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The Power of "I Love You"
Love: A strong positive emotion of regard and
affection
One of the pleasures I have in
writing this newsletter is that I am able to be
spontaneous in my selection of topic. I choose
issues I can relate to and feel moved to talk
about when it's time to write the newsletter.
This month I am talking about the power of love.
On the first of April, a cherished co-worker and
friend unexpectedly passed away. And while I
know he is in a place of light, love and
comfort, he will be deeply missed. Arthur
Greenberg had a heart of gold, a connection to
his two children that I have rarely seen
elsewhere and a devotion to his music that was
infectious. He inspired me to be a better person
and our last communications were focused on him
telling me, with conviction, how important it is
to follow my passion.
We have people in our lives that we care about:
partners, children, co-workers, neighbors. Words
have meaning. If you love the people in your
life, let them know. Perhaps you are
uncomfortable telling your co-worker or neighbor
that you love them, but you can show them. You
can treat them with kindness, go out of your way
to help them and tell them how much you
appreciate them. You can tell your kids you love
them and decide not to make a big deal if the
toilet seat is left up or if your partner leaves
the cap off of the toothpaste. In the big scheme
of things, how much does that matter? It has no
power to distract you unless you decide to let
it. Those who are in your life in the here and
now... well, they are "here" "now". Let's
appreciate that.
I feel fortunate in regard to Arthur. Though he
was working out of our Midwest office, he was on
the east coast just a few weeks before his
passing when we had a festive celebration of his
20 years with the company. As a group, we did
let him know how much he meant to us and he
knows we loved him. We shared stories, good
food, laugher and most importantly-time. So take
the time now. None of us has any guarantee in
regard to what tomorrow holds. We simply cannot
predict with any certainty, so celebrate today.
Pick up the phone and call that good friend
you've been meaning to reconnect with. Instead
of working on Saturday, spend it with your
children. Invite that neighbor who lives all
alone across the street to dinner. Treat others
in the same manner that you would appreciate
being treated.
I have a bumper sticker on my car that reads
"More Love Now". It's a consistent reminder for
me to appreciate the moment, as well as all the
people who are a part of it. Let's collectively
do the same. Say "I love you", without apology.
It does make a difference. So Arthur, I dedicate
this newsletter to you. Your light will shine
and your spirit will glow in our hearts for
many, many moons to come. And lest this
correspondence appear to end on a sad note,
that's not what he'd want. He'd want
celebration, laughter and music. And that's the
way I choose to remember Arthur. For all of you
who have lost cherished friends and loved ones,
celebrate them and let their lights shine!
This Little Light Of Mine
This little light of mine
I'm gonna let it shine
This little light of mine
I'm gonna let it shine
This little light of mine
I'm gonna let it shine
Let it shine, let it shine, let it shine
Down in my heart
I'm gonna let it shine
Down in my heart
I'm gonna let it shine
Down in my heart
I'm gonna let it shine
Let it shine, let it shine, let it shine
Bill Harley
THE POWER OF WORDS |
