In a blog post titled “A Happy Post-Sandy Story” Jamie Sussel Turner tells a story about a particularly high level of customer service that, as her title implies, lead to a happy outcome. From her experience she concludes:
“So, as we approach the New Year let’s celebrate the small and happy stories in our lives. Let’s be bold in asking for what we need and generous in offering our help to others. Taking time to fully appreciate these moments of joy can help to drown out the sad and tragic news in our world.
“Let’s consider what might be lost in our work lives, personal lives, and relationships that we’d like to find. I’d say that maybe by asking for help and giving help to others we might just find it. What would you say?”
Let us resolve this year not only to accomplish new and perhaps even extraordinary things, but to celebrate, as Jamie suggests, “the small and happy stories of our lives,” stories that allow us to remember and savor the moments that have enriched our lives and through us the lives of others.
Dennis, Thanks so much for sharing my blog post with your readers. I remember you talking many years ago about making each day an A+ day and I feel that savoring these small moments is one way we can make each day special. Happy New Year, Jamie
Savoring moments certainly adds to the quality of my day as well. And thanks for sharing your blog with all of us, Jamie! Happy New Year!
In addition to “savoring moments”–being in the now, appreciating what is happening rather than constantly thinking of what is coming next is a powerful message. I would add that during times of hardship or difficulty, it is important to “remember those moments” of joy, accomplishment, and humor that are part of life’s memory. Think how much is lost if small moments go unappreciated?
Kent Peterson
Author of “Shaping School Culture” with Terrence Deal
I remember someone once saying that living well is living three times – once in anticipation, then in having the experience itself, and finally in savoring the memories.