When You Break Something Of Value
Today, it broke.It was a cheap rubber wristband that I have been wearing for the past few months.Nothing this cheap was meant to last longer than that.If you know me at all, you know that I actively try to remove excess stuff from my life--so you might be wondering why I care or why I have a cheap rubber wristband in the first place.
Here's what happened:
I was running one of my team's LEGO® shows for kids in St. Paul, MN.Part of our shows makes room for displayers of all ages. It helps get locals out to be part of the show and it helps kids network with other builders who are in their community. Pretty cool, right?Well, one kid was so excited to be there that he brought these rubber LEGO® wristbands to give out.
When I spoke with him and thanked him for his hard work, he gave me one of his wristbands.
"Thanks for inviting me, I'm SO excited to be here," he said.It's moments like these when you realize that what you do helps other people be themselves and be part of a community that encourages learnings, that you smile and realize it's all worth it.This kid had the time of his life connecting with older builders and meeting other kids just like him.So no, it doesn't matter that the wristband broke--because I will never forget that kid.Take this as a reminder that it's easy to confuse the value of stuff with the value of experiences.
2 Minute Action
It doesn't have to be a wristband, but what can you give to someone around you to let them know you appreciate them?
- It could be a handwritten "COUPON - Good For 1 Free BackRub."
- It could be a flattened penny.
- It could be a pack of Juicy Fruit gum.
It doesn't matter what the vehicle is, it just matters what sentiment you gave it.It will take you 2 minutes to write a post-it note or give someone a wooden nickel with a story that holds meaning.
An Important Choice To Make After Giving Thanks
Thanksgiving is about giving thanks.
There are a billion places on the internet where you can learn about how this holiday came to be.You can learn about how Edward Winslow's account of the Pilgrim's harvest in 1621 mentioned that they ate some turkey--among other things.You can learn about how it's not about any help given to the colonists by the Wampanoag Indians.You can learn about how Thanksgiving was actually a way to commemorate the deeply religious and ceremonious massacre of about 700 Native American men, women, and children.Intense.
By not knowing the truth, it's easy to think of our current selves differently.
Instead of seeing our ancestors as murderers or genocidal maniacs, we get to see them as conquerors and adventurers.We get to feel like their courage somehow has passed on to us, and we get to feel proud.The alternative creates too much dissonance. It just doesn't seem possible. How could that be part of us?
The next thing to remember is that we get to choose who we are from here.
It's up to us to revise our ethics, empathize with one another, and be grateful for the planet we have.It's true for Thanksgiving history and it's true for our everyday lives.
Here's a tool I use to recalibrate after each Thanksgiving:
It's a quick read from Seth Godin about giving thanks.I read it every year.It takes longer than 2 minutes to read the whole thing, so that's up to you.
2 Minute Action
Read the Thanksgiving Reader for 2 minutes--though it'll be hard to only spend 2 minutes on it.Or, take 2 minutes to thank one person in your life for being them. Be specific. Call out characteristics or moments that you love about them.Let them know how they've helped change your life.Also, just for the record. I've got a ton of other resources like this in my personal VAULT.And that's free for everyone, so feel free to share.Have a warm and happy Thanksgiving.
This Makes Huge Impact And Takes No Time At All
Here’s something that’s a little different than what I typically write:I want to say this to you directly because you’re reading this.You have given me a gift; your attention.It means the world to me.
Thank you.
Today I want to express my gratitude to you for reading my work.There are a LOT of ways to spend your time and a LOT of emails in your inbox and a LOT of people trying to get in front of you.I just want you to know that I don’t take it for granted and I know it’s a limited resource that you’ve chosen to give to me.This is huge.Thank you so much for your comments, your thoughts, and your attention.
2 Minute Action
Take 2 minutes to say thank you to someone today.Be intentional and make them know that you really mean it.Look them in the eyes and let them feel your gratitude.This is one of the most productive things you can do with 2 minutes.