In August I went to the Veteran Speakers Retreat in Washington, DC, one of my very favorite groups. I am the chairperson of the Trustees this year and also in charge of the selection of the five new Legends of the Speaking Profession. We are all longtime speakers, but we do not focus on business. Rather, we share ways to become better persons and new ways to make a difference in this hurting world. I truly love these friends!

Hi, Barbara!  I met you several years ago when I worked for NCBS in Memphis.  I was talking with a colleague about how your presentation and books powerfully impacted my approach to the customer experience.  I am glad to find you on LinkedIn, and I wanted to thank you for inspiring me as a young banker!  I still use many of the ideas and habits that I learned from you and your books. ~Ray Skinner

Since this is the time of year that we focus on Gratitude and Giving, I want to share an excerpt from one of my favorite books, “Priceless Gifts – Using What God Has Given You to Bless Others.” Since I am speaking a lot on Appreciation and Kindness, I love this book because it is a compilation of all kinds of things you can give to others that do not cost any money. Always remember that the most priceless gifts do not cost money, but come from the heart:

The gift of listening—One of the greatest things we can do for another

person is to just listen without interrupting, daydreaming or thinking about

our next leap into the conversation.

The gift of a compliment—A simple and sincere, ”You look wonderful in blue,” “That was such a beautiful note,” “What a fantastic meal!” or “You always brighten my day whenever I see your smile,” can make someone’s day. 

The gift of showing affection—Demonstrate how much you care for others with hugs, kisses, a gentle squeeze of the hand, a pat on the back, smiles.

The gift of laughter—Everyone loves to laugh. Try to see the humor in

day-to-day living and share it with others. Also develop the ability to laugh at yourself.

The gift of cheerfulness—This means no complaining, no feeling sorry for

ourselves, no nasty comments. no gossip. Our gift of cheerfulness will

be precious for everyone including ourselves.

The gift of doing a favor—Help with the dishes, type a letter, run an

errand, babysit so a busy mother can have a break. Every day go out of your way to do something kind for someone.

The gift of contact—Write notes as simple as “thinking of you today”.

Make phone calls, send emails, reach out with support.

The gift of solitude—There are times when we want nothing more than to be left alone. Be sensitive to those times and give the gift of solitude to others.

The gift of acceptance—Accept with fortitude the things we can’t change.

This gift makes a difference in the lives of your friends and family.

The gift of prayer—The hidden gift. Let your friends and loved ones know you pray for them—and then do it!

I celebrate all of you who are making a difference in this world by truly giving of yourselves. Sometimes we give out of necessity, social custom, or habit. But at other times our giving is out of pure generosity and love, and the feeling that comes from this kind of giving fills the heart and soul with the utmost joy.  

In Genesis 12:3, God tells Abram, “And I will bless you and make your name great; And so you shall be a blessing; And I will bless those who bless you.” So, as we use the gifts God has given us to bless others, gifts will come back to us manifold.

To order your own copy of this book for only $17.99 and free shipping, go to Click Here to Order Now.

From my husband, Kim, “I am at this luncheon. There is a woman here that I just know you’d really like. She’s talking about contagious enthusiasm and service. Her stories are great!” “I think her name is Barbara …” Me, “Barbara Glanz??????? ”  Kim, “Yes, I do think that is her!” Me, “Oh my gosh, you are not even going to believe this. That is the woman I have modeled my teaching style after!” 

Sandra just recently moved to Bradenton, FL, and emailed me to see if we could have lunch. She wrote, “Barbara, your energy is contagious, and your presence reminds me of Glinda from The Wizard of Oz—radiating pure goodness. Thank you for being that light. Our world needs it now more than ever. PS: I just found the packet of handouts dated April 28, 1988, ‘Spreading Contagious Enthusiasm.’  Thirty-seven years ago, I was a starry-eyed 25 year old working a dream job and your presentation changed my life. “What a thrill that she remembered me even after 37 years! ~Sandra Filer, MBA

Finally, I want to celebrate David Roth, an amazing and heartfelt folksinger who writes all his own songs, usually based on a true story or a value he wants to share. Like John, we also met when we were speaking at the International Humor Conference many years ago, and I was deeply touched with his talent and the meaningful songs he wrote. We had an instant bond and, after he heard my story of “Johnny the Bagger®,” he asked if he could write a song about it. You have the link below to “A Little Something More” as well as one of my favorites, “Greater Good of All.” The most fun collaboration we had was doing a presentation on the shores of Maui for a corporate client on “CARE Packages for the Workplace.” I would share one of the parts of the acronym CARE (C = Creative Communication, A = Atmosphere and Appreciation for All, R= Respect and Reason for Being, and E = Empathy and Enthusiasm.) After each discussion, David would sing a song that related to that attribute. It was a mountaintop experience for both the audience and us! www.davidrothmusic.com.

“A Little Something More”

https://soundcloud.com/davidrothmusic/07-a-little-something-more

“The Greater Good of All”

https://soundcloud.com/davidrothmusic/greater-good-of-all

Jeffrey Bontrager of St. Ignatius, MT, had just ordered 50 copies of “The Simple Truths of Service Inspired by Johnny the Bagger®” from me to share with his colleagues and friends. Last week, Jeff shared with me that he had given one of them to a friend who was visiting from Sugar Creek, OH. His friend called to tell him he had read it on the plane on the way home and enjoyed it so much he gave it to the person sitting next to him. So, being such a service champion and friend, Jeffrey this week ordered ANOTHER 10 copies to send to him so he could share them with more people. How thrilled Johnny would be!

• Some people give time, some money, some their skills and connections. Some literally give their life’s blood. But everyone has something to give. —Barbara Bush 

• God has given us two hands — one to receive with and the other to give with. —Billy Graham 

• Deeds of giving are the very foundation of the world.  The Torah

• The joy of giving is as often overlooked as the giving of joy. — David Barton 

• Give to the world the best that you have and the best will come back to you. – –Madeline Bridges 

• There are those who give with joy, and that joy is their reward. And there are those who give with pain, and that pain is their baptism. And there are those who give and know not pain in giving, nor do they seek joy, nor give with mindfulness of virtue; they give as in yonder valley the myrtle breathes its fragrance into space. Through the hands of such as these God speaks, and from behind their eyes, He smiles upon the earth. ~Kahlil Gibran The Prophet

• We should give as we would receive, cheerfully, quickly, and without hesitation; for there is no grace in a benefit that sticks to the fingers. ~Seneca

• Give what you have.

To someone, it may be better

Than you dare think.

~Henry Wadsworth Longfellow 

Barbara, I attended the LSHRM meeting where you spoke about Kindness in the workplace. I really absorbed everything you said. The workday would be so less stressful if kindness was put into it on a daily basis. Thank you for your insight. ~Yvonne Bates