Years ago, I heard the late Zig Ziglar say, “Your attitude determines your altitude.” Then Zig amplified that comment with examples about why it was so important to have a positive attitude. Most of all, he said, “You need to avoid ‘stinkin’ thinkin’!’”
I have a confession to make. I think there is too much “stinkin’ thinkin’” on social media. A couple months ago, I decided to be intentional about avoiding social media postings and emails that basically were rants, raves, or diatribes about one political party or the other, certain ecological or social issues, or conditions in the world that were basically bringing Armageddon to our doorstep.
Instead, I chose to pay attention to articles or stories that could inspire and remind me that each day we have a choice to make: We can decide to be overwhelmed—or to be overwhelming. With that thought in mind, let me introduce you to a woman who is truly overwhelming and amazing.
Margaret Pederson was recently featured in Dr. Z’s “Tuesday Tips” newsletter. Thirteen years ago at the ripe “young” age of 86, Margaret decided that she had had enough of people being down in the dumps, and in some instances, just plain rude. Based on her belief that a “commitment to kindness is the cure for so much of what was wrong in our society,” Margaret launched the Be Kind movement in her community. Her motto: “BE KIND, JUST TRY IT, I WILL.” The results have been positively life-changing.
You may be too busy to watch this video which chronicles her story, but it is a great introduction to her and what she did to inspire thousands of people to “Be Kind.” The results have been phenomenal as she has changed the world by encouraging people to “knit" a chain of kindness.
Today, Margaret is 99 years young and is still leading the Be Kind movement. She started teaching the children in her community, then the teens, even getting the football team to knit a chain of kindness. Her Be Kind movement caught the attention and cooperation of the entire town, then the county, and is now spreading across the country.
As I watched the video I was reminded of some advice I gleaned from mentors over the years.
First, age is a state of mind and you’re never too old to learn! Even into her nineties, Margaret was attending Dr. Z’s seminars and exemplifying that you're really never too old to learn. I also thought of my mom who loved to read and learn until she passed away at 95.
Second, true joy and happiness come from serving others. As one of my mentors noted when he talked about “Servant Leadership,” there are two types of people: Those who serve and those who want to be served. His advice? Choose to serve others. Though I have never personally met Margaret, she is obviously committed to serving others and exudes a very appealing sense of contentment.
Third, she understands that relationships matter. Years ago, I heard it said: “If you want to go fast, go alone. If you want to go far, take someone with you.” Margaret is taking a whole bunch of people with her.
Add it all up and Margaret exemplifies the points from Ken Blanchard’s great little book “Refire – Not Retire.” Ken loves to remind folks that you can search the Bible and never read the words: “Go therefore and get ye retired!”
Instead, when people leave (a.k.a. retire from) their jobs, they will live happier and more fulfilled lives if they will make a commitment to continuous learning, serving others and remembering to take others with them.
As Dr. Z noted: “Kindness is the answer to so many of our problems. It costs nothing but its impact is huge, personally and professionally.” Plus, as we are reminded in the Book of Proverbs: “Whoever brings blessing will be enriched, and one who waters will himself be watered.”
