FISH!

Joelle wrote me an email asking me if I knew what FISH! was. No I did not. So I did what I do best: I Googled (I wonder if Webster's Dictionary has deemed, "google" a verb yet?). I found some interesting information that fits nicely into my SELF philosophy by bringing it to the school- or workplace. Well done on the referencing, Joelle. Here's a bit about it from http://www.charthouse.com/content.aspx?name=home2

What is the FISH! Philosophy?

The FISH! Philosophy includes four simple, interconnected practices:

Be There is being emotionally present for people. It’s a powerful message of respect that improves communication and strengthens relationships.Play taps into your natural way of being creative, enthusiastic and having fun.

I love that this is the first tenet. We are so often consumed by what's bound to happen next, what we should say next, how we feel about something, that we fail to be present to listen and pay close attention to what's happening around us. I've learned in the very recent past that my thoughts will be there when I get back to them. I can pay attention to what's happening in front of me and return to my thoughts when it's my turn to think or talk.

Play is the spirit that drives the curious mind, as in “Let’s play with that idea!” It’s a mindset you can bring to everything you do.

Though I'm a pretty serious gal, I am very curious. I love thinking about why and how...it's what draws me to science and keeps me enthralled with riddles.

Make Their Day is finding simple ways to serve or delight people in a meaningful, memorable way. It’s about contributing to someone else’s life, not because you want something out of it, but because that’s the person you want to be.

I think one of the most important things about being a Good Samaritan is not bragging all day long about the good stuff you did. For me, it's enough reward to know I've done it: I don't need my friends to pat me on the back. BUT it also means doing the kinds of things that make you say to yourself, "Thank GOD I'm here! Who else would have done that?" I take pride in the good things I do...why not? Lord knows I ruminate about the crappy things I do...why not delight in something wonderful instead?

Choose Your Attitude means taking responsibility for how you respond to what life throws at you. Once you are aware that your choice impacts everyone around you, you can ask yourself, “Is my attitude helping my team or my customers? Is it helping me to be the person I want to be?”

I've always maintained that happiness is a state of mind that you choose for yourself. No one can make you happy: you have to make you happy. Only I have the power to affect how I feel. I own it: I like owning it. It's a responsibility I take VERY seriously.

Through The FISH! Philosophy, we build stronger relationships with the team members we work with, the customers we serve, the students we teach and the people we love.

Thanks for bringing this to my attention, Friend.

I think the happiness might be spreading :)

Let's be amazing, shall we?