July 7, 2009PowerPhrase: I saw it first
My husband and I have a cat, which means we get occasional gifts on the carpet, otherwise known as hairballs. Occasionally I’d pretend I hadn’t seen the present, knowing that my husband would clean it when he saw it. One day I realized I wasn’t behaving in a way that contributes to the kind of relationship I want. I developed a new habit of exclaiming
- I saw it first. I get to clean it up.
Now finding it first has become a prize because we get to serve the other. It’s a powerful shift in attitude.
Has anyone tried this kind of shift at work?
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I too am learning to develop relationships where I do not expect others to act, perform (serve me) the way I want them to. It is more fun to let others be themselves and give more than I receive.
Comment by Susan Noel — July 7, 2009 @ 9:19 pm
Yes! The best is when I stop measuring and the best relationships are the ones where I can give and give and not feel an imbalance. In some relationships, the more I give the more it flows. There are others where people seem to feel entitled to whatever I might give, and without checks there would be a tremendous imbalance. I sometimes have the fear that if I give I’ll end up in that kind of situation – but it’s worth the risk. When giving feels imbalanced or isn’t fun any more, I can always adjust and/or talk about it.
Comment by merylrunion — July 8, 2009 @ 6:58 am
While reading your story regarding the cat gifts, I was reminded of a favorite saying, “The ones whom you should try to get even with are the ones who have helped you.”
Comment by Rebecca Barr — July 15, 2009 @ 2:15 pm
LOVE IT! Thanks so much for your wisdom gift!
Comment by merylrunion — July 15, 2009 @ 7:44 pm