Thursday, September 25, 2008

Vinegar and Honey


We all know the difference between vinegar and honey. Vinegar has its own unique taste, but when used in combination with other flavours it changes dramatically. Eaten on its own, it makes all our senses twinge and causes us to pull back. Honey, on the other hand, is always enjoyable, whether it’s found in a cup of tea, in a sauce, dripping off a golden brown piece of toast or simply on its own. Honey is always yummy.

I find this a good analogy for human interaction. Have you ever been in a situation involving others where you are hit with unbelievable frustration? When faced with these circumstances, we are all granted a moment in time to make a choice. We can get bitter, cranky and repel people, like vinegar, or we can take a step back, breathe, relax, become smooth and appealing, like honey.

Lately, I’ve found myself in this situation ~ I needed to make a choice. As most of you know, the Sohn family have been on the move once again. We’ve gone from Australia to LA, LA to Wolseley and now Wolseley to Calgary (our final destination). Moving is listed as one of the top five most stressful things to do in life. After moving a family of five across the globe, I think whoever dreamed up that list is absolutely right … moving is stressful. Thankfully, we have managed to do it with limited stress, much, much laughter and moments of absolute zaniness. I believe, however, that some of the stress experienced, not only in moving but in any situation, comes down to relying on others (human interaction). The main challenges I have faced, as we near the end of our moving journey, are with our movers and securing an arrival time for all of our family possessions. Changes in things that are agreed upon and unmet promises can be extremely disappointing.

Through this, as with any life experience, we need to learn and grow. I, being the family move co-ordinator, have made the choice to operate like honey. Rather than expressing my extreme frustration, I have calmly explained my situation and the frustration I am experiencing. I have allowed the movers room to fix the problem and to grow themselves as service providers. I have been honest with them and have remained calm and sweet through the entire process. That doesn’t mean I haven’t been firm and operated as the client who is paying a handsome fee for their services. I haven’t allowed them to walk over me, rather I have been direct but seasoned with the sweetness honey gives. This approach has allowed conversation to flow continually and I’m confident that I am not the ‘nightmare’ client that we all, at times, have become. Rather, I know that my movers are trying their best to work out a situation that will be mutually beneficial. Of course there is give and take on both sides.

So friends I encourage you this week and beyond, whatever the situation, remember honey tastes better than vinegar, plus you get and attract more and go further with honey.

Remember to keep smiling and you may find that the world and those in it will smile back at you.

Susan

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