Mugs and greeting cards = < the human quotient

I realized recently that there was a pattern with some objects I was keeping. I have been collecting mugs from placed I’ve worked at. Like a momento, so I’d never forget where I’ve been. And then the cards…birthday, Christmas, sympathy, thank you. I’ve been keeping a trove of them. Why? So I wouldn’t lose that memory? But the reality is obvious: these things are a connection to the past, possibly a "clinging" to the past. If the mugs are hidden away at the back of a cupboard, when am I seeing them? If the cards are tucked away in a box that never sees the light of day, why do I have them? Once a year or every couple years to pull them out and look them over? What’s important is remembering the people I had the joy of knowing and being connected to, whether it’s at a workplace or in a relationship that’s either past or current. For me, it's always about people.

The employment changes I’ve had over the last 8 years have dealt a significant blow. I miss the connections I made at these organizations. But the key word it “was”, and it’s time to focus on the here and now. I do celebrate the people I am connected to and in relationship with. There is something to learn from everyone and I’m embracing the new passion of seeing just how much I can give to benefit others.

What can I offer that they need right now – in business or personally? A former colleague left me this saying once, “shine bright” and it is really speaking to me now. Don’t just shine but shine bright! Situations where I cannot do that, are not for me anymore. The world needs more light, and my spark is ready.