First of all – THANKS!
I cannot begin to express my gratitude to everyone who has sent me emails, Facebook posts, Tweets, and even a couple of old fashioned cards over the past two weeks. It’s been a bit overwhelming but reassuring. So, this post is just a simple one to say “thanks.” I truly do appreciate your love and support.
Second, please continue to spread the word among your friends, our friends, former coworkers, and others. I am a firm believer in the power of community – whether it’s positive thinking, prayers, or good actions – and as I said in my first post, this part of my journey may be a catalyst for opportunities that are bigger than any of us could manage on our own.
Finally, I realize we all have problems and issues of varying degrees, so I want you to know that I’m thinking about each and every one of you, along with your families and loved ones. You gotta be able to give as much as you receive.
That’s the true power of community.
Ken,
Positive thoughts and prayers are on the way. A friend and mentor recently told me to do the following during my recent struggles with my health. Take time to make a set of concentric circles on paper and in the center put the most important people for you to connect with and spend your time. In the second ring put the list of very close people you want to spend time with and the next ring the next level of relationships and so on for about 5 rings. When we ask ourselves "what's important?" over and over again the answer is "less and less." Making sure you are taking appropriate proportions of time with the people most important to you during your struggles helps to bring you back to your center and keeps you strong and without regrets. The vision of the circles helps remind us of where we need to spend our time and creates gratitude for taking the appropriate time for each level of relationship in our lives.
Austin,
Thanks so much for your response. I love the the visual image of concentric circles and focusing yourself on the "center" – those people and relationships that are most important to you. Great advice! Thanks.
I'll be in-touch soon. Ken