What I Really Wish for 2012

What I really wish for 2012? Above all else, I wish I could recover (or rediscover) the relationship I once had with my little girl, this little girl of mine whom I love so much, for whom I patiently waited for 11 long years, and to whom I dedicated every second of my utmost attention while she was growing up. I wish I could regain her love, her admiration, her kindness like I once had. I wish I could receive from her a great, big, warm hug like I used to have when she was little and heard my coming back home after a day’s work. I wish I could have back the same warmth and tenderness l used to enjoy so much back in the days I read her uncountable bedtime stories or when she used to fall asleep in my arms while watching TV. I wish I could see her smiling to me that authentic smile of hers that made her squint her beautiful eyes every time she smiled. What I really wish is to become, once again, the “World’s Greatest Dad” like I once was.

But if I cannot have any of this in 2012, I wish at least that this awesome little girl of mine be genuinely happy, the way I really brought her up to be, with all my limitations and shortcomings.

Happy 2012, my beloved “little girl”.

Diamonds and Rubies

As the official "opening" of my blog, I chose a great little story a friend of mine had posted in his blog. It's quite simple, yet very inspiring. It is really worth reading, particularly in this time of the year when we are bombarded with all sorts of "wish-you-well" messages. Here it goes:

monds and Rubies

Diamonds and Rubies

The evening freeway traffic was slowly winding through the hills. I was driving my Mom home. At 97 years old, she still lives on her own.

“Diamonds and rubies” she said. “What?” I replied. She answered, “The headlights and taillights—they look like strings of diamonds and rubies”.

“Yes” I chuckled. One of her wonderful characteristics is the ability to see, appreciate and comment on the beautiful and the enjoyable in life. Several people on her side of the family had that trait. That strange bunch (refugees from the hills of Transylvania) had to spend a good deal of time and energy dealing with harsh realities. But they always seemed to find ways to enjoy their lives with humor and a knack for finding delight in small things. Good idea—besides putting more pleasure in our lives, it helps keep us youthful.

That trait is also a key part of effective communications. I tell family, friends and clients that a great way to deal with difficult discussions is to first listen to the other people and look for “what I like about that”. Then express your honest appreciation about that part of their concept. You don’t have to agree with everything, but surely there’s some good in their ideas.

Try it in your personal and professional life. You just might find diamonds and rubies.

George M. Pomonik

http://www.pomonik.com/

Diamonds and Rubies