I was troubled last week because a former co-worker and friend of mine seemed in need of encouragement. Have you ever been fortunate enough to work with a genius? I have worked with many wonderful and talented people, gifted in so many ways. However I have only worked with two who were born to succeed in the hospitality industry. If you know or knew them, you would agree.

They were not only brilliant and learned effortlessly but were also engaging and empathetic, natural leaders and communicators, they were the first in and the last to leave and did it every day, exceedingly well with a smile on their face. And that smile and vivacious, contagious personality is what made them charismatic leaders.

People didn’t follow their lead just because they were confident and capable and knowledgeable but because they liked and respected them. Plus a charismatic leader makes their team believe that they respect and care about them and their needs. We should all be so awesome.

Well one of these gifted prodigies recently posted on Facebook a meme that almost broke my heart, because for someone so full of life to be so melancholy…I hesitate to repeat the quote I fear some would mistake it for a 240, but for clarity’s sake, here it is: “I know you’re sad, so i won’t tell you to have a good day. Instead, I advise you to simply have a day. Stay alive. Feed yourself well. Wear comfortable clothes and don’t give up on yourself just yet. Until then, have a day.”

Honestly, I wanted to weep…I still do, because I was not in a position to help

Hey we can all have bad days or weeks or continuing “situations” or bad relationships and although this post wasn’t totally defeatist, to see this morose expression from someone so young and someone I know to be such a happy and positive and giving and exciting and caring person is just heart-breaking.

Now I have no doubt that this person will triumph and emerge stronger than ever but beware for yourself.

Love first. Love always.

Today’s 240 Pop

“When you arise in the morning, think of what a precious privilege it is to be alive, to breathe, to think, to enjoy, to love.”

Marcus Aurelius-known as one of the five “Good” Roman emperors

Now let’s get back to work and DO not have a day…Go out and Make it a Great Day!!!