Interactions That Leave an Imprint

Hey there, G.R.O.W. family!

I hope you're staying warm and cozy out there! With most of the country blanketed in snow last week, I believe it’s a way of reminding us to slow down and reflect. And what better way to spend these frosty days than diving into our latest newsletter, titled "Interactions That Leave Imprints"?

This week, we're all about the art of Etiquette – those little gestures and habits that can make a big difference. From the power of a simple 'Thank You' in our Growth Gateway section to understanding the depth of trust and communication through the journey of a single mother in Insight Exchange. And let's not forget our Bridge Builders piece on Public Spaces Etiquette because being considerate doesn't take a snow day off!

So grab your favorite warm drink, find a comfy spot, and let's explore how our everyday interactions can leave lasting, positive imprints on those around us. And hey, don't forget this week's challenge – practicing active listening. It's a skill that's as comforting as a warm blanket on a snowy day.

Stay safe, stay inspired, and let's keep growing together.

Warm regards,

Michael R. Morgan

Publisher, G.R.O.W. Newsletter and CEO/Founder A Few Good MENtors, Inc.

GROWTH GATEWAY

The Value of “Thank You”: Never Underestimate Gratitude

In the hustle of everyday life, we often overlook the simplest acts of kindness. But here's a little secret: the power of saying Thank You is monumental. This seemingly small gesture can have a massive impact, not just on others, but on our emotional well-being too.

Let’s unpack this, shall we? Thank You is more than good manners; it's an expression of gratitude that can turn ordinary moments into memorable experiences. It's about acknowledging someone’s effort, time, or gesture. Imagine the warmth you feel when someone genuinely appreciates your help - it's like a ray of sunshine on a cloudy day.

But the beauty of gratitude doesn't stop there. According to Dr. Robert A. Emmons, a leading gratitude researcher, expressing gratitude improves mental health. His studies show that being thankful increases long-term health by more than 10%! It's like a natural antidepressant. Every time we express gratitude, we increase our happiness and decrease depressive symptoms. That’s amazing, right?

Think about it. Saying Thank You isn't just beneficial for the receiver; it works wonders for the giver, too. When we express gratitude, we activate the brain regions associated with dopamine - the feel-good neurotransmitter. It's a natural mood booster, improving our overall emotional state.

In our digital era, where emojis often replace heartfelt expressions, saying Thank You can significantly strengthen our relationships. Whether it’s a quick text, a heartfelt email, or a face-to-face expression, showing gratitude shows that you value and respect the other person. This forms the structure of strong, lasting relationships.

So, how can we integrate Thank You into our daily lives? Start by acknowledging the little things. Thank the barista for your morning coffee, appreciate a colleague for their assistance, or acknowledge a friend’s support. Research by Dr. Martin E.P. Seligman, a pioneer in the field of Positive Psychology, indicates that writing and delivering a gratitude letter to someone who had never been properly thanked for their kindness immediately increases happiness.

Remember, the impact of gratitude goes beyond the moment. A study by psychologists Dr. Michael McCullough and Dr. Jo-Ann Tsang found that more grateful people have higher levels of subjective well-being and are less stressed and depressed. This isn’t just about making others feel good; it’s about creating a more joyful, emotionally healthy life for ourselves.

In essence, gratitude is like a boomerang; the more you send out, the more it comes back to you. So, let’s make Thank You a habit, a part of our everyday vocabulary. Let it be more than a polite gesture; let it be a way of life.

And on that note, a heartfelt THANK YOU to you, our readers. Your engagement and enthusiasm are what keep this community thriving.

Keep spreading gratitude.

INSIGHT EXCHANGE

Nurturing Trust, Communication, and Faith: My Journey as a Single Mother of Two Young Black Men.

In this heartfelt article, Kimberly Ginyard, a single mother of two young black men, shares her journey of nurturing trust, communication, and faith within her family. Faced with the challenges and rewards that come with raising two sons, Kimberly emphasizes the importance of strong family values in guiding young lives. A recent incident involving her son serves as a backdrop to this narrative, highlighting the crucial role of making wise choices and the impact these choices have on one's character and reputation. Join Kimberly as she unfolds a story of growth, reflection, and the power of standing true to oneself.

Hello, G.R.O.W. Community. Being a single mother of two young black men has been a challenging yet incredibly rewarding journey. My foundation has always been built on pillars of trust, open communication, and a strong relationship with God. These elements have helped shape our family dynamics and become crucial in navigating the inevitable bumps along the road.

Recently, a situation arose that tested our family values and brought us face-to-face with the consequences of making poor choices. My son, a talented young man, made a regrettable decision during a chorus performance. Sitting next to a disruptive classmate, his performance was affected, resulting in a failing grade for the assignment and removal from the chorus event.

As a mother, I was disappointed, but I knew this was an opportunity for growth and reflection. The consequences were not just about academic grades; they were a reflection of his character. This incident presented a valuable lesson about the importance of making wise choices and understanding the impact our actions can have on our reputation.

In the aftermath, we sat down for a heart-to-heart conversation. The foundation of open communication that we had built allowed us to discuss the incident without judgment. My son needed to understand the gravity of his actions, not just regarding academic consequences but also regarding his cultivated reputation.

I reminded him of our family mantra during our conversation: "It is better to stand out than to fit in." I emphasized the significance of individuality and the strength that comes from being true to oneself, even when faced with peer pressure or the desire to conform. I wanted him to recognize that his uniqueness was a source of strength, not a weakness.

Our relationship with God played a significant role in navigating this challenging time. We prayed together for wisdom, strength, and guidance. The faith we shared served as a source of comfort, reminding us that mistakes are part of the human experience, but redemption is always within reach.

