Saturday I was heading out to test drive hybrid vehicles as my current car’s lease expires June 1. I was looking toward it as a “have to” activity that was going to take up a chunk of my Saturday with car salespeople; ie, I was not looking forward! I love to drive and I am excited about switching to a car that is less reliant on fossil fuel, but still, it was a chore that promised to exhaust a portion of my beloved day of rest. Then, my daughter joined in.
By request, we sprinkled in some of her favorite activities, a trip to the craft store, and a lunch at her all-time favorite pizzeria. Before you know it, it was a father-daughter excursion with a whole lot of joy. Ruchi loved commenting on the cars we were driving. She gave a lot of very specific feedback along with a liberal helping of opinion. I loved it.
Special time with that special someone can lift my spirits like nothing else! None of the activities were that special in themselves, but doing it together made them all extra special. So, I can only conclude that it was the chance to do them together that brought in the grace.
I find this with my clients, too. I am fortunate to work for people I genuinely enjoy. If I am feeling a little down looking at my infinitely long to-do list, all I need do is hop on the first zoom call or pick up the phone to find myself lifted by the collaboration. It only takes a second or two and I am back at high altitude. The great thing is that it lasts after I hang up or disconnect. I am flying for a good long time afterward, buoyed by time together with someone I appreciate.
What might you do this week with someone special in your life?
“Let us be grateful to people who make us happy, they are the charming gardeners who make our souls blossom.” – Marcel Proust
