Finding Joy

I typically do a road trip home for Christmas. We have some traditions that mean I need to be there for about a week. This means I can take Daisy and I’m not limited on luggage. It’s not that long a drive and it’s helpful to have a vehicle while I’m there. This means a re-fueling stop or two and giving Daisy some running time. Because of my trip schedule, I typically drive home on Christmas Day, mainly because as I’m passing through LA there is much less traffic than usual.

This year, I stopped for gas in Morongo Valley, just outside Palm Springs. I found a gas station and filled up and ran in to use the restroom. As I walked in, a woman who worked there was talking about her Christmas Day so far. Her name was Latisha and she looked like she might be in her 50s. She was full of light and energy and couldn’t stop smiling. She was talking about how many of her regular customers who came in, knew her by name and gave her gifts for Christmas, some cash, and some food. She was clearly grateful and proud to be so loved.

I’ll mention that just across the street was another station that was less expensive, and she clearly had regular customers who came to her anyway. Why might that be? I’m guessing it’s because of Latisha. She had such joy and energy about her that I would definitely want a bit of that in my life on a regular basis. She found her place. She was using her strengths.

Finding a way to use your Strengths results in greater joy in your life, whether it’s working in a local gas station or strategizing in the C-suite. I want to be someone who brings Latisha-level energy to my life and I’m going to be hosting some workshops to help you identify your strengths and use them to the fullest in your life and career. I hope you’ll join me. Check out the events page for more information. See you there!