The consequences presented to my son served as a powerful teaching moment. Beyond the academic setback, he learned about responsibility, accountability, and the importance of upholding his values. He had to apologize to his teacher, acknowledging the impact of his actions on the classroom environment.

As a single mother, these experiences reinforce the importance of instilling strong values in my children, which will guide them even when faced with difficult choices. Trust, open communication, and faith have been the cornerstones of our journey, helping us navigate challenges, learn from mistakes, and emerge stronger as individuals and as a family. These are also great etiquette qualities that every young person should strive to develop.

In the end, my son's journey through this incident became a story of resilience, redemption, and the enduring strength that comes from standing out and staying true to oneself.

Written by Kimberly Ginyard,

Executive Assistant A Few Good MENtors, Inc.

As we reflect on Kimberly’s story, it's clear that etiquette is important to personal development and building strong character. Her approach to nurturing trust, fostering open communication, and leaning on faith during difficult times aligns perfectly with the values we uphold at A Few Good MENtors, Inc. Her journey is not just inspiring but also a blueprint for instilling the right values in the young minds we are shaping for the future.

Kimberly's story is a reminder that etiquette is more than just good manners; it's a way of living that empowers us to make wise decisions and positively impact those around us.

BRIDGE BUILDERS

Public Space Etiquette: Be Considerate Everywhere

In this edition of Bridge Builders, let’s dive into a topic that’s as essential as your morning coffee – Public Space Etiquette. We're not just talking about memorizing a handbook of dos and don’ts. It’s about the simple, everyday actions that make public spaces enjoyable for everyone. Think of it as your personal guide to being the coolest, most considerate person in any room, meeting, or bus you step into.

So, why is public space etiquette important? Picture this: you’re at a park quietly reading your favorite book when suddenly, blaring music from a nearby group shatters the peace. That’s annoying, right? Public spaces are shared spaces. How we behave in these areas can significantly impact the experience of others. And let’s be honest, making someone’s day a little brighter (including ours) sounds like a good plan.

Here's a short checklist to keep in mind:

Volume Control: Keep your conversations, music, and phone calls at a considerate volume. Your playlist might be awesome, but not everyone around you may share your taste in music.

Space Awareness: Personal space isn't just a buzzword; it's a necessity. Be mindful of how much space you're taking up in crowded areas. That means no sprawling your stuff across three seats on a busy train.

Cleanliness Counts: Treat public spaces like you would your living room (assuming you keep your living room clean!). Dispose of your trash properly. Remember, littering isn’t just uncool; it’s disrespectful to the environment and others sharing the space.

Queue Like a Pro: Trust me, my wife will tell you. I hate waiting in lines. It’s a horrible experience, but we all must do it. So, no cutting in line or pushing. Patience is a virtue and a form of courtesy in queues.

Smile and Acknowledge: A simple smile or a nod goes a long way. Acknowledge the presence of others around you. It’s a small gesture but can make a big difference in someone's day.

Incorporating these little acts of consideration can transform public spaces into more harmonious and pleasant environments for all. Imagine a world where everyone practiced these simple etiquettes – it would be a kinder, more enjoyable place for everyone.

So, the next time you step out, remember these pointers. Not only will you be setting a great example, but you’ll also be contributing to a more courteous and respectful community. Let’s improve our shared spaces, one considerate action at a time.

WEEKLY CHALLENGE

Mastering the Art of Active Listening

This week, let’s embark on a journey to enhance our communication skills with a simple yet powerful tool: active listening. Active listening isn't just about hearing words; it's about fully engaging with the speaker and truly understanding their message.

QUOTE FOR THE WEEK

"Manners are a sensitive awareness of the feelings of others." - Emily Post

• Join AFGM as we visit Mount Vernon in Virginia on 2/24/2024 to celebrate Black History Month in February. If interested, email us at [email protected]

• We want to thank the Washington Wizards organization for hosting A Few Good MENtors, Inc. at a recent NBA game! Although the Wizards lost (again), we had a great time and learned a thing or two about teamwork. Below is a picture from the event.

WRAPPING UP & LOOKING AHEAD

And there we have it – another edition of the G.R.O.W. newsletter wrapped up and ready to be reflected upon. We discussed the art of etiquette and the power of our everyday interactions, and we hope you're walking away with some valuable insights to apply in your own life.

As we bid this issue farewell, let's not forget that A Few Good MENtors, Inc. eagerly welcomes new mentors and mentees. So apply today. Our next New Mentoring Training Session is just around the corner on 3/23/2024, and we're thrilled about the prospect of expanding our mentoring family. So, if you've been thinking about joining, now's your chance to make a difference! Just go to www.afgmentoring.org for more information.

And hey, let's make our newsletter community bigger and better! Share this newsletter with your friends and family, and guess what? You can earn some awesome AFGM gear in the process. A birthday shoutout for three referrals, a stylish mug for 15, and an AFGM vest for 25 – pretty cool, right?

Now, let's talk about what's coming up. Mark your calendars for 1/29/2024 because our next newsletter is all about Leadership. The theme? "Empowerment: Lifting as You Rise." We'll explore how true leadership means empowering others alongside your journey upward. It's going to be an edition packed with inspiration and actionable insights, so don't miss it!

Until then, keep practicing the tips from this week's challenge, and remember that every small act of kindness and understanding can leave a lasting imprint.

Stay inspired and ready to lead,

Michael R. Morgan

Publisher, G.R.O.W. Newsletter and CEO/Founder A Few Good MENtors, Inc.