I experienced the power of passing it on this week, memories and compliments overheard and shared. When you hear a positive story, do you pass it on?
My parents had a gathering to celebrate my dad’s 80th birthday, at a beautiful lodge in Whalan, Minnesota, on the root River Trail over the Memorial Day weekend. Sixteen of us gathered, many of us having not seen one another for many years.
One of my favorite parts was the campfire in the evening, past the busyness of the day, gathering to sing and tell stories. I got to know nieces and nephews who’ve grown up, while I’ve been away, to be absolutely stunning people—it was invigorating and inspiring.
Over the mesmerizing flames, the younger generation reminisced about times spent with their grandparents, my parents. They told of moments of kindness and compassion, of funny memories, of bonds formed and deepened with attention and care.
I got to hear what a fabulous difference my parents have made in their grandchildren’s lives. I know, looking back, that my parents often wondered if they were “doing the right thing,” if they were giving enough time and attention, if the love they feel for their grandchildren was being expressed as they wanted it to be.
They lived at a distance from their grandkids, far enough so showing up in their daily lives wasn’t possible.
I was able to pass these tales on to my parents (because they had generally already turned in by the time these stories came out). The expression on their faces, as I told them what a profound impact they have made on these lovely young people’s lives, was truly lovely.
I know each of those grandchildren told my grandparents they loved them over the weekend, expressing their appreciation in their own heartfelt way. But I know that hearing of these stories, these unasked for reports and reminiscences, through a third party, (me), made it hit home in a whole new way.
All of this is to encourage you, when you hear a positive story about someone, to pass it on. There is no such thing as “too much praise,” or “too many positive strokes.” The power of passing it on is a profound gift to the giver and the receiver.
Coach’s Challenge: Be a carrier for this kind of good news. Deliver appreciation overheard to the ones who elicited it in the first place. Pass it on, and see what a difference it makes. Have a similar story to share? Leave a comment!