Thursday, March 6, 2014

How do you show up?

One small positive thought in the morning can change your whole day.



I’ve shared on this blog that some of my coworkers were laid off at the beginning of the year due to a company downsizing. As usual when something like that happens in the workplace, morale took a hit. And I was not immune to that.
In the weeks that followed I felt myself slipping into a ridiculous funk. I felt unhappy about my workplace, felt like it wasn’t serving my life’s purpose, and just got super negative about the whole thing.
I have a co-worker who shares similar duties at work, and we got into the habit of complaining every morning. It’s how we started our day and it was a super easy habit to slip into and stay stuck in.
One weekend I was thinking about work and started counting my blessings rather than continuing to knock them down. Funny how the simple act of being grateful can turn things around. Every. Time.
Anyway, I decided that instead of starting my day by complaining with my coworker, I would mix things up a bit and bring something different to the table. Instead of starting Monday morning with another round of, “Here we are again…” I asked about her weekend and we were off in a completely different direction.

I noticed a definite difference in my attitude for the rest of the day. I know that the way I start my morning plays such a big part in the way I travel through the rest of my day. When I begin my work day with a gripe session, I’m less likely to be happy about anything at work. And on the flip side, when the day starts with a smile and a laugh thrown in for good measure, it points me in the direction of a much better day.
Anyone who has had the joy of living with co-workers 40+ hours a week knows how the dynamics of an office can work their way under your skin. I’ve worked with people who came to the office so happy every morning I’ve wanted to smack them. And I’ve worked with my fair share of morning grumpy faces too. Those co-workers who are so angry every morning that you can’t even deal with them until after 10:00 a.m. Or 2:00 p.m. Or ever.
A couple of weeks ago I wrote about how our presence matters, and today I’m expanding on that with a reminder that the way we "show up" sets the tone for our presence. Will our presence matter in a way that is uplifting to those we come in contact with? Or will we leave them feeling like they’ve just been knocked down a notch or two? It all depends on how we show up in the first place.
How will you show up today?
{Showing up with donuts never hurts.}

11 comments:

Susi said...

Good insight Deb! I'll keep this in mind when I return to work on Monday.

Sian said...

Showing up with donuts ALWAYS makes things better!

You're right, though. Sometimes moaning is just a bad habit

debs14 said...

I like to listen (and sing along with) happy music on my way to work that way I at least walk through the door in a happy frame of mind. Bad moods are definitely contagious though and I try to keep my distance from anyone with a dark cloud over their head!

scrappyjacky said...

I definately agree with Sian on the donut issue.
A thought provoking post,Deb.

Anonymous said...

Love this post Deb and you can show up with doughnuts at my workplace any day you like!

alexa said...

Very thoughtfully written and full of truth :).

Karen said...

It's so true! We once had a colleague who complained regularly. She was a gifted teacher, and a wonderful collaborator, but when she was moved to a different grade level we were amazed at how much more positive everyone was without her constant negativity. It taught me a lot about staying positive.

Amy said...

I LOVE this post Deb! I am a strong believer in showing up in a positive frame of mind - whatever it may be ... sometimes it is hard, very hard, but worth every effort.

Abi said...

I needed this post this morning Deb. Yes, a positive attitude works wonders doesn't it. Recently my housemates and i have been sitting down each evening for some quiet time together and part of that is just talking through what we are thankful for. There really are so many blessings in each day if we only stop and think about them.

Maria Ontiveros said...

What a terrific reminder Deb!
Rinda

Anonymous said...

How true! Thanks for reminding us.

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