InspirEmail

InspirEmail No 233 - May 28th, 2012 - Everyone Needs a Me File
'Inspirational messages to refresh the spirit and boost the emotional bank account'

Everyone Needs a Me File

During a dinner with friends I mentioned an email I'd received from a 13 year old thanking me for the way my commentaries had influenced his life. I was clearly proud of the note, and Sally Kinnamon said I should save this and other affirming mementos and put them in a 'Me' file.

At first I thought she was being sarcastic, but she assured me she was quite serious. Sally came upon the idea while training in-home nurses, who often work in isolated conditions with little or no affirmative feedback.

She gave each nurse an empty folder labeled 'Me' and instructed them to put every form of grateful or complimentary feedback into the file, including cards, notes, letters, and positive performance reviews. She said that this folder should be taken out and read whenever any of them felt unappreciated or questioned the value of their work.

Sally acknowledged that most of the nurses were initially reluctant, fearing it was too self-indulgent, egotistical, or just plain silly, but she explained it's not a bragging file to show others how good we are. Rather, it's a private collection evidencing the large and small triumphs that give us psychic gratification and reconnect us with the best reasons we do what we do. Eventually, she said, most of the nurses came to use and draw great comfort and encouragement from their 'Me' files.

What a terrific idea. You ought to start a 'Me' file for yourself and put in it anything that validates what you do at work or home. The next step, of course, is to be sure you're spending time doing the kinds of things that will fill your 'Me' file.

Written by Michael Josephson
To learn more about the work of Michael Josephson, please visit . . .Whatwillmatter >>>

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We need to be noticed in the same way. If we notice a family member or friend is drooping, perhaps we can pay some special attention to him or her. All of us need someone to care about how we are and to truly listen to us.

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Author Unknown


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A monthly positive inspirational story and quote to refresh your spirit and boost the emotional bank account. InspirEmail was first published in November 2005 and each issue can be viewed in the Archived InspirEmail Directory located below the latest issue of InspirEmail


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