The BIG Takeaway™ newsletter By Rich Trombetta Jan. 3, 2023
Using examples from TV, movies and sports to launch a journey toward peace and happiness at work, at home...in life. Grab the remote and change your life.™
The new year is upon us and the exercise equipment, diet and lifestyle promotional emails are flooding my inbox. Should I take the hint?
Also, there is also a lot of talk about goals this time of year as in "2023 will be the year I [fill in the blank]. While it can be helpful to look ahead, how about living for this day, this hour or even this minute? Enjoy the NOW.
The big story right now is obviously the devastating injury to Buffalo Bills player Damar Hamlin last night. So sad.
It appears that Hamlin is a very kind person, starting a toy drive while in college that continues today. In fact, his GoFundMe page has exploded with donations as people offer support and prayers for this young man.
"As I embark on my journey to the NFL, I will never forget where I come from and I am committed to using my platform to positively impact the community that raised me."
Based on everything going on, this week's newsletter is going to feature a post I read on LinkedIn; it is about someone who met another kind football player, legendary Pittsburgh Steeler Franco Harris.
"Its impact on me was indelible." Authentic kindness helps others - and you The context Jane Moyer is the SVP & chief human resources Officer at Commonwealth Financial Network. I worked with her at Northeastern University; super nice person.
Moyer met Franco Harris (that's them in the picture above) during a visit to a football camp with her dad when she was "very young." She reflected on the experience in this post on LinkedIn.
Highlights from Moyer's post
"Near where I grew up was a summer football campfor boys who were honing their skills for the upcoming season. Dad knew someone who worked there and thought it would be fun to check it out."
"Franco noticed me off to the side and came over to me. I don't remember what he said but I remember how he made me feel - seen, welcome, important in that moment."
"He then asked if I wanted to have a picture taken with him. The whole while he was whispering to me words of kindness and encouragement like I was the only person there he wanted to talk to. It could not have lasted more than ten minutes, but its impact on me was indelible."
"I am reminded now that I have the opportunity and the obligation to see and welcome and connect with those around me. And kindness is always an option. I know how it feels when you are seen, and when people are authentically kind."
Here is the kicker (pardon the football pun)
While Moyer highlights the impact that kindness has on the happiness others, it has an impact on YOUR happiness as well; it is a two-way street.
I recently did a random act of kindness for a homework assignment in a class I was taking and then write a reflection paper on how the experience made me feel.
The professor sharedthat every student wrote they felt happy.
He then asked a life-changing question: If we assume that everyone wants to be happy, and that performing a random act of kindness makes a person happy, what's stopping you from doing more acts of kindness and being happier? Mic drop.
It blew my mind. It was like this scene from "The Usual Suspects" when the detective realizes he has been scammed by the person he was interrogating; I had been thinking about things all wrong.
My BIG Takeaway I realize that I am often looking for external factors to bring me happiness when the power to be happier can often start from within by being authentically kind toward others.
Being authentically kind - emphasis on authentically - is like a magic pill for societal happiness; it makes others happy and it makes YOU happy. And when you're happy, it can lead to others being happy, which leads to more kindness, which leads to more happiness; it's all like this dominoes expert.
It doesn't have to be anything big, dramatic or monetary in nature.
Think about Moyer's post. Ten minutes 50 years ago has had immeasurable impact on Moyer and others. And, while I can't speak for how Harris felt after taking the picture with Moyer, I will guess that he felt happy.
It is important to note that if someone isn't authentically kind then it's like volunteering so it looks good on a resume, not because it is to help others. Not interested, thanks.
Parting thought Franco Harris and Damar Hamlin played football in Pittsburgh; Harris with the Steelers and Hamlin with the University of Pittsburgh. Playing in the Steel City isn't the only thing they have in common.
"I know the difference it can play in a kid's life. Even if it's just me, just one time, it could have a big impact on their lives."- Damar Hamlin
Please get well, Damar. We need you.
Quote for the week “Be kind whenever possible. It is always possible.” —The 14th Dalai Lama
That's all for now Thanks for reading and please remember:
We archive our stories and put them here for the world to read so feel free to have a look.
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Rich Trombetta @trombettarich
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