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200 words, community, Diana Schwenk, Diana's Enormous Book of Quotes, gifts, goodness, health, inspiration, joy, kindness, laughter, passion, Personality trait, Relationships, values
When we seek to discover the best in others, we somehow bring out the best in ourselves. – William Arthur Ward
In my professional life, one of my responsibilities is to proof written materials. In this role, I look for mistakes and fix what is wrong. In other words, I see what I’m looking for.
That’s my job.
But I try to be mindful about not looking for mistakes in other areas of my life.
When it comes to people, I work hard to look for what is right and good.
I am moved by their passions.
I spot the traits that I aspire to, and try to incorporate them.
I focus on their strengths and value the gifts they bring to the table.
And find joy in encouraging them to use their gifts.
There’s nothing more beautiful than watching someone shine in their natural abilities.
Bringing out the best in someone else brings you joy.
And it’s possible to do, even with people you may not particularly like!
It’s rather amazing how looking for the best in others can bring out the very best in you.
~ DIANA’S ENORMOUS BOOK OF QUOTES ~
What do you see? What are you looking for?
Eyes open. Curious always. My motto, Diana. See the best in people and revel. And note the worst and what could, should and can be done.
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Love that. Eyes open. Curious always. Really love that Mark. ❤
Diana xo
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Diana what a lovely dollop of happiness I found here today. I especially love watching children find something they are good at. When it comes to art I encourage them to go crazy and experiment. Nothing better to see them smile when they find out they can do it.
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Kath, I agree. The light in a child’s eyes when they create is amazing, no, magical! ❤
Diana xo
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Love this thought and approach. There is so much energy to be had in creating positive connections to people! It also made me think of “appreciative inquiry”, which is a facilitative approach to examining a situation. The key difference is that it asks the question “what’s right?” instead of starting with “what’s wrong?”.
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I love appreciative inquiry Ian! ❤
Diana xo
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I love the photo image of oasis in every soul among the thick vegetation in the foreground. 🙂
My partner tells me I tend to be too negative. Seriously. I need to work on this. So my blog is part of it all…
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Thanks Jean, I took that picture when I walked from Ontario to Quebec. (My parents live right on the border 😀 )
Negative? Well if that’s true, it doesn’t show here in the blogosphere! ❤
Diana xo
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Diana … I love your outlook and the William Arthur Ward’s quote: “When we seek to discover the best in others, we somehow bring out the best in ourselves.”
When I was a radio news director, I loved working with new reporters and seeing them shine. I also appreciated that when editors did the same with me. Everyone benefits. Those who are afraid someone else might get some of the spotlight truly don’t understand the joy of helping someone develop their potential. 😉
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Ain’t that the truth Judy? Like Ram Dass says, “We’re all just walking each other home.” ❤
Diana xo
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Diana … That’s also a lovely quote. Some time ago, I posted a meme with that saying. A dog and cat were walking together. 😉
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It’s a wonderful philosophy Diana and one I try to live by as well. Negativity can be such an energy drain. Best to look for the positive in people and the situation.
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Thanks Sue. That’s a trait that really shines through about you when I read your blog. ❤
Diana xo
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This is a wonderful philosophy to live by. This has shone through your blog ever since I have been following you. I LOVE this about you Diana! 🙂
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Oh my gosh – thank you Elizabeth! You made my day. ❤
Diana xo
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I agree with Elizabeth. It is a wonderful philosophy to live by. I’ve always gotten the sense that you care deeply about people–and seek to see the best in others.
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Thanks Sheryl. ❤
Diana xo
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The question I have is why do we seek to make our work as perfect as possible, but not the people in our lives? Why are flaws in our work something to be found and corrected, but flaws in people are “just people”?
What would the world be like if we worked harder on correcting our flaws?
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I think we should work on our flaws too Smitty. 95% on our strengths and 5% on our weaknesses. I’m an asset based kinda girl, can’t help it. And besides, when you focus on someone strengths, they feel better about themselves and you build a solid relationship with them. From this place, people can take constructive criticism better because they know you care about them. Just my opinion. ❤
Diana xo
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Of course! Likewise! XD
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Hi Diana,
I saw you changed your gravatar. I thought you might like this. Right click to save.
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Thanks Graham! You lightened it up? ❤
Diana xo
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Great advice, Diana! And now I think I know where to get an editor next time. 😀
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Haha thanks Jennifer! ❤
Diana xo
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I like that, about not looking for mistakes (outside of your job). I think there are far too many peoples out there just waiting to pounce on everyone’s mistakes.
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Thanks Colleen! It can be hard to leave one’s critical eye at work sometimes… ❤
Diana xo
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It can, I know I’ve brought that C.E. home with me before and it never goes well…. 😉
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Yesterday we had a house full of people and I saw happiness followed by a lot of work (cleaning up) but mostly I try to see the good, the happiness and the contentment in life……….just saying
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Jo-Anne, I can totally see that quality in you. ❤
Diana xo
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Great post Diana. It is rewarding to see someone shine in life, and show their true self. You are right, It is possible and it’s worth the effort. 🙂
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Thanks Karen. I know that you dedicate your life to that very thing as well. ❤
Diana xo
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“It’s rather amazing how looking for the best in others can bring out the very best in you.” … Probably the best advice ever; )
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ha! You may have a point there Deb. It does cover a lot, doesn’t it? ❤
Diana xo
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To see the good in folks, and not dwell on their faults…an acquired skill that once achieved, makes your life so much better. Thanks for the inspiration, Diana. ☺
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You’re welcome Van and thank YOU for stating it so succinctly in your comment and living it so brightly on your blog. ❤
Diana xo
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Your kindness…always comes through. ☺
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❤
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You are always such bright light, Diana, and so encouraging! Thank you xo
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Thank you dear Kelly – I feel the same way about you! ❤
Diana xo
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🙂
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Great advice to remember particularly as I’m in the classroom. Thanks! Happy Sunday!
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Thanks and Happy Sunday to you as well Lisa! ❤
Diana xo
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