GreatLIFE Community,
SEASONS! April has quickly become a fun, yet extremely busy month in the Ovenden household. With the basketball season winding down and soccer and swim seasons ramping up, it seems like we are constantly on the go. A common conversation we find ourselves having is “Where has the time gone?” followed quickly with “Girls, can you please stop growing up so fast?” Part of me is excited to see what the future holds in store for the girls — activities, school, jobs, boys (not until they are 30 😀). Yet another part of me misses the pure joy of my 3-year-old meeting her favorite princess at Disney World, learning how to read and the 100 pieces of art that I would get when I would pick them up from daycare. As I get older, and maybe a little wiser, I am working hard to change my focus to be present in the moment. To enjoy every season for what it is.
- Be grateful for the past – As I have often written about, reflection is such a vital step of learning that is often missed in the busyness of life. Take time to reflect with gratitude.
- Excitement for the future – The thought of the future can bring a ton of emotions. As I wrote last month, let your actions today be made with the thought of how we can positively impact the next 7 generations.
- Be in the moment – Both reflection and vision are important things to be able to do for learning and for decision making. However, being present in the moment with those around you will ultimately lead to deeper, more meaningful relationships.
So for this season of my life, I’m choosing to embrace the busyness. I’m choosing to be grateful for the time we get to spend in small hotel rooms, the long car rides, the late nights, the quick weekends and yes, maybe even for the bickering that comes with being sleep deprived and in tight spaces for extended periods of time together. I choose this because I know, in the not-so-distant future, I will long for these days but will be able to look back knowing I was able to be present in the moment and enjoy the season!
GreatLIFE updates:
Last month, I shared a bit about the GreatLIFE story. With the next chapter started as a Team Member owned company, we are excited to continue to find ways to live out our mission. That’s why when we were approached about helping to lead a nationwide initiative to get people up and active we said ABSOLUTELY. Thanks to Governor Rhoden, he was able to proclaim May as South Dakota Moves Month! In an effort to make it a little more fun, our Team has worked hard to develop an activity card filled with fun ways to get active every day in May. Many of you have already experienced the positive effects being active can have on both your physical and mental health. My encouragement to you is to “spread the wealth of health” with someone you know who could benefit from getting out and getting active. If you don’t know where to start, go for a walk on our beautiful bike trails or around your neighborhood. Whatever it is, get up and get active!
Nick Ovenden
BOOK CLUB:
In Talk Like TED, Carmine Gallo uncovers the communication techniques that make TED speakers unforgettable, showing how we can use storytelling, emotion, and simplicity to connect and inspire. Here are three key takeaways I found valuable:
- Use storytelling to make your message stick – I’ve seen firsthand how sharing a personal story, even a small one, can make a message more relatable and memorable for our team.
- Offer new, unexpected insights to capture attention – This reminded me of the power of challenging assumptions; when I’ve shared surprising data or a fresh perspective, engagement always goes up.
- Speak with passion and authenticity to inspire action – It’s a great reminder that people don’t just follow ideas, they follow energy and belief in whoever they are listening to.
NEXT MONTH’S BOOK CLUB
The Road Back To You – Suzanne Stabile
POSITIVE THOUGHT
“Be grateful for the seasons you’ve had, embrace the season you’re in and be hopeful for the seasons to come.“