Have you ever had a great day? What happened on that day? Why would you consider it “great”?
The day this picture was taken of me in Hawaii was a great day. I would describe it for you in detail, but I’ve decided that today (May 18th, 2011) was a better day to showcase.
Every evening at our family dinner table we do an exercise together called the “rose and thorn game”. My daughter is five. If you call something a game, she’s all over it. :) In the “rose and thorn game”, everyone describes something they experienced during their day that was great (“rose”) and something that wasn’t (“thorn”). It always inspires great discussions. The best learning opportunities are generally found in the “thorny” parts of a day, but this post is all about the “roses”.
Paying attention while you experience a great day is difficult. After all, you’re busy living it. However, I think it’s a great thing to attempt. Reflecting on a day at the end of it is easier to do, but can slip your mind during evening routines. I believe being more mindful and present during the “rose” moments and reflecting on them after they occur helps us usher in more of them. The same things happens with decision making. The more we’re mindful about the decisions we make (during and after them), the more likely they are to enable versus inhibit us…especially if our decisions were informed by our truth and core values.
I’ve spend lots of time recently defining my values for optimal living (my “core4+2″). They are the values that fuel what I call my Belief Energy. My day and my values were in tight alignment today…without a struggle to make it so. Grace surrounded me.
Soul (Authenticity & Compassion):
- I listened to a Tara Brach talk during my commute (Podcast http://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/tara-brach/id265264862)
- I made a post on my Belief Energy facebook page that multiple people were touched or inspired by (308 people “like” it…cool!).
- I was me all day (at home and at work).
- I showed compassion for and supported multiple nonprofit organizations that I care about today.
- I made people laugh and laughed all day.
Tribe (Support & :”Home”):
- I played soccer with my daughter before dinner and read her stories at bedtime.
- I spent time on the phone with multiple nonprofit technologists, bloggers and industry friends that I truly admire.
- I was surrounded by hundreds of colleagues at LinkedIn excited about the companies progress and pending IPO.
- I met a colleague of mine that set a world record running this weekend (way to go Armen!) and lots of other cool new colleagues.
- I received lots of support from my new boss and colleagues as I come up to speed.
- Some great friends (Tucker and his kids) stopped by after dinner.
Health (Surge and Rest & Curious):
- I did a 7:30am work-out class with four colleagues lead by Mike Susi. A great way to end a commute.
- I ate very healthy food all day long from 7am until now.
- I got a haircut in a trailer on the campus at work.
- I relaxed during part of my commute. I’ll get to sleep early tonight.
- I asked questions and learned through curiosity all day.
Action (Mission,Role and Goal & “Man of Action”:)
- I have a firmly established professional and personal missions and roles. I lived in them all day.
- I even changed my Linkedin profile ”Summary” to better reflect my professional goals.
- I’m writing this post and sharing a great day to inspire others.
- I did the work.
Assignment: Journal about a great day you had recently. Reflect on it. What happened? Why was it great? Did the day align with your core values/life priorities? The next time you sense a day is going well force yourself to pay attention to why it’s great…while it’s unfolding! Reflect on it after the fact too. See if more “rose” moments or days start to arrive.
