Every Monday Matters

Monday- August 17, 2020

THIS WEEK: BE UPSTANDING

We try to do the right thing. We try to be kind. We try to be honest. We try to be good… and do good. We try to be honorable. But when the moment presents itself, how do we respond? When we see litter on the ground, do we pick it up and throw it away or do we walk right by it? When we see someone struggling to reach for something, do we offer to help or think someone else will step in to help? When we hear someone talking negatively about someone else, do we quietly listen or do we try to stop the gossip? Whether it is an opportunity to be kind or of service or to stop an injustice, what is our natural reaction? Well, this week, and every week from today forward, we hope you choose to BE UPSTANDING. Being upstanding isn’t always simple. Making the right choice and taking responsibility can be incredibly challenging. Sometimes it requires us to go against popular belief or the majority’s opinion. Sometimes, being upstanding means being brave enough to step in to protect and defend someone or something that doesn’t have a voice. Our heart might say one thing, but our brain says something else. Being upstanding takes empathy, strength, and courage. But if we truly value what is right and what it means to be human, we will put aside our fear and ambivalence to stand up. Being upstanding, matters.

Monday- August 24, 2020

THIS WEEK: SAY I’M SORRY

Why are the two words “I’m sorry,” often considered the most challenging combination of words for us to mutter? Is it because we care so deeply for other people that we feel just that bad when we hurt or disappoint them and we can’t face up to it? Is it because we are so obsessed with always being perfect and our egos don’t want to admit our faults? In other words, we would rather be right than kind, even when we know we were wrong. Or is it because apologies are so rarely expressed that there isn’t a felt need for reciprocity or initiating them ourselves? Well, we are sorry, but we are not buying any of these reasons. It’s time for all of us to SAY I’M SORRY when it is really needed. A sincere apology can heal a wound, restore trust, and strengthen a relationship. A sincere apology is not a sign of weakness, but one of genuine strength and courage. Let us be clear, however, that we are not saying that “I’m sorry” should be coming out of your mouth every other sentence. Nor are we saying that “my bad” qualifies as a sincere apology. We are talking about specific moments when our gut tells us that a sincere apology is in order. We all know the difference, so it is really just a matter of choice. Make the decision to show compassion, care, understanding, and empathy. That’s what admirable and courageous people do. Saying I’m sorry, matters.

Monday- August 31, 2020

THIS WEEK: CONQUER A FEAR

For most of us, fears are a normal part of being alive. In some cases, our fears are falsely created in our heads and the acronym “False Evidence Appearing Real” is the perfect way to understand and overcome them. However, in other cases, our fears can be absolutely real and even based on our past experiences. For example, a bite from a poisonous spider will keep you from wanting another one. Or the broken trust of a friend might keep you from being vulnerable in future relationships. The challenge is that we can’t go through life creating a laundry list of fears that shrink our world and keep us from experiencing everything life has to offer. So, this week, it’s time to CONQUER A FEAR. There is a good chance you have a fear you would like to overcome because it feels like it holds you back. Can you relate to this? Maybe a fear of flying keeps you from seeing the world. Maybe a fear of being judged keeps you from speaking your truth or speaking at all. Maybe a fear of failing keeps you from trying new challenges. The next time you feel that desire to hesitate or stop or turn back, take a moment to ask yourself a simple question: what is the worst thing that can happen? If the answer isn’t that bad; then take a second step, and then a third and fourth right towards it. Before you know it, you will have courageously overcome it. Conquering a fear matters.

Monday- September 7, 2020

THIS WEEK: MAKE A NEW FRIEND

What does it mean to truly be a friend? Or, said differently, how would you define what a friend really is? We live in an interesting time where we are more connected than ever before through technology, yet we feel less connection and community in our lives. We live in a time where we can “friend” and “un-friend” people with the click of a button. And, if someone doesn’t follow us on any of our several social media platforms then he or she is obviously not a friend. Is this what it means to be a friend? Might this new, convoluted and mistaken understanding of what friendship really is be why making friends is so challenging? It’s hard to achieve something when we have forgotten what it is supposed to look like. We need to get back on track in our culture. This week, we want you to MAKE A NEW FRIEND. Friendships are such a vital part of our lives. They are as important as exercising and eating healthily. Friends give us joy and laughter. They teach us about ourselves and other people. They teach us how to share and how to take turns; and they comfort us through our struggles and encourage us to go for it. Real friendships are priceless. They take nurturing and kindness. They take communication and vulnerability. They take courage… but are so worth it. Making a new friend matters.

Monday-September 14, 2020

THIS WEEK: EMBRACE DIFFERENCES

We spend so much of our lives trying to fit in and yearning for a sense of belonging. It started when we were children. Maybe we wanted to be one of the “cool kids.” Maybe we were worried what people would think about the color of our skin, our jumbo reading glasses, or our big ears. Or maybe we were fearful of being judged because we couldn’t afford new school clothes or a new backpack every first day of school. Being called out for our differences instantly made us feel less than, unworthy, and unaccepted. Heartbreakingly, this even continues into adulthood, thereby creating a culture of social disparity and injustice. But what would our world look like if we simply EMBRACED DIFFERENCES? Behind the eyes of every human being is a heart, a soul, and a story. Each one of these stories is littered with fear, insecurity, joy, celebration, heartache, hope, love, rejection, and a deep desire to feel like we matter to someone or something. These stories are what we share in common, although they are all beautifully and tragically unique. So in all of our differences, we have similarities. And, in all of our similarities, we have differences. And we find them in the stories. Let’s get to know one another deeply. Let’s ask and listen. Let’s honor the stories. Embracing differences matters.

Monday-September 21, 2020

THIS WEEK: WELCOME FEEDBACK

We love to judge. We love to react. Now that everyone has a platform, via social media, we have the capability to post comments and reactions with virtually zero accountability and a ton of vitriol. It’s as if our culture has become addicted to scouring social media with the sole purpose of finding things to reject. It’s pretty easy to hide behind an account and say whatever we please. But how often do we welcome what people think of us? How often do we concern ourselves with our own personal approval rating? Hmm. Things just got more interesting, didn’t they? This week, we want you to WELCOME FEEDBACK. When was the last time you said something to someone and asked how it made him or her feel? When was the last time you approached your teacher, spouse, neighbor, or boss and asked them how you could do a better job? Or, what if a third party asked one of those people, on your behalf, how well you were doing? A little unsettling maybe? Well, it’s time for all of us to stop letting everyone else know how we feel about what they say and do, and to shift the perspective inward. Start with yourself. Ask yourself how you think you are doing when it comes to showing up in all parts of your life. Then, once you feel brave enough, start asking for feedback from those around you. This is how we grow. This is how we get better. This is what our world needs more of. Welcoming feedback, matters.