From The Heart Is Best

Thing That Went Right Today:

1) Laundry and dishes all caught up!!
2) Eyebrows waxed.
3) Visited with my dear friend Julie!

My friend Jenny commented on one of my posts last week by saying, "The ones from your heart are the best." The post she was commenting on really had been somewhat emotional for me to write, and it struck me at the time as interesting that in just a few paragraphs she could feel that. I was pondering on it later and realized that her comment really applies to almost everything we do in our lives actually. Whether we are going through the motions, or acting and speaking from our hearts, people around us can tell the difference. It may be subtle, but they can always feel it. Those impressions influence the way others see us and react to us as well as how much joy we experience in this life. Think about it:

-Ever worked with someone who didn't really love their job? Even if they were competent and punctual and friendly...how did it feel to work with them? A person like that can be a drain on a company atmosphere, even if they do nothing technically wrong. The negative energy just sort of jumps off of them and infects others too. Contrast that with someone who is passionate about their job. Feels pride in what they do and enjoys coming in to work each day. What kind of attitude follows that person around? Which employee turns out better work product and motivates others more? Who would you rather hire? Both individuals may be equally smart and talented and nice. But the one whose heart is in the job is the one I would want on my team.

-I can usually peg on back-to-school night which teachers my children will enjoy and which they will complain about as the year goes on. Why? Because you can tell by the way they speak about teaching if their heart is still in it, or if they burned out long ago and are just holding out waiting for tenure. The teachers who students learn the most from are the ones who teach from the heart. Who care not only about the material, but about the individual students on a personal level as well. People may say all the right words, but heart is something that shines out from your eyes when you speak. It's experienced more than verbalized.

- This is especially true with relationships. A husband or wife can tell if their spouse is there out of force of habit, or if their heart is still deeply engaged in the relationship. If not you can be living in the same house every day and still feel very lonely. A child can tell if their parent is really listening to them or is nodding their head while paying attention to something else. They feel the difference between distance and honest connection. Friends can sense whether you are truly interested in them or not too. In relationships it's not just the things you do that matter. It's whether your heart is given freely. If you are withholding it from someone they will always feel the loss...even if your outward actions remain unchanged. The opposite is also true. They will feel the gain if you begin to give more of yourself as well.

So what if your heart has gone out of something - a job or activity or relationship? What to do? The world would say to bail out and find something or someone new. In some cases that may be the answer. But what if you can't or don't want to do that, but are tired of feeling so blase and discontent. What then? I believe that the answer comes down to restoring gratitude. Take the time to sit down and list all of the good qualities and things you can think of about that person or activity. Write down all of the reasons you got involved there in the first place. What drew you to that job? What first attracted you to that person? Focus only on the good and make the list as long as you can. Ignore any little nagging negatives that try to creep in, and let your heart be open only to the positives. It may be a surprising reminder to you of feelings you haven't tuned in to for awhile, and you may find your enthusiasm returning quickly. If not, then post the list where you can read it often and try to think of new items to add to it each day. You'll be astonished at the difference this change of focus makes on the direction of your heart.

Thank you today to Jenny for the reminder that in writing blog posts...AND more importantly when choosing your words or actions in other aspects of life...the ones from your heart are the best!!!