What we don’t say, but could.

A very busy day this week began with my receiving an email of thanks from a colleague.   For those of you that read my last blog entry you’ll be please to know that none of my email etiquette do’s and don’t were inadvertently broken.   I thought about how lovely it was to receive and then I thought about all of the people that inspire me every day.  I’m a fortunate man to be surrounded with so many great people in my work and play.  I’ve spent the last couple of days contemplating how best I could honour and acknowledge this act of kindness. I’ve chosen to share this note with you not because it says nice things about me (actually that takes me outside of my comfort zone of a self-effacing Canadian), but because it celebrates his kindness by sharing his idea to ‘pay it forward’.    This note is such a stellar example of what a difference a few moments of your time can have in someone’s else day.  My colleague (and friend) is open, honest, and witty.  I completely love the way he engages his right brain to do the work that the left brain is often terrified to do. Wouldn’t it be great if each one of us took some time today to write a wee note to a colleague, family member, or friend that inspire us — thoughts that we often don’t take time to say to them.
Hi Paul

A friend of mine told me yesterday that she really appreciated spending time with me because she learned a lot from our conversations. I found it very uplifting and It made me think that there are people I know who deserve the same uplifting message. I am compelled to send you a quick note of thanks.

I can honestly say that I have learned so much about myself and the world around me as a result of meeting you, and I truly appreciate it. Your entrepreneurial spirit and commitment to your community is inspiring to me, as is your drive to create a more positive and reflective world. And thanks too for introducing me to the community foundation – their work resonates with me tremendously!

Now, as this email is somewhat out of character for me and certainly stretches my comfort zone, I will proceed to use my left hand to force my right hand to hit the send button! 🙂

Have a great day!
(named omitted)
I’ve purposely left the name out, but it was there, so no email etiquette rules were abandon!

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