Leading with Character: Another Voice of Inspiration
Mahalo! I’m feeling gratitude for all of you who’ve made the choice to read my blog. And on this invigorating morning I’m also grateful to be having breakfast at a gem of a Hawaiian-themed restaurant in Castine, Maine. At The Breeze & Castine Variety the talented chef, Snow, and server, Kermit, turn a regular meal into a dining experience. I’m up here over the Labor Day weekend visiting with staff and students at the prestigious Maine Maritime Academy next door to talk about the US Coast Guard and my favorite topic, leadership.
The Different Faces of Inspiration
Last week, my blog featured the world-renowned leader of character, Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. I shared my thoughts on his deeply insightful quote, “Only when it’s dark enough can you see the stars.” In this week’s blog, I highlight Snow’s grandfather—a person who is not famous, but who has an equally poignant message to share.
At Maine Maritime Academy, I needed to show up in front of the students filled with energy and enthusiasm, and I got my inspiration in part from visiting Snow’s variety store. Here’s why. Not only did Snow plate up delicious homemade authentic Hawaiian-inspired cuisine to nourish my body, but she also shared insights that renewed my spirit. Snow is a native Hawaiian who has, remarkably, found joy in running a restaurant here in the upper reaches of Maine – a location that is geographically the polar opposite of Hawaii. She exudes a contagious attitude of gratitude.
The Power of “Lifting”
Snow shared with me that she was raised in Hawaii as the youngest of five children. Her grandfather lived to age 110, which is hard for me to imagine. He passed along a lifetime of wisdom to his young granddaughter, both through actions and words. Snow observed her grandfather awaken each day expressing thanks for “another day in paradise.”
Her grandfather advised Snow to recognize she had the power to not let things get her down, and that she should practice “lifting” to develop a positive outlook. When Snow was a young girl, she didn’t understand what her grandfather meant by “lifting.” As she matured, she came to realize he meant to seek forces that would lift her up and ignore those that might bring her down. Uplifting forces like the power of the beauty of nature, the contentment that accompanies gratitude, the satisfaction of doing her best to provide excellent service.
Seek Inspiration and Avoid Discouragement
I left that special little store—so much more than a restaurant—lifted by the gorgeous late-summer day, the voices of the young midshipmen training next door at Maine Maritime Academy, and the spirit of gratitude that filled me up and replenished me in so many ways beyond the physical sustenance of the delicious breakfast. I came away committed to practice “lifting,” which I believe is an effort that requires daily focus to reinforce. I also believe “lifting” requires one to actively seek inspiration, and to intentionally avoid discouragement…they’re two sides of the same coin.
It’s not easy, and it takes practice, but “lifting” makes one stronger. Those who endeavor to create in themselves a spirit of joy, contentment, and gratitude will find there’s no room for resentment, anger, and animosity.
Look in the mirror: How can you tap into the power of “lifting” to help make yourself a better person and a more inspirational leader?
Please join me again next week for more on Leading with Character.
If you enjoyed this post, please visit my website where you can buy my book, Breaking Ice & Breaking Glass: Leading in Uncharted Waters, and sign up for my mailing list: https://sandrastosz.com/book/breaking-ice-and-breaking-glass/
