Monday Morning Stretch

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A weekly kick-off e-message from Katherine Eitel

to breathe life back into your practice, your team, and you!

October 03, 2011

Secret of Life

Teachers show up for me at the most random moments. Unexpectedly intersecting and learning from them is one of things I love most about the travel my work requires. Last month, while observing operations at a client's office in Nashville, Tennessee, I wandered out into the reception area in search of a coffee refill. Sitting in a wheelchair, beautifully coiffured and dressed to the nines was an elderly woman, with frail bones and bright eyes, still retaining her obvious earlier beauty. We smiled at each other and as I began to fill my cup, she said, slightly louder than was necessary, "I'm almost 100, you know!"

Sensing the comment was directed at me, I turned and congratulated her and then asked, "What's the secret... to reach that milestone?" In the split second it took me to ask it, I had already anticipated she would slowly ponder the question, lean in, and whisper the "secret" intently to me. Instead, as if she had anticipated that very question already, she practically startled me by immediately shouting back, with the cutest grin and a clipped pace, "I keep busy, ask a lot of questions, forgive quickly... and frequently put my husband on a plane!"

I laughed out loud... as did everyone else seated in the room. She was adorable. And as I thanked her, wished her many more good years, and made my way back to work... I couldn't stop thinking about her short but poignant list for living a long and successful life.

I keep busy. We are wired to seek productivity and it feels good to us. It gives us a sense of pride and accomplishment. Filling our lives with satisfying, if not thrilling, work and hobbies that fascinate and interest us stimulates our intellect and fills our lives with purpose and joy.
I ask a lot of questions. It doesn't take long for most of us to realize that the more we know, the more we see there is to know. And assuming there are always other perspectives and new ways of seeing just about everything, keeps you open and available to more possibility in your life. Seeking to continuously expand your understanding requires an acknowledgement that your truth is only that. Yours. Not necessarily the one and only. Asking questions, noticing and limiting our assumptions, and nourishing a hunger for constant learning is clearly part of the secret!
I forgive easily. Releasing the internal burdens of bitterness, anger, and stories that grow and intensify over time helps us walk with a lighter step as well as a lighter heart.
Put my husband on a plane ... frequently. Loving someone and enjoying love in return is key to a full and rich life. But, so is never losing a sense of one's self. Taking time to understand, acknowledge and nourish what our bodies and minds need to live a whole and happy life is essential, as is keeping your brilliant sense of fun and humor.

I never got her name but let me go on the record to say I'm extremely grateful for the invaluable wisdom, the unexpected belly laugh... and the inspired view of 100!

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