The luckiest man in the world

Tonight I have the chance to work a booth at the State Fair for work.  My husband, a co-worker and I passed out tons and tons of free items and visited with people all evening.

The state fair brings out an interesting mix of people.  Out of all of the events I work and all of my travels, the state fair is far and away the venue with the best people watching.  Simply put, people from all walks of life, political views, socio-economic status, and higher education allegiance converge in the same place - a land where deep fried food and who has the best giveaways are common topics of conversation.

Beyond the people watching, I also enjoy reconnecting with old friends and connecting with new people.  Tonight, I visited with a real character and he had a message for me.

He shook my had and introduced himself as "the luckiest man in the world."  I was a little taken back when he continued.  He said, "I am sharing my luck with you by shaking your hand.  You are lucky; you just have to keep your eyes open."  He went on to tell me specific examples of how he was lucky.  He fell down earlier in the week (even showed me his scrapes and bruises) and told me he was lucky because he didn't break his arm.  He told me he was lucky because he just got a verbal warning for driving 78 mph in a 55 mph zone.  He went on to tell me that he was lucky because of his grandchildren.

Friends, his message was just what I needed to hear at time when professionally, all is well, but personally, I am feeling really unlucky.  The universe sent me the right message at the right time when I needed it the most.  I am filled with gratitude to have met "the luckiest man in the world" and for him to remind me of my/share with me some LUCK.

P.S. Aside from the people watching, I also really like the bierocks served in the Pride of Kansas building.  Their apple dumplings are delicious, too.  We didn't try any deep fried anything.

Orange you glad day

A week ago Friday, I broke out "Orange You Glad" day at staff meeting.  We had all been working really hard and needed a special celebration.

I would have called it "Orange You Glad It's Friday?!" day, but we all had to work the next day.  Seriously, it's April in higher education and no one has a standard work week.

For "Orange You Glad" day, I bought several different orange items and spread them out on the table.   To kick off the meeting, we went around and said something that made us glad.  Then, everyone got to take a few things with them for the day.

Word for 2013

I mentioned in an earlier post that there is some buzz about selecting a word for the new year.  This practice is designed to focus your efforts - to make you intentional around your goals and resolutions.  I shared a great resource from Susannah Conway that helps you identify your word and truly she helps you review the hits and misses from the previous year and refine your vision for the new year.

After spending a lot of time reflecting and reading, I settled on Thanks.  I like this word because it reminds me to be grateful, and heaven knows that I have a lot to be grateful for.  Also, sometimes when I feel stuck, it helps to say, "Thanks."  In a awkward or difficult situation, say, "Thanks." Who will argue with you if you are saying, "Thanks."   I just need to say, "Thanks." more.  I also have two ideas about how to pursue my goal.

1.  I am writing one note a week to a friend or mentor who has helped me.  By January 2014, I will have sent 52 notes to people who are superstars to me and my plan is to thank them specifically and clearly for how they have helped me.

2.  I am completing one act of kindness per week.  By January 2014, I will have completed 52 acts of kindness - random or carefully planned, for strangers or those closest to me.  I think acts of kindness are another way to say, "Thanks."

I am convinced that "Thanks." leads to "Wow."  If you don't believe me, read Help. Thanks. Wow. by Anne Lamott.  And, truthfully, we could all use a little more appreciation and a little more "Wow." in our lives.

If you are working on your plans for the new year, I recommend two blog posts from Tim Elmore.  One post offers ideas about how to review the previous year while the other focuses on planning for the new year.

And, if you need some inspiration, read my friend's blog about how she lost 35 pounds through intentional living. So proud of her!

29 gifts: day fifteen and more

My kindness project has not stopped, but I am very behind on recording my gifts!  Here is a quick summary:

We made a gift to the American Red Cross to help Harveyville with disaster recovery after a tornado hit this small Kansas town.  I have a special place in my heart for Harveyville as my paternal grandmother lived here as a child.  I thought of her frequently when the news coverage talked about the damage by this early season tornado.

We gave gifts to our friends at work by bringing homemade treats and some store bought doughnuts and other goodies over a couple of weeks.

I moved over a lane to allow a car to merge onto the highway during our morning commute.  The response to this act was what make this gift stand out.  The guy behind the wheel of the other car gave a giant wave with his whole arm out his window.  It was really sweet and I appreciated his wave to express his gratitude.  (Merging onto our highway is a chore in morning rush hour!)

I am ready to pick up at number 20.  Can't wait to see what opportunities for gifts emerge!

It's a small sticky note that had a big impact.

What a nice way to be acknowledged for helping with a fun task!