It feels GREAT to have a line-up of Yellow Envelope Nominees.  It wasn't that long ago I was beating the bushes, begging - no imploring - you to nominate someone you knew who shined.

We've come a long way.  A growing number of people are nominating friends, colleagues, and neighbors to be recognized by our program and a growing number of people are pulling out their pens and paper to write notes of encouragement to our weekly winners.  I attribute our success to this...

The Yellow Envelope Project is a good idea.

How do you argue with an organization that is committed to spotlighting hard working people whose contributions might otherwise go unrecognized?  It's hard to dispute our purpose when each and every one of us is surrounded by either a waitress, assistant, doctor, conductor, classroom mom, volunteer soccer coach, sanitation man, teacher, barista, volunteer, pharmacist, or crossing guard who throws themselves into their work like the world depended on it.

Recognize the contributions of others and, not only will our nominees be encouraged to act again and again and again, others will learn what shining looks like.  Let the contributions of every day citizens go unrecognized and run the risk that these sources of light will burn out. 

Earlier in the week I shared a short story about a student who, as a gift, dedicated a year to me.  Today we will pick up on that theme by recognizing a man who, in a short period of time, became an important friend and mentor.  Check out what his nominator had to say...

"I nominate Pete, because no one has ever come into my life and made such an impact.  He only worked with me at my job for 6 months.  His positive energy actually energized me to come to work every day.  I just went through something traumatic in my life and when I told Pete he didn't simply say, "I am sorry.  You will be ok."  He said, "This happened to you for a reason and down the road you will look back and have one of those 'oh' moments.  Just remember who you are, what you believe in, and that you are truly loved by a ton of people!"  Pete has changed my life.  I don't get to see him that often, but knowing people like Pete are out there lets me know the world is a brighter place."

Shine Principle #5: Realize the Impact of Little Things.  Do you think Pete had any idea that the little bit of compassion that he showed our nominator, in a single conversation, would leave that kind of impression?  Probably not.  Pete-the-colleague didn't wait for the really big moment to shine.  The contagious energy he brought to work, coupled with the attentiveness he showed our nominator, lets us know that Pete approaches the little stuff with the same Shine Spirit the he approaches the big stuff.

A small gesture on Pete's part is deserved of a small gesture on your part.  Get out your pen and jot Pete a short note letting him know that Principle #5 helps make the world go round.  Thank him for modeling enthusiasm and compassion.  Seal your note in a yellow envelope (or a white envelope decorated with yellow markers) and print the words, "Yellow Envelope Project" in the return address.  Commit to mailing it sometime before next Saturday when we switch gears and recognize another deserving nominee.

Shine Principle #5: Realize the Impact of Little Things. 

Shining off until Monday...