly impossible to find new ways of being grateful for new people coming into my life - the fact is I am grateful they’re here, that I feel fortunate to interact with them, and there aren’t a lot of ways to express that.  I think people are the heart of a happy existence (acknowledging that my happiness starts within me, but that’s another topic), and when new people of real quality come into my world, it carries me a step up, not just a step forward.

Such are Manuel and Fred.  Further to my post on Day 281, I asked them to become co-moderators of The Breakfast Club of Portland - the networking group I took over last year - a couple weeks ago, and they both agreed without hesitation.  I asked both of them because 1.) they both naturally attract people to themselves without pretense or agenda; 2.) they are respected within the group and have the kind of professional experience to understand how to lead a meeting; 3.) they both have a kindness about their individual styles, which are different from one another’s but quite complementary.  And I asked them because I know I will be out of town for awhile and want to ensure the Breakfast Club meetings continue seamlessly.

The best part (for me) is that they are becoming good friends, too.  I feel supported personally and professionally, and I’m grateful for their positive influence.  We got together for happy hour again today, and will continue this as a weekly thing.  I’m delighted.

A Year of Gratitude - Day Two Hundred Eighty-seven

Day 287 - Help With Twitter

I met with a fellow job seeker today to talk about self branding and Twitter.  Mike had met recently with a young man who is a recent graduate of Portland State University (B.A. in Management, Marketing) and something of an expert in self branding and the professional use of Twitter.  Mike gave me a quick primer on how to use Twitter, and helped me connect some of the dots.  

When I got home, I practiced what I learned.  I’m still a total neophyte when it comes to Twitter, but I see a lot of potential with it.  I’m excited to learn more.

Who knows what else this old dog can learn?!

A Year of Gratitude - Day Two Hundred Eighty-six

Day 286 - Graciousness

I was supposed to be in Vancouver, BC today.

Well, actually, I wanted to be in Vancouver today - Ignacio had invited me to attend a concert with him.  Ute Lemper, a German cabaret singer/actress was performing, and he bought two tickets, hoping I could manage a trip north.  Unfortunately, with a total lack of any income, and looking at the future, I simply couldn’t afford the trip this time.  I was very disappointed - I didn't want to let him down, and I wanted to share more time with him - and he knew it.

Fortunately, though, Ignacio was gracious in allowing me off that hook.  He (repeatedly) made it clear that he understood why I couldn’t be there, and that he empathized with my situation (having been in a similar predicament a few years ago).  And when he sent me a quick text message after the show, expressing how much fun he had had, I did feel a little better.  He told me he wished I had been the one to go with him (instead of one of his friends in Vancouver), but it was only in the sense of wanting to share this experience with him.  

Thank goodness for thoughtful people.