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Monday, April 12, 2010

The Heart of the Matter - Help a Wallflower to Grow #fb



















Help a Wallflower to Grow

I'm a software trainer at my day job. From time to time, we get new people on the team, and for the first few weeks on the job, they are asked to shadow the more experienced trainers. I'm not bragging, but something that I'm pretty good at it is seeing not what people are (shy, introverted, etc) , but what they can be. I remember one guy in particular, he was a Hispanic gentleman older than me. He was very quiet, but he knew alot, and I started to talk with him, joking around a bit, and I noticed he started to laugh. Over time, I would give him my two cents of what I had learned over time about reading a crowd, spotting someone who needed something explained a different way, etc. I watched him come out of his shell over time, and become a great member of the team.

Months later, the entire department had an "all hands" meeting, and we were asked to say something affirming about another member of them team. The people began to stand up and give their affirmations, and my Hispanic ex-Wallflower friend stood up, and said, "I want to thank Jeff, for taking the time to teach me so much about this job. I really appreciate it. Thanks, Jeff". People clapped, and I got a little misty-eyed. Sometimes you feel like the good things you do for others go unnoticed, but I want to tell you that every time you pour good into someones life, it comes back to you somehow. That day, I saw the worth of helping a Wallflower grow, and now I ask pass the baton to you.

Do you know a Wallflower? Maybe its a person with a bruised soul, etc. I know we all aren't trained professionals, and can't save anyone, but we can be kind and encouraging. I could list out different scenarios and types of people, but I think as you read this, you knew who this Wallflower is in your life. I encourage you to take the step to encourage that person. Draw out the Destiny in their life. Realize that shy people are comfortable in the corner. They've been there a long time, and changing that place in their life is scary, but one step is how a marathon starts. I believe that the world could be a very different place, if we all live our full potential, and do what we were made to do.

What if the Wallflower is you? You have purpose, invaluable worth and gifts that the rest of the world desperately needs. Take the first step, and try your destiny out. The world is wide open with possibilities. We are all behind you, cheering you on. Go for it. :)

5 comments:

Savvy-Motherhood said...

Fabulous post Jeff. Well said. I loved this.

Anything Fits A Naked Man said...

What a wonderful, inspiring post! Thanks, Jeff. I can't tell you how much I needed this today!!

The Invisible Seductress said...

Oh thank you for writing this post..It was wonderful!!

Kristi Maloney said...

I enjoyed reading your post. Along the same line, I decided to make a couple of phone calls today...the people I called were appreciative. I am glad I took the time!

Daisygirl said...

Being a wallflower is hard! Sounds like your coworker really looks up to you! I like what you said about everyone living up to THEIR full potential! We have to try to stop living in someone elses!

Happy Monday!