Respite Reflections’ purpose is to help people push the “pause” button in their transition work — to take a break from the thinking, researching, networking and preparing for interviews. Taking a moment to center yourself, ponder a positive thought, and focus on a broader perspective is invaluable during a time of transition.
“When you cultivate an attitude of friendliness,
little by little your own ill-will will diminish.
When you cultivate an attitude of compassion,
little by little your own annoyance will diminish.
When you spread joy, little by little your aversion will diminish.
When you consider all others as equal, little by little your revulsion will diminish.”
– The Majjhima Niyaka Sutra
A change of attitude can change everything. When we become overwhelmed by events of the day, we need to convince ourselves that expressions of positivity, rather than negativity, are what will lead us out of our funk. Simple gestures like showing compassion to a store clerk or driver brings internal rewards.
Servant Leadership is a philosophy adapted by many business owners, who realize that the customer is always right – even when they are not – and that their employees are compadres, not servants. Everyone is a servant of everyone else and not only is it a compassionate way to run a business, but a highly profitable one as well, as many business leaders attest to. It may be, not only a great way to run a company, but a blessed way to run a life.
– Connie Popp
Dr. Connie Popp is a board member for The Center for Life Transitions as well as an active facilitator for the Center’s Life-SHIFT and Job Search Courage programs. She is also the Director of Campus Ministry at Alverno College in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Read more.