No to 90%

Describe a random encounter with a stranger that stuck out positively to you.

This is Jarrin. Jarrin was our waiter at Monkeypod Kitchen in Ko Olina, HI and was phenomenal.

His smile says all you need to know about his personality and ability. As Jarrin took our initial drink orders I noticed a photo in his waiter notebook.  When he returned a I asked him if the photo was of his son. His eyes lit up and you could tell he was a proud father as he talked about his son Eli.

Jarrin said he keeps that picture in there to remind himself of why he does what he does when the days get hard.  Jarrin then dropped a golden nugget of personal and leadership philosophy when he said “if you had $100 you wouldn’t hesitate to give away $10 but you wouldn’t have to give away the other $90. 

If someone ruins 10% of your day you don’t have to give them the other 90%.” Wisdom.

Take a moment to think about how many times we let people have more than 10% of a space in your head.  Have you ever given up more than 10% of that space to someone you probably shouldn’t have? I have.  Let’s join Jarrin in working to make sure people don’t get into our 90%.

HOW?

Keep pictures of who or what inspires you to remind you to keep moving forward.

Smile and be positive no matter what.

Share your story. Be proud of your story.

Here’s an additional lesson besides Jarrin’s wonderful analogy.  Strike up conversations with those you come in contact with.  You never know who you might meet, what you might learn and what they may inspire you with.

Family Traditions, But Grateful For More

Describe a positive thing a family member has done for you.

Bear with me.  It’s not just one individual family member, but the collective family group through three generations. 

And I know it’s not the Christmas season, but this prompt reminds me of some of the special family traditions that I’ve experienced. 

Tradition is defined as a belief, practice, or custom passed down from generation to generation, often within a particular culture or society. It also refers to long-established practices or sets of beliefs followed by a group.

For many, family traditions are an integral part of the Christmas holidays. Growing up, my family had our own cherished traditions that made the season special.

We always attended the Christmas Eve service, enjoyed a chili supper, exchanged gifts, and later, when the grandkids came along, we added a birthday cake for Jesus.

While we have carried on some of these traditions, life changes, and so do traditions. While they are meaningful, they don’t last forever. New traditions may take their place, but ultimately, Christmas isn’t about the traditions.

Christmas is about the gift of Jesus. If our traditions overshadow that truth, we risk focusing on the wrong thing.

Every tradition, every shared moment with family and friends, exists because of Jesus. It has taken me over 60 years to fully grasp this perspective, and for that, I am deeply grateful.

Grateful for Jesus. Grateful for my family. Grateful for the moments made special because of Him. He has always been, and always will be, at the center of it all.