Affirm and Reinforce the Right Things by Chase Butler
http://www.identitynetwork.net/Articles-?blogid=2093&view=post&articleid=220784&link=1&fldKeywords=&fldAuthor=&fldTopic=0
By Chase Butler
We walked out of the restaurant, and as soon as I turned around a little boy was standing confidently in my path, hand outstretched to shake mine. He looked me straight in the eyes and asked me a question. "Sir, would you like to buy some cookies or snacks or make a donation to support my Scout troop?" He couldn't have been more than four or five years old and maybe three and a half feet tall, but he had a determination about him I rarely see in most grown men. I immediately smiled, delighted at the unexpected encounter and said, "Of course!"
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We walked out of the restaurant, and as soon as I turned around a little boy was standing confidently in my path, hand outstretched to shake mine. He looked me straight in the eyes and asked me a question.
"Sir, would you like to buy some cookies or snacks or make a donation to support my Scout troop?"
He couldn't have been more than four or five years old and maybe three and a half feet tall, but he had a determination about him I rarely see in most grown men.
I immediately smiled, delighted at the unexpected encounter and said, "Of course!"
As we walked off Lacie asked me why I bought something. She was just curious, because anyone that knows me is aware of the fact that sweets are not on my list of vices.
I thought about it for a second. Sure, he caught me a little off guard, and he was a really cute kid, but the real reason was because I wanted to affirm and reinforce his boldness.
It takes a tremendous amount of bravery to approach someone you don't know, period. Make them twice your size, much older, and then ask them to give you something—most kids won't.
We live in an environment now where the ability to communicate or to connect on a real, look-you-in-the-eye way is eroding quickly.
I'm not passionate about Scouts necessarily. I simply saw it as an opportunity to close a feedback loop. I wanted that little boy to believe that putting himself out there confidently was valuable, even amidst the other rejection I'm sure he faced that day.
Maybe it was speaking to the salesperson in my heart. My career and living has been a direct reflection of my willingness (and unwillingness sometimes) to put myself out there.
I have no doubt that little guy exceeded any goal his troop set for him. I also don't doubt there were plenty of people that said no, and that's also a good thing.
He is going to grow up with a trait the world requires of those who want to excel—grit. He will be able to go after his goals with confidence and able to handle rejection with resilience.
If it cost me a big bag of caramel corn I'll never eat, so be it. I know we're all better for it.
Chase Butler
http://www.identitynetwork.net/Articles-?blogid=2093&url=10&view=post&articleid=234074&link=1&fldKeywords=&fldAuthor=&fldTopic=0
There seems to be a recurring topic that continues to come up in my life—the balance between contentment and goals. Do I appreciate what I have, and am I working towards something meaningful that forces me to grow? An either/or approach never works. On one hand, you lend yourself to apathy and stagnation. On the other, you live under the tyranny of nothing ever being enough, endless striving that costs you something you never intended. I don't pretend to have this figured out. Every once in a while, I sense the alignment between the two within myself, but it's normally a fleeting moment followed by the pendulum tipping back towards one side.
http://www.identitynetwork.net/Articles-?blogid=2093&url=10&view=post&articleid=233123&link=1&fldKeywords=&fldAuthor=&fldTopic=0
There are moments when I long for an answer, clarity, inspiration, relief, or hope and receive nothing. Even in earnest seeking, eager anticipation, a proper posture, an open heart, a willing spirit—nothing. Then there are moments when I receive an answer, clarity, inspiration, relief, and hope when I least expect it. Not seeking, not anticipating, yet a glimpse is given. So what to conclude?
http://www.identitynetwork.net/Articles-?blogid=2093&url=10&view=post&articleid=231499&link=1&fldKeywords=&fldAuthor=&fldTopic=0
If the idea of selling everything and living out of a backpack on the road sounds like a nightmare instead of a grand adventure, this post might not be for you. If challenging the status quo and questioning societal norms in the pursuit of a full and satisfying life sounds intriguing, then let's continue. The beauty of friendship is that conversations tend to draw out aspects of yourself that otherwise would have been left untouched and dormant, or at the very least overlooked or ignored.