“The way you do ANYTHING is the Way you do EVERYTHING”. I first heard this quote attributed to Martha Beck. It stuck in my head, “the way you do anything is the way you do everything”. A yoga instructor shared this once as a thought to how you approach class. To respect your muscles and body enough to know a limit. If we were forcing into a posture, to the point of pain and strain, where else in life were we forcing ourselves? And I took a deep breath to see the way I was approaching life.
My life has always moved at a quick pace. I thrive on change. I research, dig in, learn, and then move with the best strategy based on the information available at that time. But there has always been a foundation. A center to every choice. Then there were words to reflect on, “The way you anything is the way you do everything”. Could that be integrity?
As a parent, I use this phrase with my children. My intention is that they should always be themselves. The messages out there are to be what you see and that will keep you safe. But what happens when you are one way with your family and one way with your friends and one way with strangers and one way on social media. Who are you then? For my people I want them to know that I cannot love you more because you act one way and I cannot love you less when you act another. I just love you. Simple. You are enough. So let the way you do anything be the way you do everything. That is my unconditional love for my people.
There was a phase in life when I spent more time in airports and meeting than I was at home. I was young, single, and felt invincible. I gave a presentation to a team I was a part of, reviewing our year and then setting goals for the next. Often, at the end of my talks, I would speak to each person and tell them what I had learned from them during our session. A co-worker came up to me and said I reminded them of Dorothy in the Wizard of Oz. That I saw each of them as more than a Lion, or Tin Man. They thought that I looked and heard what they meant to say, even if they did not say it. I was flattered and we had a little laugh. Then they said, “…maybe it was the red shoes.” I looked down. I had not remembered that I was wearing red shoes. They said, “There is no place like home!” And I thought, I am at home. That moment, that connection is home for me.
I still think, “Is the way I do anything, the way I do everything?” That is the goal at least. Ultimately, I look forward to helping others live a better life. Is there a way I could make the situation better or look someone in the eye so they know I see them. Consistency is not easy. But I do have one thing that keeps me grounded. If you ever see me speaking to a group, more often than not, I will be wearing red shoes.
Thank you again for reading The Hopeful Hostess! I appreciate your time. If you ever need a speaker for your team or organization, please email me at Mona@thehopefulhostess.com. Until next month, I hope all is well, and if we see each other out and about, please say “Hi”! If there are any topics or questions you would like to offer, please send those my way as well.
The Hopeful Hostess 