In the past few weeks in between training and designing courses, I have also spent time observing others and what we say and do. As the quote above says – mankind is blessed with the power of choice – the power to choose our actions, reactions, behaviours, words and responses. What saddens me is that we are forgetting some of the simple things that I believe are so important in our interactions with others.

I recall reading…that most adults don’t need training they need reminding. I don’t fully agree with this statement, however there is a strong ring of truth in that every so often we need to be reminded of some of the basics.

COURTESY

What has happened in our lives that we have forgotten the value of saying please and thank you?

That returning calls and replying to emails may be a pain in our busy lives, however it is plain courtesy to do so.

That in the early morning traffic letting the guy into your lane is really not going to make you late and if he lets you in at least indicate your thanks.

That holding the door open for the person behind you even if it takes an extra minute rather than let it slam shut in their face is really not going to break your arm.

That greeting people in the morning and saying goodbye in the afternoon, is really not going to kill you no matter what mood you are in...

What has made us become so neglectful of these small courtesies that take so little however mean so much?

EMPATHY

Why have so many lost the value of empathy? You may not necessarily understand what someone else is going through (or perhaps even care), however a kind, warm word or touch can make an immense difference.

Daniel Goleman, the founder of Emotional Intelligence, says being empathetic is one of the vital aspects of EQ. We can in fact practise being more empathetic by taking scenarios we find ourselves in and reassessing our empathy levels in those scenarios, for example:

Empathy does come more naturally to some than it does to others. However, by taking the time to imagine ourselves in another’s place, we will gain valuable insights into the other person as well as foster deeper and better connections.

If you are keen to see how empathetic you are – click on the link below.
www.helloquizzy.com/tests/the-empathy-quotient-scale

“The great gift of human beings is that we have the power of empathy.”
Meryl Streep

Forgiveness does not mean reconciliation with the person who hurt you or condoning their actions. What you need is to find peace within. Getting the right perspective on what is happening can facilitate this. Remember that a life well lived is your best revenge. By focusing on your wounded feelings you are giving the person who caused you pain power over you. Forgiveness is about personal power.

GENEROSITY AND KINDNESS

How selfish have you become?
Is it all about you and your needs?
When did you last do something for someone else without any expectation of anything in return?
How often do you give to charity – whether a thing or your time?
How much stuff do you having sitting unused in your cupboards that you continue to hoard instead of giving away?

"Kindness is the language which the deaf can hear and the blind can see."
Mark Twain

THE TRUTH

To the guy at Sandown Glass and Picture Framers who fixed my picture frame and charged me nothing – THANK YOU.

To my attorney friend for helping me and also not charging me – THANK YOU.

To the idiot who nearly forced me off the road trying to overtake me while talking on his cell – I forgive you However may your cell do the necessary karma.

To the woman in Pick n Pay this morning who slapped her child because she wanted to go and make a wee – SHAME ON YOU.

To the woman in my complex who threw rocks at my cat and has been so vindictive – I’m sorry you have never felt the love of an animal and softened your heart.

To my sister who is suffering so much with the disease she has inherited and continues to put on such a brave face – I AM SO PROUD OF YOU.

To my dad who has been gone for 3 years next week – I miss you so much – THANK YOU for teaching me the value of appreciation and good manners.

To all of you have taken the time to read this THANK YOU and I trust this has provided a little reminder about some of the simple things you can choose to do.
With warmest regards