I was recently given encouragement from a friend that I was an irreplaceable light to them. When sharing that observation with another close friend, we entered into a discussion of whether anyone was truly "irreplaceable," For example, from a professional perspective we have been taught that once you leave a job there is always someone who can come along and do the function or tasks you perform. This lesson is generally taught to keep individuals from getting too much ego regarding their skills or position. The lesson is also sometimes used to caution against overwork or work-a-holism, to serve as a reminder that the other elements of your life may be more important in the grand scheme. This was the initial position of my friend but I changed his mind.
I shared a different viewpoint - "it's not about the meatball."
You see, I countered with the position that we are all unique as individuals and the combination of traits, attitude, experience, and engagement we bring to any task we perform makes us irreplaceable. How often do we hear stories about how someone's day was greatly affected by the smallest of actions by another - positive or negative - so much so that it resonated with that person and became an indelible memory? I know we would all hope we have that impact on others or on our mission in a positive way, that we are remembered... honored... considered irreplaceable even? What if every activity was reduced to just performing a task, without any other context in play? I suppose that would mean any one of us is easily replaced.
I would argue, that is not really the legacy any of us would hope to leave in work, family, community, or life overall.
So, let me tell you a story...
I was raised by my grandmother. An incredible woman of honor and one of my first, most powerful models of fortitude. She used to make the absolute best spaghetti and meatballs. I don't know if they really are the best but they certainly were the best to me and she taught me how to make them. So, these meatballs... they weren't her own secret recipe or handed down through family generations. They were simply a mass-published recipe she tried once upon a time and liked and so she adopted them as her own. To make them, all you had to do was follow the recipe. But you know what? To me - they are still hers. They are still irreplaceable in my heart and my mind. She made them for me with her own special love. She taught me to make them standing on a stool in her kitchen from the time I was little. We shared stories of our days, our thoughts and our dreams as I grew older. We made meatballs just following the recipe. She didn't have to do ANY of that. It wasn't about just following the recipe (which anyone can do).
It's not about the meatballs. As I considered this idea, I realize I can name any number of individuals who have poured into my life, forming deep connections in my career and my heart who I would confidently describe as irreplaceable. I have the blessing of speaking to some of these special people daily, gaining love and counsel. Others are not with me anymore, but their impact in my life is uniquely theirs.
What do you carry into your work tasks, into your relationships, into your days that build your legacy? Do you consider that you may be irreplaceable to someone around you? Do you want help choosing how you show up for the people who interact and engage with you, even when you may think you are just following the recipe? Give me a call if you want to explore more about what is uniquely you.
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