To be clear up front, the title of this post is not referring to a customer service policy. Rather, it is referring to a human service policy.
Let's jump right in and try to put things into perspective. The next time you have to deal with a frustrated customer, grumpy boss, disrespectful colleague or a no-win project, remember that you could have this guy's job...
I love facial tattoos! In fact, I wish everyone had a great big one. No, I am not talking about going to the local parlor and getting your face all inked up.
However, the tattoo I am referring to makes just as big of an impression on those around you.
"Lauren!" Hank scolded, "you really must stop worrying so much. You’ve made it a full-time job! You worried about James failing high school. You worried that the girls would marry deadbeat husbands who wouldn’t provide for them. You worried about our flights getting cancelled before our vacation. Last month, when you had that cold, you even worried about getting the whooping cough, of all things. You worried about all these things, and none of them happened!"
Julie and I have a special family ritual with our children. On their twelfth birthday they can select any city in the continental United States to visit for a special celebration alone (i.e., sans siblings) with mom and dad. I recall our trip with our middle child to New York City on her 12th birthday.
Trees grow up through their branches, down through their roots and grow wider with each passing year. As growth occurs, trees eventually shed their protective bark to make way for growth. Humans are the same way.
Life happens to all of us. Sometimes it is filled with joyful, amazing experiences. Sometimes it can be trying with health, financial, work or relationship challenges. Our future can be brighter if we intentionally look for the lessons and learnings from our trials and reframe our memories.
You can work on creating inspiring memories out of challenging events. Recalling these events can be inspiring versus emotionally draining. If you are reading this, you are alive. You have a bright future. You were made miraculously and for a unique purpose.
The right attitude is the root to success. It enables us to stand strong and prevail.
Your attitude reflects your past, describes your present, and predicts your future.
The great news is that even in the worst situations – like being a victim of a natural disaster, a prisoner of war, a target of abuse or when hit by a string of unfortunate circumstances - your attitude is something you can always control. You are the conductor of your own attitude. Nobody else can compose your thoughts for you.
