what do I bring to the party?

.... I often wonder that. Now and then, I get an answer. Today, one of the guys I've been working with defined it for me. He remarked "I'm sure you'll carry across the same enthusiasm and commitment and will be a success" (in whatever you do next). And this from someone who exhibited just those very qualities in what he did.

So maybe it's true. Maybe we see some aspect of ourselves in others. I've long known that when I give feedback to another person, I say it in ways that are important to me. If I value loyalty, I will comment favourably when someone else is loyal. When someone else is loving and gentle, I notice it because I have within me the capability to be loving and gentle - and I value it highly.

The reverse is also true. If someone is pushy and harsh, maybe I react against it because I know I can be like that - and I don't like it.

The other day, I went to a christening. I saw a young member of my family, who's just about to turn 8, acting very gently and lovingly to his very young new cousin. He seems to show a wonderful aptitude with babies and young children. And he also knows how to correct his granny who keeps saying that the newborn is his niece. "She's my COUSIN" he says firmly, with a hint of exasperation. Deep down, I recognise that Charlie is indeed a member of my family.