"Reach out and help others. If you have the power to make someone happy, do it. Be a vessel, be the change, be the difference, or be the inspiration. Shine your light as an example. The world needs more of that." ~ Germany Kent
Kate’s Turn:
I’ve been grieving the sudden death of my friend of 48 years. Her light in my life gave me so much throughout our friendship. For example, she coached me through my fear of water in order to enjoy all water sports. She taught me to sail; this had a significant influence on me as this became my passion that eventually led me to live on the sea in a sailboat in the Caribbean for 8 years. Being confronted with the inevitability of death brings to mind a review of what entails a life well-lived. This is a question I often ask when I counsel or coach; it helps explore one’s purpose of life.
“It occurred to me that there were two sets of virtues, the résumé virtues and the eulogy virtues. The résumé virtues are the skills you bring to the marketplace. The eulogy virtues are the ones that are talked about at your funeral — whether you were kind, brave, honest or faithful. Were you capable of deep love?” ~ David Brooks, New York Times, 4-11-2015
Don’t ask a person what they do––that will give you the flat, specific, boring details of their work situation. Instead, ask them why they do what they do. This question engages their cherished dreams, their most valued hopes and most important relationships.
Get Fired Up:
A life well-lived––what comprises that for you? Allow your choices to create that life, the ultimate manifestation of your creative nature. What virtues are you cultivating through the choices you make?
