Skip to main content

There is always someone that knows

My Rolodex consists of the people that I go to for an answer, to connect me with another person, or to give me sound advice. A simple text or email to one of my rolodex people, and I am up and running. When it comes to the point that I have to use my rolodex person, I always do as they suggest. That is the point of spinning my rolodex, to get a sound answer. The thing I really like about my rolodex is whoever I ask, also has a rolodex of their own, and if they can't help me, they may have someone that can. There is always someone that knows what I need to know. 

I read a touching comment on Facebook, which was the inspiration for this post. A young lady who was living on her own, called her dad for help because throughout her life, her dad always knew what to do. The dad was obviously touched to be called, and he hoped that his daughter would continue to call him for help and that he would know what to do.

Google search and Facebook are places that definitely know what to do. I have done some crazy things just by following a video from U tube. If it hadn't been for U tube, I wouldn't have been able to take my dishwasher out. That included cutting the power and putting the knobby thing over the wires. Putting a plug in the drain and dealing with shutting off the water supply. The hardest part for me was getting up and down off of the floor a million times. It is hands down my most accomplished moment. I am so glad U tube knew what do. I realize for those of you who have followed me since the start, you are very tired of the dishwasher story. But maybe, just maybe, it is new story to someone or perhaps a reminder of details that you may have been forgotten.  
I practice a line, "if you don't know what to do, do nothing". Mistakes or bad decisions are often made because we rush a decision. Take your time, rolodex your people and make a sound decision. It seems natural to always want a quick answer; we also want the answer to align with what we want to hear. 

I am not sure what young parents are using for guidance these days, but they seem to check everything on their phones. I guess they don't realize they were raised by non-app parents and look at how they turned out. Those same parents are locked and loaded with knowledge and ready to answer any questions they may have, if asked. In our minds, any experienced parent is someone that knows. With the ability to google any topic, a quick answer is right there for young parents and is often the chosen answer.   

We all know people that come to us for advice, because they believe we would know what to do. They start the conversation with, "I am asking for your advice". It is a powerful moment because we enjoy the fact that they think we know what to do. We share our knowledge, and then they say what they are going to do, and it is nothing like our suggestion. It becomes clear that they are spinning their rolodex and asking several people to get the best answer that aligns with want they want. Our profound information is just added to the list of advice to be considered. 
I use my "Rolodex of Wisdom" often. Wisdom is something that only comes with years of experience and mistakes. I like to think of myself as someone that needs wisdom and can give wisdom. You will never find wisdom in a google search. It is the hard knocks in life that teach you more than any good life ever thought of. Wisdom people "know what to do". 








Comments

Popular posts from this blog

Easter Baking

Easter is a holiday that is steeped with tradition and reflection. It holds a different meaning for each of us. Every Easter I reflect on how it was when I was a kid, way back in the dark ages, and how everything has changed so much. For many families it is a time to come together to celebrate the traditions that are meaningful to them.  Easter is a sacred time for Christians as they celebrate the resurrection of Jesus Christ . Easter is known as a  time for rebirth, hope and new beginnings.                                      I doubt anyone has a family memory that can trump the "Dixon Family Egg Hunt". My Dad was one of 10 children in his family. They were never all at home at the same time, but there were probably at least 6 or 7 kids on the egg hunt each year. Their dear mother would dye 14 dozen eggs with no food coloring. All I know is beets make red eggs. Dad would speak of h...

Final Requests

I was just rolling through Facebook as I often do, when this touching post caught my eye. A final request was made by an elementary schoolteacher in Georgia. Before she passed, she asked that instead of flowers that people bring backpacks filled with school supplies to her funeral. Her final request resulted in hundreds of backpacks from friends, family and strangers. Children she had never met will have what they need to shape their future.  At the time of death, people want to do something. Often it is a donation to a charity either identified by the family or of the donor's choice. I have to admit, I am poor at giving to a memoriam, I'm not sure why. But I would certainly buy and fill a backpack. I don't think I am alone when I say, I love creativity. I am also all in when it is for a cause and especially if children are involved.  This woman is leaving a legacy behind. She just wanted to help children as the last thing she did. She had no idea the magnitude of her reque...

Just put your head down and do it!

I recently attended a competition at my gym. By attending I mean I simply watched and volunteered. The CrossFit competition was called the "Grit Games" which explains how grueling it was. The competitors were in a zone and did their absolute best to finish what they had started. The competition was a timed event and as they neared the end of their time and the tank appeared to be empty, they just put their head down and did it. Not one single person quit, that was not an option.   Waves of Hope recently had a practice day which started in the morning. We got in the boat, and there were a few more waves than usual, so the decision was made to paddle to the other side of the lake, where it was calmer. It is moments like that where I am in absolute awe. The steersperson is in position at the back of the boat calling the shots. The coach has her voice turned up. The long-time paddlers are set and ready to go. I have to say one more time, I have the utmost respect for the long-tim...