Vol.6 Poached, not Fried

Yummy Goodness

Poached eggs, that ooey gooey yumminess. I know they're not appealing to everyone, but there's something about a poached egg that makes me feel very-very happy deep inside.

Once in a while, cutting into a poached egg can cause it to literally pop, squirting across the table, staining the menu utensils, napkins, clothing, the ceiling, anything in its path (It's rare, but it does happen).

That's the exception. In general, a poached egg is a very stable system once it's cooked. It holds together nicely, maintains its shape, and spreads its yummy goodness when the time is right.

A Different Kind of Volume

This newsletter series is typically about technology, along with the obligatory food connection. This particular volume takes a break from the AI and Copilot conversation. A departure from Adoption & Change Management, Microsoft, AWS, SAP, Google, App Modernization, Security, Digital Workplace, software licensing, and more (sounds a lot like the SoftwareOne portfolio, because it, is!).

The previous installment, Vol.5 In a Pickle, is about being in a conundrum, this volume is about happiness and kindness (not tech).

Countries, Cultures, Languages - People

For the past month I’ve traveled to two continents, a variety of locations speaking with (and learning from) people from multiple countries, languages, and cultures.

Of course, there was a critical business focus related to very serious topics around technology, market conditions, business and organizational needs, etc. Although all of that was quite interesting and the information obtained will help shape strategy and future, that, quite honestly, wasn't the part that interested me the most.

The people were the most interesting. From business professionals to ride-share drivers, from hotel staff to people in elevators (and everything between), I interacted with as many as I could, and learned so much.

Like my friend Paul always reminds me, "Treat people like subjects (to learn from like chemistry) not objects."

Funny side note: Random person in the elevator (with really nice shoes) turned out to be the Ma?tre D’ in the restaurant where I had dinner. You never know who people are (be kind people).

After talking with so many people, the similarities that bind us all as being human are so crystal clear. Everyone I met were at various stages of struggling to do their best, perceptions are in fact reality, the pace of change is incredibly fast (and only getting faster), and we have more commonalties than differences.

Most people are feeling like a plate of scrambled eggs. I've learned throughout the years, that happiness is a choice, pain and struggle is also a choice. I know it sounds weird, please go with me on this, happiness (like pain) is a state of mind.

Happiness Check - "I'll be Happy When"

Does this sound familiar? (I hear it all the time):

• “I'll be happy when this thing is finished”
• “I'll be happy when I get a promotion”
• “I'll be happy when I get an award”
• “I'll be happy when I get a raise”
• “I’ll be happy when I reach my destination”
• or "I'll be happy when I'm in a relationship, or married, or alone" (ouch)

It's all that actually true? Is getting to ‘the end’ and grabbing the prize really the definition of happiness? Is there a better way? In fact, there is.

If your choice is to be happy when ‘that thing’ that you're aspiring to is attained, then, my question to you is, then what? What's the next thing you are chasing happiness for? What happens in all that time in between? Does that mean you're feeling 'scrambled' all along the way? Does that mean the in between times are only times of struggle? Only a means to an end?

Let me turn this around, what if the things that you are reaching for didn't happen? What if your "thing" wasn't a success? And yet you learned so much along the way, was all that effort really a waste of time? Is the ‘prize’ the ultimate (and only) happiness? I think not.

Celebrate Everything

I'm not suggesting that we don't celebrate the successes when we have them. In fact, those are absolutely times to celebrate. I'm challenging your thinking on milestones along the way. Everything can be celebrated, even the losses.

Think about going to college. The typical student's entire existence is about finishing (or drinking excessively, I won't judge, lol). The success is getting that diploma or degree. Then what? Crushing disappointment follows more than people would want to believe.

I've personally helped, coached, and treated many people that falsely believed that the end goal was happiness. Happiness is actually an everyday activity. Celebrating every small milestone, regardless of outcome, is happiness. Simple acts of kindness on a daily basis, is happiness. Job satisfaction, the everyday struggle, can also be happiness (with the right state of mind).

Small Actions - Big Impacts

What behaviors or actions do you do on a daily basis that contribute to your happiness and the happiness of others? No really, take a moment to ask yourself that question. What we do in our everyday personal lives, directly impacts our professional lives, and vice versa.

Renee Piquette Dowdy, APTD reminded me in a group training session, what we (as leaders) do in our professional capacity can impact our employees at home, positively and/or negatively (double ouch).

Still Reading?

If you've made it this far in the article, congratulations. If you made it here and you want to leave, I'll see you in two weeks back to the regularly scheduled program. Seeking happiness and kindness? - then kindly read on.

Kindness, Life's Rocket Fuel

I've toyed with the idea of writing a book titled, “The Fine Art of Other People’s Dog SH*T” – a guide to happiness (something like that).

I'm a proud and responsible dog parent. I did not say 'owner' intentionally, I do not ‘own’ my dog. She and I share our lives and I'm here to respect, love and take care of her every need.

Often when I'm out on walks I find that many dog 'owners' leave their 'treasures' behind. I often pick them up if near where my dog left her 'treasure'. Why? Call it a random act of kindness to the property owner, I don't know, it simply feels like the right thing to do.

The bottom line is, how I behave in my daily life impacts every single one of my relationships, who I am (and staying true to myself) has a direct correlation to my present and future. The kindness that I show for others, the gratitude and appreciation that I share, guides the individual world that I create (and live in) every day.

Self-Reflection Time

Quick check: Rate yourself from 1 - 10 (10 being best, and you can't say 7) across the following dimensions:

Kindness to Strangers, Expressing Gratitude, & Expressing Appreciation.

Was that a struggle? Was it different in your professional life versus your personal life? Why? These are deep questions that only you can answer.

Happiness as a Service (HaaS)

As individuals, we spend so much time focused on crafting our skill, learning new things, pushing our competencies and technical boundaries, always being better and learning something new. But how much time do you spend focused on happiness?

It seems like happiness is just assumed. Every person, every employee, they all have it. But do they? Do you?

Can you imagine a world where, on a professional development plan, there's a section that's focused solely on individual happiness? I'm sure there are some companies out there that do it, but they are the very rare exception.

I'll personally choose happiness over technical competency any day of the week. I say this with very clear intent. If I'm not happy, then I know that I put up resistance to learning new things. If I'm not happy, my work and professional relationships will not thrive. If I am not happy, I will be an ineffective leader and do more damage than I realize (and care to admit).

Recipe for Happiness

·????????Two poached eggs (or whatever egg style you'd like or no egg at all)

·????????one thick piece of toast (gluten free, tortilla, or no bread at all)

·????????some sort of sauce (hollandaise, béarnaise, any sauce or no sauce at all)

·????????chopped avocado (and/or some sort of protein, or nothing at all)

·????????assemble and stack in whatever order you'd like

enjoy, the choice is yours.

The Life Choice

Life is filled with choices and happiness is one of them.

Throughout all of my travels, I've personally witnessed random acts of kindness, kindness to strangers, support for each other, happiness in the form of smiles and laughter, and so much more, so much good. I wish for kindness to be the next pandemic.

I am human, this newsletter series is all original content. I've personally been working a lot of hours lately, feeling a lot of pressure, involved in probably too many projects and feeling like an egg slowly cooking any hot water bath - a poached egg.?And I’ve arrived at a very important conclusion, being a poached egg is perfectly fine with me. At least I'm not fried.

I love this topic, let's have a conversation.

~Kevin (aka "The Cloud Therapist")

Disclaimer.

This content represents personal opinions and does not provide treatment or assistance for mental health concerns. It is crucial to seek professional help for any such matters. This article is for entertainment purposes only and should not be considered a substitute for the expertise and care provided by qualified mental health professionals. If you are facing a mental health crisis, please contact emergency services or a helpline in your country. Prioritize your mental health and reach out to professionals for the necessary support you require.

Please submit topics and questions for future volumes (I'm listening)

A quick note to my readers - thank you for your feedback, support, and encouragement. I strive to bring you relevant thought-provoking content.?#grateful?that you choose to spend your time with me.

I appreciate your commitment to reading these all the way through. I know they can be quite lengthy. My goal is to bring you unique perspectives and things to mentally chew on.

#HappinessIsAChoice #ChooseKindness #KindnessMatters #EmbraceHappiness #CelebrateEveryDay #FindYourHappy #SpreadPositivity #ChooseToBeHappy #BeKind #LiveWithPurpose #Gratitude #HappinessQuotient #MindsetMatters #SelfReflection #PersonalGrowth #Inspiration #LifeLessons #PositiveVibesOnly #InnerPeace #BePresent #PoachedEggOfHappiness