GBNC

I left my dog in MA for the week and I am all out of sync without her! Sorry this is a day late…

For your post-Thanksgiving reflections I share this sentiment I re-read yesterday for the first time in a long time. Ralph Waldo Emerson’s definition of Success.

To laugh often and much; to win the respect of intelligent people and the affection of children; to earn the appreciation of honest critics and endure the betrayal of false friends; to appreciate beauty, to find the best in others; to leave the world a bit better, whether by a healthy child, a garden patch or a redeemed social condition; to know even one life has breathed easier because you have lived. This is to have succeeded.

Imagine all the opportunities our work has to make us a success!

Carolyn

Happy Thanksgiving All!

I encourage us all to take a moment today to write two notes of gratitude. Two quick pen & paper, email, or text messages expressing gratitude. The first one write to someone or something you care for and positively impacts your life. Write the second one to someone or something that has challenged you. Be open and curious about what courage this gratitude practice might bring. 

Send them or don’t send them. It’s up to you. 😊 

Dr. Brené Brown, someone to whom I am going more frequently for inspiration of late, said this… 

“A lot of cheap seats in the arena are filled with people who never venture onto the floor.  They just hurl mean-spirited criticisms and put-downs from a safe distance.  The problem is, when we stop caring what people think and stop feeling hurt by cruelty, we lose our ability to connect.  But when we’re defined by what people think, we lose the courage to be vulnerable.  Therefore, we need to be selective about the feedback we let into our lives.  For me, if you’re not in the arena also getting your ass kicked, I’m not interested in your feedback.”

I am grateful for being in the arena with all of you!

~ Shanna

Today’s Joy in Practice was contributed by Laurie Rapson, a Caritas Coach at BWH.