John S. Gordon - Business and Personal Coach

"You have the greatness and the power.  I just help you turn on the switch."

Welcome to Issue 170.  If you did not receive a previous issue, you may use the archive link below to view it now.  The mission of "Marvelous Mondays" is to offer an inspirational thought, a practical exercise, some humor, or a simple tip to jump-start your week and to enhance your life, business, outlook or relationships. 

Please feel free to forward "Marvelous Mondays" to others who will enjoy it.

STAYING IN TOUCH WITH FRIENDS 

We have been discussing Bronnie Ware's book entitled, "The Top Five Regrets of the Dying: A Life Transformed by the Dearly Departing." The fourth most common regret stated by Ware's patients is not keeping in touch with friends. The patients didn't fully realize the value of their friends until it was too late. The patients told Ware they had been so caught up in their own lives that they had neglected to stay in contact with old friends. This was expressed as a deep regret which could've easily been avoided. 

FRIENDSHIP IS A DECISION 

Staying in touch with friends takes commitment and some effort. We are so busy with our careers, families, faith communities, exercise, hobbies, organizations, even yard work, etc. that we don't leave time for enjoying some old friendships. Years can pass without any communication.  Regardless of how long it's been, just a 5 minute phone call to say, "hi, thinking of you" is enough to renew the friendship.  

EXERCISE:

I invite you to reach out to an old lapsed friend this week, or maybe a couple of friends.  Here's some suggestions:

1.    Pick Up The Phone.  This is the most effective way.  Whether it's a 5 minute or even an hour call, just do it.  Get over any "call reluctance". 

2.    Schedule a Date. Wherever your friend lives, schedule a fun visit or a trip.

3.   A Get-Together.  Organize a small get-together with a group of old friends.

4.    Send a Card. Everyone enjoys receiving mail. Just a simple "hello and thinking of you" can be so meaningful.  And it may encourage them to reach out to others with whom they have lost contact. 

5.     Send an E-mail. As a last resort, send a quick email.      

I promise you'll be glad you reached out.  Please tell me what happens.  I really care and will listen to you.

  

"Those friends thou hast, and their adoption tried, 

Grapple them unto thy soul with hoops of steel." 

-The wise Polonius' exhortation to his son Laertes in Shakespeare's Hamlet 

                   **John is currently accepting a few new coaching clients.**

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