I didn’t expect this call…
This past week I got a phone call from my son’s hockey coach. In the past 12 years, I received a lot of phone calls from teachers, principals, care provides, coaches, or other parents asking to talk to me about my son. The conversations rarely have been easy and more times than not, I my heart is left feeling heavy and I'm searching for solutions to make things better.
But this call was different. The coach called at 9:50am on Friday morning. “Hi Julianna, this is coach Ray. I'm calling because I was thinking about Isaac today and reflecting on how awesome he has been doing and how much he has improved.” He went on a bit more, praising Isaac for the kid he is and for the job his dad and I have done as parents. This is my son’s first year playing hockey, and to start a new sport at 12 when most kids started when they were 5, takes courage. Two months ago, he was noticeably less skilled and experienced than the other kids. He is still catching up, but loving the sport, the game, and the team.
On this Friday morning, not only did coach Ray make the effort to look up my number, pick up the phone and share his thoughts of recognition, it was also his 40th birthday. His mind 100% could have been on his own celebration and taking a “day-off” from serving his community and working, but nope… on a day when the calls were pouring in for him, he poured them right back out. This coach loves these players, and even if he never uses the L word, I can see it and they can feel it.
One of the best definitions for love I’ve come across is “love is the care and concern for the long-term well-being of another.” Love is a language greater than words, and power that releases pure potential.
Coach Ray might only know these kids for a season, but he’s leading them with love in a way that will impact them long after.
Today’s invitation: A 5-minute phone call creates a ripple in time that can’t be measured and is always worth making. I invite you today to make one 5-minute call to share your thoughts of recognition for someone who comes to mind for the person they are or something they have done. Maybe it’s a colleague, employee, a boss, a spouse, a child, a parent, a teacher, a tailor, a hairdresser. It could be anyone in your life.
Share the care, lead with love.
When I was invited to be on James Miller's show LIFEOLOGY® Radio with a current listenership of 3.5 million listeners per episode, I felt both nervous and extremely grateful. Leaders and people of all positions are leaning in to the conversation about what a Chief Spiritual Officer does and how we create more loving and caring workplaces, where the spirit of the people and the spirit of the company is vibrant and thriving and in limitless creation. The results have been transformative for leaders, teams and the organization as a whole.
Big Love to James Miller, he is a multi-talented human who has created a really cool space for practical life lessons that enhance one’s spirit, mind, and body.
Click on the image below to check it out, and access on any podcast platform!
Journal Prompts
Where can I love more freely today?
What are some of the small (or big) ways I can share with others what I noticed in them today?
What is my experience or relationship with recognition? (i.e. receiving, accepting, giving, or any held beliefs around it)
Workshops / Speaking / Consulting
Coaching