Other small warming thoughts
Small things matter. I was looped into a list of hockey gals that were all in Green last season, with my ex-team lead asking if we wanted to do classes. Commitment-oriented (pay for 12 weeks in advance), drop-in, stick and shoots, skills classes, anything. Now, this may seem rather small and unimportant. But if you'd asked me for a list of who I thought the best girls were from this last season, they're all on that list. Two of them are now skating Red.
Secret - I'm still shy in my heart, and when I'm doing something new I doubt myself all over the place. Usually that's enough to make me try harder in classic overcompensation. At hockey I was slow to engage everyone in conversation, because with a whole room full of chattering gals that all seemed to know each other, it's hard to just jump in for me. I don't have a lot in common with them outside of hockey.
Sometimes it's enough of a warm feeling to be included in a group of people you admire, people who recognize that you're trying hard to get better at the same things they are. People who share your love and passions. I've read the emails twice now because I'm horribly sentimental, and it makes me smile.
This was illustrated at work too - we had a gal that was new to the team. She was quiet, kept to herself up until we were going to do a team off-site meeting. Deena and I stopped in to say hey, please come. It wouldn't be the same without you, and we really want to get to know you better because you seem cool. That gal blossomed on the spot, and ever after is one I've called friend.
Don't forget to reach out to people, when you're good at things. Try to see when someone else cares too, even if they're quiet or shy or afraid. They'll be glad you did.
Secret - I'm still shy in my heart, and when I'm doing something new I doubt myself all over the place. Usually that's enough to make me try harder in classic overcompensation. At hockey I was slow to engage everyone in conversation, because with a whole room full of chattering gals that all seemed to know each other, it's hard to just jump in for me. I don't have a lot in common with them outside of hockey.
Sometimes it's enough of a warm feeling to be included in a group of people you admire, people who recognize that you're trying hard to get better at the same things they are. People who share your love and passions. I've read the emails twice now because I'm horribly sentimental, and it makes me smile.
This was illustrated at work too - we had a gal that was new to the team. She was quiet, kept to herself up until we were going to do a team off-site meeting. Deena and I stopped in to say hey, please come. It wouldn't be the same without you, and we really want to get to know you better because you seem cool. That gal blossomed on the spot, and ever after is one I've called friend.
Don't forget to reach out to people, when you're good at things. Try to see when someone else cares too, even if they're quiet or shy or afraid. They'll be glad you did.