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Two lasting principles: Assuming Positive Intent and Gratitude
As I have contemplated the last 8 years, there are two lasting principles that I want to talk about.
The first is Assume Positive Intent.
I first learned this principle from reading a book by Scott O’ Neill, CEO of Merlin Entertainment, called “Be Where Your Feet Are.” He explained that police decided to throw an ice cream party for the neighborhood instead of assuming the neighborhood was full of criminals and thugs. The neighborhood thrived and the police interactions created a real community feel.
Further definition includes: positive intent means choosing to assume that our neighbors, family, and coworkers are working to the best of their ability with the resources and information they have now. At its core, positive intent is believing that we're all doing the best we can.
Indra Nooyi, CEO of Pepsi defines positive intent, “Whatever anybody says or does, assume positive intent. You will be amazed at how your whole approach to a person or problem becomes very different. When you assume negative intent, you're angry.”
As a community, let’s practice “Assuming Positive Intent.”
The second principle is gratitude.
I learned a great principle from Elder Dieter F Uchtdorf, LDS Church apostle, he explained, "Being grateful in our circumstances is an act of faith in God. It requires that we trust God and hope for things we may not see but which are true."
I have been through a difficult divorce, my mother’s death, diabetes diagnosis and a few campaign cycles. They were all difficult experiences, but through them I could always find things to be grateful for. My dear husband Jim, who walked neighborhoods with me during the campaigns. True friends who were kind and thoughtful. The beautiful world around us. A friendly smile or a word of encouragement all brightened my day.
It is my hope that we can “live in thanksgiving daily” especially during seemingly difficult times and seasons.
-Councilwoman Debby Lauret
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