Month: September 2023

Give The Process A Chance To Work

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I just got through spending time learning new riffs on the electric bass.  Learning a new riff is often frustrating for me because when I listen to someone playing the riff I’m trying to learn, it seems so easy.  Then I start playing it and I’m no where as smooth crisp as the recording I’m listening to.  For some reason I feel that I should be able to pick the riff up in just a couple of minutes, and play it as good as the person on the recording. 

HA!  That NEVER happens!

What I don’t see or hear in the recordings is all the practice that the person put with the riff in order to play it so well.  I’m just seeing the finished product, without any mention of the process to get to that point.  It makes perfect sense to me that I would have to go through the same process too, but still, I always feel a sense of frustration that the process isn’t much faster.

This frustration can drive us in 2 directions.  First, it can cause us to remember that it will take time to achieve mastery of the challenge we seek, and commit ourselves to putting in that time, or it can cause us to give up and walk away, without giving the process a chance to work.

As for me, I’m deciding to commit to the process.  Not just with the electric bass, but with other areas of life that require time before I achieve the results I seek. 

Whatever area of improvement you’re striving for, be sure to give the process a chance to work.

A Reminder

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This week I finished listening to the audio book “E.R. Nurses”, in which about two dozen ER nurses describe some of their experience.  It was eye-opening!

I work as an IT person for a hospital, so I am a little familiar with and emergency department.  However, I had no idea of the scenarios these nurses have on a regular basis.  The biggest thing that stood out for me was how often they have to jump from one tragic event to another, without much time to process what happened.  I am grateful for these nurses and the work they do.

The book reminds me that I often have no idea what struggles and challenges people are facing on a daily basis.  In light of that, I’m also reminded that I would do well to show grace to others. 

Slowing Down

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Based on a recommendation, I recently started reading the book “Mindfulness” by Gill Hasson.  One thing I realized, even before finishing the book’s introduction, was that I would have to slow down when reading this book.

Even in my early reading of this book, I found myself re-reading sections, marking passages and making notes in the margin.  There are also parts that are good for reflection and journaling.  None of this would be possible if I didn’t slow down.  In the case, the object is not to turn pages as quickly as I can, but rather to get the most out of the book that I can apply in my life.

I think there are many instances where we would do well to slow down.  Perhaps we should slow down in our interactions with those important to us and actually listen to what they saying and be present in our conversations.  We could even throttle back our pace and take greater notice of our surroundings, noticing the beauty that becomes invisible at speed.

Are there any areas in your life where you might benefit from slowing down?  If so, give it a try.  You might just be surprised by what you notice.

Kind Words

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This week a work I received a very kind email from someone that I completed a task for.  They were very generous with their comments in appreciation for the job I did for them.  Their email was a pleasant surprise, and made my day that much brighter.

It got me thinking how we can bless other people by sharing kind words of genuine appreciation with them.  Whether these words are spoken verbally, sent electronically, or hand written, they have the potential to brighten someone else’s day in a way they might not have expected.

Let’s be on the lookout for opportunities speak/write kindness.  And when we recognize an opportunity, let’s take advantage of it by liberally dispensing kind words to others.

Find Out For Sure

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One thing my wife and I like to do is visit farm/fruit stands and mills that grind their own grains.  On Friday we went to visit a mill that we had found online in a nearby town.  When we showed up the place looked like a warehouse and not some place that would sell grains and flour to the public.  It would have been easy to drive off, thinking they didn’t sell to walk up customers, had my wife not said, “Let’s go in and find out.”  I’m glad she suggested we find out for sure!

When we went in and asked if they sold to the public, we were introduced to Polly, who generously told us about the different kinds of grains, flour, and even pasta that they had, and how best to use them!  She was extremely helpful and encouraged us to reach out if we had any questions about any of their product.

I tend to read situations and make judgements rather quickly.  (Ex. “This looks like a warehouse.  I’m sure they don’t sell to the public.”)   My wife, however, is more likely to challenge assumptions, situations, and judgements and take the attitude of, “Let’s find out for sure.” 

I’m grateful for this perspective.  Without it, we would have missed a fun experience, not to mention interacting with a nice person!

Be on the lookout for quick judgments or assumptions you making that make be incorrect, and then go find out for sure.