Daily writing prompt

Tell us one thing you hope people say about you.

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I recently read an interesting article by Adrienne Matei in The Atlantic—The Type of Charisma That Saves a Holiday Party. The author said that, despite endless studies and self-help books (the “charisma industry”), true magnetism is an elusive quality. She talked about “flashy anectdotes” vs “selfless charisma” as a conscious sensitivity to those around us:

…charisma does not have to be self-serving. In Greek, charisma translates as a “gift.” Rather than keep that gift to exploit for themselves, some charismatic people disperse it…I call these people vibe popes. Consider it a nondenominational title for those who unite people under the divine light of a good time.

Now, I certainly don’t claim to be a vibe pope, but I’m not shy. I got a couple of nice messages from colleagues, when I left my job last month. One person said that I had been very good at connecting people (from the two pre-merger entities) and “bridging the gap” after the merger. Even my toxic boss, in her e-mail message to the department about my departure, said that I was skilled at “cultivating new and lasting relationships with donors” and that my “enthusiasm for (the organization) is undeniably contagious.” OK, so maybe I have some level of charisma.

I’d like it to be said that I used whatever charisma I have for good–that I made people feel more warm, welcomed, connected, less lonely. I know that to do that I need to listen to people more closely.

In the spirit of warmth and connection, I wanted to share yesterday’s Santa Lucia broadcast from Sweden. I watch it every year, because my dear daughter is named Lucia (pronounced the Italian way: Loo-CHEE-ah).

We’re Italian-Americans, without a drop of Swedish blood, but I must give credit to Sweden for really making “Lucia Day” (December 13) something special. They celebrate the triumph of light over darkness in the most beautful way. Stunning Nordic setting, music, children, carols, strings, firelight, reindeer – and so very many candles. I hope it helps put you in the holiday spirit.