Missed World Elephant Day?

Last Thursday was World Elephant Day. I had the best of intentions of writing about them ... then I had a bad week - betrayal of a confidential conversation, setbacks professionally and personally, never mind the news.

Then I remembered the image above. So today on Sunday, I'm catching up and starting a new week - even if I missed my own deadline. I'm accepting imperfection and all of the head trash that comes with it. See below for some action steps.

Blind men and an elephant ... say what?

When I first saw the image above of the blind men looking at the elephant I was intrigued. Maybe the humor as well as the remembering when I first rode an elephant and felt the breeze of their ears flapping - it was indeed a fan. (And many years ago when such adventures were accepted.)

At times it is completely understandable why we can't see something in a way other than from our own viewpoint. I've experienced this multiple times since COVID as I've tried to explain what it's like to live and work alone - 24/7. (FYI - you can also turn off the TV when someone like Jane Pauley says, 'you are not alone' because actually Jane, I am alone!)

There are diversity initiatives for many categories. And yes, I know it's better to be without a significant other than with someone who is a jerk .... how about Door #3. (Link provided for those who have NO idea what that means.) However, society clearly prefers we live in pairs ... when was the last time you saw an HR benefit focus on the employee who lived solo?

I look at the image above and realize I can't relate to someone with multiple children trying to figure out if you're going to home school this fall, juggle elder relatives, deal with a difficult team member, and try to fix in self-care. However, I CAN be compassionate. I CAN listen. I can also avoid using toss-away phrases like, "I understand" or "I know how you feel" ....

Do you see other's perspectives?

When we are focused on our own issues - personal and/or professional, it can be easy to miss the opportunity to walk around the issue and see someone else's perspective.

As I had a quite lively discussion with the person who had betrayed me, I knew what she had done was unintentional. It was also helpful for her to hear the results of her actions and how they impacted another person.

Sometimes people need to hear how they have impacted you and other times maybe the message is to find a new community.

Earlier this summer a herd of 'wandering elephants' captured the world's attention as this group went into cities as well as wilderness in search of food. It is no secret that the elephant population has been declining for years and much is being done to protect this incredible animal.

Indeed they were photographed napping! Awww ... the latest news is that they are wandering back to their original habitat.

On the lighter side ... See the beauty and love of an elephant calf

Action Steps:

• This week when something bugs you, step back. Take a look at other's perspectives. Talk to them and ask when they've done/said what they did.
• Write yourself a note each evening - even if it's just 2-3 bullets of what you did amazing that day.
• Close your eyes and imagine you are feeling the problem. Touch it. What's the texture? Smell it.
• Sign up to get the next article I publish ... I'm calling these "The Net Effect" as I'm focusing on the results as well as the process. You are warmly invited to sign up and receive them. And I welcome your thoughts below.

Until the next time ....