NUTURING SUCCESS

Getting out of bed was a challenge. I have not slept particularly well for the past few nights and have been unable to catch up on some much needed rest. I went through the necessary motions of preparing myself for the day, dreading the necessity of leaving the comforts of my apartment. As I was waiting for the bus, I ran into a guy that I have run into several times before. He has been experiencing some very difficult challenges over the past couple of years and always seems to question whether he will make it successfully into the next day. As we boarded the bus, I listened as he shared the latest chapters of his story.

There was a "dark timber" in his voice as he shared recent heartaches, the ending of a love relationship and returning to some old addictions. The misery in his heart was palpable. One could easily sense the desire for a little love and encouragement. In our conversation, I was able to gently remind him (through the reflection of his words) of where he was when we first spoke, how much he has achieved in a short period of time and how it seemed that the path (though challenging) seemed to be clearing the way for even greater things. We were able to shift the view of his recent challenges from pain and punishment to incredible opportunities (without diminishing the difficult nature of the choices necessary to sustain a positive outlook).

By the time, we reached our destination, he was smiling and laughing. He expressed some hope for where things were going. The presence of this man made my day worthwhile. Even if the smile that was elicited was only momentary, it was a step in the right direction and I was able to witness it! In a matter of minutes, my day was transformed to one of meaning and possibility, simply because I extended myself to another.

success or sabotage? today, i invite you to create success by making others more successful. meet people where they are and allow them to be true--absent of judgment or necessity.

is this going to be an incredible day? for me, the world is truly my oyster. how about you?

"We make a living by what we get, but we make a life by what we give."--Winston Churchill

Mark Ward
nu*design LLC