Yesterday morning, as I pulled out of the driveway, I smiled and thought, “this is the best part.” Prepping for a meeting across the state at a place I’d never been with people I didn’t know, rehearsing talking points out loud with the morning news, I felt butterflies in my stomach. Not nerves. Excitement.
I said out loud, “Thank you, Lord. This is just the best part!”
Then, walking into that meeting and opening a dialogue, connecting-the-dots and feeling their excitement, I smiled and thought, “man, this is just the best part.” Enjoying lunch with a new-to-me colleague, I laughed at something said and thought again, “wow, this is so the best part.”
A young woman approached me recently seeking career advice ~ she’d witnessed my passion and wanted some of it. My words were these – “Volunteer for every project, push yourself, make connections & never sell yourself short. If you’re not selling it, no one’s buying it.”
The truth is it matters less what you know than how you conduct yourself; be the one who shows up early, delivers on time and maintains a good attitude ~ people will want you on their team.
If you’re not selling it, no one’s buying it.
And after we’d had that conversation I thought to myself, “boy, if that isn’t just the best part!”
What’s been the best part for you lately?
related posts:
Being thankful for doors that closed
https://emjayandthem.com/2013/08/14/the-thing-about-alices/
This post speaks volumes about your attitude, MJ! You just find the best in EVERYTHING! Not many folks have that talent and passion for life.
Thank you ~ you are very kind. I struggle at many things but sometimes the truth just spills out. The thing is you can’t teach passion, people either have it or they don’t. 🙂 MJ
Love it.
MY Best part is when an inspiration hits me. I have several furniture projects in my house. All unfinished. Some haven’t had an inspiration hit me yet. Some are unloved and battered. I have metal piece with four shelves that are olive green. I imagined turquoise finish that will serve as a wine bottle rack. I turned it upside down to clean it and “That’s it!!!” came to mind. Use it upside down so there are sides on the shelves so nothing rolls off. Not wine bottles or glasses or cork screw… I have my paint and I am ready to make this piece feel loved again…
ooh!! Pictures please!! Would love to see it Diane 🙂 MJ
This post…? Pure and total awesomeness!
This proves the point that happiness is a *choice*. You, MJ, always seem to choose to see and pick out the best points about anything and everything. A great way to live ones life. Love it.
For me lately? Well, that’s easy. Being near my husband (live and in person) on a daily basis and being alive! 😉
Have a wonderful weekend MJ
~d.
Thank you – it is indeed a choice. I’ve been quietly mentoring someone who has turned out to be an Alice. There’s nothing more I can do for her, she has to do it herself. similar story here https://emjayandthem.com/2013/08/14/the-thing-about-alices/
i know you are so enjoying being together again, makes me smile to read those words! Hugs! MJ
Attitude trumps knowledge every time. Someone dear to me once said, “You can teach people how to do things. You can’t teach them to be nice and positive.”
Yes it does. You can teach people skills, you can’t teach them to care. They either do or they don’t. If they don’t well then there’s no role for me!
Cheers!
MJ
The best part for me is two fold. MRI came back showing nothing, and a graphic designer of his own volition taking my book manuscript from OK, to a class act, Having and maintaining a good attitude in life and work has been something I’ve also been keen on for years..and it does put a person head and shoulders above their peers…which is why I’ve been stumped with my own low grade “funk” now for awhile. I think a great attitude is both genetic and learned. Can’t wait to meet you someday MJ and experience your attitude in person. DM
I’m very relieved (as I am sure you are!) to hear your good health news and how exciting on the book front 🙂 Wow!!
Wouldn’t we have a great conversation over good strong coffee? 🙂 I think so, too! Cheers ~ MJ
Attitude is everything! Our Lord gives us the chance everyday to pick and show a good attitude in everything. Great blog, MJ!
Thank you Shirley 🙂 MJ
I tell graduates and my young staff “No ones going to be angry with you if”:
#1…you’re a little early for work or class
#2…work hard and hustle
#3…have a good attitude
Hope that you’re move is going good. 👍🏼
R
yes, yes and yes! Great advice RR!! MJ
Wow, MJ! This just resonates with me. I had a day like that this past week, on Thursday. For the most part, I was doing the same things I typically do during my work week, but … things just clicked. Not every day brings a great sense of accomplishment and passion, but I’m fortunate that it happens often enough to keep driving me.
My daughter, having recently graduated college, is on the hunt for a “real” job. This would be a great post for her to read. Think I’ll point her in your direction. 🙂
it’s really fun when you know you’re firing on all cylinders and things are “clicking,” as you described 🙂
Your daughter sounds like she already has a very positive attitude but I’d be honored if you shared this post with her ~ more often than not the things the “kids” need to learn most is to do what comes at them (within legal reason of course) and show up, keep up and pony up! 🙂 MJ
I’m glad the best things are following you around! Excellent career advice, too.
Thank you ~ I think we get back what energy we put out into the world 🙂 MJ