Being Seen Through the Eyes of Another

Meeting myself anew

Random Conversations is a newsletter for those who believe in the power of a positive perspective and the joy it brings. It champions intentionally honoring ways of being and promotes the belief that we can change our world, one interaction at a time. Choose the change wisely.

Photo by Photo by Andre Mouton on Unsplash

I had the most extraordinary experience last week. I was profiled by

Dr. Heidi

Lescanec in her Substack publication

The Pink Zones

, and reading that has had a profound effect on me.

Heidi has been exploring what enables women to thrive through mid-years and beyond. She interviews people she believes have something to offer and shares what she learns with her readers. I am honored to be included with these amazing women – Heidi being the most amazing of all!

(A link to Heidi’s “Talking with Strangers” can be found at the bottom of this post if you’d like to see it.)

Not all words are created equal. They can build us up and they can tear us down. I have been on the receiving end of both. Heidi’s words lifted my heart and affected me deeply.

What Impression Do We Create?

I know it to be true that we immediately start gathering information about people we meet before the first words are even spoken. For example, it was part of my assessment process when interviewing candidates in my past corporate recruiting roles. I would note their level of confidence as they entered the interview room. Lacking confidence would not work – nor the smugness of overconfidence.

It is interesting to consider what kind of impression we give to those who meet us. What are we saying about ourselves in this wordless conversation?

It takes my breath away to read that Heidi knew I had something to offer to the Pink Zones from being together on a group call. I was simply being me – laughing and chatting in a small group conversation. I do not remember anything I said, and find it incredible that words I had long forgotten have stayed with someone who heard them.

The Power of Words

Heidi shared snippets of our conversations, selecting what resonated most with her and commenting on them. We spoke a bit about hardships I encountered over the years, but our focus was on what worked well in navigating through them. That was and is the message being shared.

In the practice of Appreciative Inquiry, a strength-based change methodology, we focus on what’s working well and use that as a springboard to create more growth. In using this process, we view through a positive or appreciative lens – one which looks for the best of what is. I can say from experience that it is an extremely powerful lens!

Heidi intuitively saw and heard me through that lens. Reading and seeing this version reflected back to me was and is life-changing. My thoughts and words had value to someone I care about. I had value. Extraordinary!

Creating a Community

Heidi is creating a Pink Zones community in which we can learn from each other how to thrive throughout all our years. It is such an honor to be invited to join the fabulous women Heidi has already profiled, and to continue these conversations over time.

I will admit that I feel somewhat unworthy, but I am trying to see myself through Heidi’s eyes. I am deeply touched and grateful.

A Question

Do you let people know the positive impact they have on you? That is not something we typically share on a regular basis. Now more than ever, the world needs an influx of positivity. It is how we change the world, one delicious conversation at a time.

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Talking With Strangers