“It has to be in this drawer,” I thought as I rummaged through my desk, searching for something. Before I knew it, I emptied out two drawers I rarely use. Wow! Who knew these drawers held so many memories?
I’ve always believed in surrounding myself with things that lift my spirit and keep my mind focused on the positive. When I worked professionally, my cubicle walls were covered with inspirational quotes I had read in emails, found online, or discovered in books. Alongside them were family pictures and heartfelt notes from my children. Our mental health is deeply connected to the people and things we surround ourselves with, and having these reminders in my workspace was invaluable.
It’s been almost three years since I retired. Yet, here I was, rediscovering these pieces of encouragement buried in my desk drawers. Rereading them stirred up so many emotions. They reminded me of the type of leader and colleague I strived to be—the one who lifted others up and made their day a little brighter. A part of me misses those coworkers. I truly cherished them.
But those days are behind me now. While I’m no longer around coworkers, I’m still surrounded by people—my family, neighbors, fellow choir and church members, the children I serve lunch to, and the students I guide as a substitute teacher. The opportunities to lift others up haven’t disappeared; I likely have more now than I did in the workplace.
So why were these positive messages hidden away in a drawer? I need to see them! I need those reminders every day.
Retiring from professional life doesn’t mean our impact on others fades. If anything, I now have more time to offer kindness. I can prepare a meal for a family welcoming a new baby, send a note to someone grieving or recovering from illness, step into a classroom when a teacher needs to be away and serve lunch to my grandchildren and their classmates once a week. These purposeful opportunities fulfill my continuing wish to lift others up and make their day a little brighter.
I’m so grateful I emptied those drawers! Among the notes, I found a quote from Brendon Burchard: “I simply choose to be happy now, to be grateful now, to be a source of love and light for others.” No matter our age, vocation, or stage in life, surrounding ourselves with uplifting people and positive reminders is essential for our well-being.
Now, all I need is a tack. This inspirational quote belongs on the wall—not buried in a drawer.
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