A while back, I was going through a pretty challenging time. The details aren’t important, but let’s say I didn’t jump out of bed every day with enthusiasm. (Yes, if you’ve met me, this may be hard to believe, but it’s true!)
During that time I was taking part in a coaching program and was paired with an amazing woman, artist, and now one of my dearest friends. Her name is Rolinda Stotts. We spoke on the phone Monday – Friday for a year, always at 7am Eastern Time. Rolinda is one of the most joyful people I have ever met. She would listen to me cry, and whine, and complain and yet, always somehow make me feel better about moving forward, one step at a time.
This is not to say she doesn’t have her own challenges. She does. We all do. Somehow she finds a way to make it a “treasure hunt” looking for “clues” to what the next right step might be.
Rolinda starts our calls the same way, every single time. “What’s your celebration?” she asks. On the really difficult days, I would sigh inwardly. “Nothing!” I would think to myself. “It’s all horrible and there’s nothing to celebrate!” Always dramatic. However, even on those days, I would find something to be grateful for, and by the end of our morning call, I’d feel more hopeful and ready to take on the world.
As we near the end of the year, it may seem as if we have very little to celebrate. A worldwide pandemic changed everything, people seem more divided than ever, and so many of us are “hitting a wall.” We’re soooooo over it, and yet, it’s not over. At the same time, no matter how difficult things get, there is always, always, always something to be thankful for.
So, as we begin the holiday season, let’s ask ourselves – what’s the celebration?
One idea might be to start every Zoom meeting or spaced-out standup meeting with that question. Get people focused on what’s good before starting the workday. It doesn’t take away the hardship, but it can remind us to stay in gratitude even in the most difficult of times.
“What’s your celebration?” may be the question that could make a difference for you and your team. If you want a question that could make all the difference for your customers (patients, residents, guests, customers, or co-workers) watch this video here.
In the meantime, comment below and let me know what YOUR celebration is today!
Happy Thanksgiving everyone. I am grateful for you!
Donna Cutting is the author of 501 Ways to Roll Out the Red Carpet for Your Customers and Employees First! Inspire, Engage, and Focus on the HEART of your Organization, due for release in March 2022.
