Opinion
The power of a smile!
- Details
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18 Mar 2011
- Written by Lucy Shaw
Lucy Shaw |
Dear Lucy: “I find myself working for this really mean, evil person. Nothing I do is good enough and everyone in the office is abused by this man. I love my job and I need the money, but I don’t know if I can take it anymore. Help!”
Dear Reader: There are so many aspects to this challenge! But, the first task is this: If you think you need the money, rethink that. You may need what the money can get you, but not the money. The things we need can show up in a multitude of ways when we begin to assume that they are ours by divine inheritance; expressing gratitude for them before they show up. When we show up needy, we chase away our desire.
In his book, “Super Rich”, Russell Simmons gives the example of the little girl chasing down the squirrel to give it an acorn. Of course, the squirrel runs away because the need for acceptance in the child is so great! When the child sits calmly and lovingly with the acorn in an open hand, the squirrel walks up and takes the nut. The same happens with the needy woman who can never keep a man. After a while, men run the other way!
Neediness is the wrong transmitter for success. Love the work; love your product; love yourself; love the value you bring to the table; and love what you are able to do because you are working. Heck, even love your boss! And if you can’t love him just yet, then smile and “fake it ‘til you make it.” If you hold onto that smile, pretty soon, your heart will believe your face.
Here are some other questions to ask yourself:
Do you have goals other than paying the bills? Does this job help you meet them? Stay focused on why you are there. Is it a step to where you want to go? If so, smile and love it for being a conduit.
Are you asked to do anything on this job that does not fit your values? If not, smile and stay in gratitude to God for the journey.
Are you responsible for your bosses unhappiness or meanness? Keep smiling. It may be the only one he sees today! It might also annoy him. (Not your fault.)
Do you have a centering ritual, a way of finding your own calmness before and during the day? This ritual may begin with a list of all the things for which you are grateful. It is not possible to be sad, mad or worried and thankful at the same time. I’m not talking about “guilty” gratitude (“I’m thankful because some others don’t even have a job”). I mean the gratitude for what you truly value and love about your life, no matter how big or small. Also remember to thank God for meeting your every need before you call in ways you can’t even think of!
Try answering these questions and starting a gratitude ritual. Watch what happens!
Smiling and being thankful for you,
Lucy
(Lucy Shaw is a Life Coach, Spiritual Advisor, and International Speaker with over 30 years of personal and professional leadership experience. Visit her Web site at www.heartworks4u.com. You may mail your questions to heart Heartworks4U, LLC, 4646 Poplar Ave., Ste. 201, Memphis, Tn., 38117; or e-mail This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. )
