Our impact may be anywhere from small and short-term to huge and long-term. It may be conscious and intended or it may occur through missteps and misunderstandings. It may even lie unnoticed for days, weeks, or years until memories are stirred and our Present becomes impacted by the Past.
Just think how a smile, acknowledging someone as we pass by, or stopping by a colleague's work space to give thanks for work well-done may be all it takes to brighten someone's day. Impact happens!
I have become aware of how my family and my role in the family continues to impact how I react or respond to situations today, decades after leaving the "family nest"!!
As we enter this final week of holiday busyness, I am reminded of earlier Christmases with my family. The memories, mostly positive and powerful, seem to linger off-stage as I prepare for this year's celebration. I wonder how much I am willing to acknowledge these memories, allowing the Past to have its time and place... but then becoming more Present to the here and now.
Maybe the gift we can give each other this year is our Presence: to acknowledge the past joys and pains; to become aware of the present moment; and to decide how we want to positively impact those around us. Sometimes impact just happens, but I am learning that I have a choice in many of the situations that occur.
Slowing down, giving others the present moment, and receiving them as they come are all choices I can make!
Questions to consider this week:
- Past: what memories am I bringing into this holiday season?
- Present: how can I slow down and notice my impact - with the past that I am remembering and on the present that I am unwrapping?
- Future: what expectations do I have of myself and others as we gather together?
The invitation this week is to impact another person POSITIVELY! May we be surprised with the Sacred Gift of Presence!
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| Larry Gardepie |
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