She wasn’t even three feet tall— a little five-year-old toe head leaving the grocery line with her mom. She was carrying a plastic bag full of Fuji apples that were far too heavy for her tiny arms. She walked a few feet, paused, and realized that the bag was too heavy, so she started to loop the two handles over her head.
Her mom leaned down, took one of the handles of the plastic bag and they walked out of the store with the bag of apples between them, each one shouldering half of the weight.
A simple lesson, you say. Ah, but aren’t the simple lessons the most powerful ones?
Geese set an awesome example of teamwork. As they fly in “V” formation, the flock adds 71% to their flying range. When a goose gets sick or shot down, two other geese fly with it to protect it. They stay with the fallen goose until it dies or is ready to fly again. They also honk to cheer the leader on!
Can we be that protective of each other in our own lives?
This week has been a challenging one physically. Never take the act of walking for granted!
I tend to grouse when someone offers to help me lift a heavy load or open a door. It has been easier to accept assistance this week, as I’ve mentally visualized the picture of the mother and daughter each holding a handle on the bag of apples.
We are all ONE … here to fly stronger and make each other’s load a little bit lighter.
What does teamwork mean to you? What’s your best example of seeing it applied in your life?
Warm regards,
November 10th, 2010 at 12:56 am
Very cool Dar – it’s always the little lessons that mean so much isn’t it??
Teamwork has always been tricky for me … but you make it easy
Hugs,
Andrea
Andrea Goodsaid´s last [type] ..Being the Goose I Was Born to Be
November 10th, 2010 at 8:36 am
Thanks, Andrea. There’s no team I’d rather be on than yours!
November 10th, 2010 at 10:20 am
Hi Darlene,
I have always loved the story of the geese. When I was so ill years ago and fibromyalgia was much worse, it was sometimes challenging to ask for help. I know exactly how you feel. Your support system, as in your family and friends ends up being the lifeline you can reach to in times of trouble. The synergy of that support is always so much stronger as a cohesive unit, all on the same page.
Thanks for all you do! You are amazing
Laura
Laura Morris´s last [type] ..5 Rules You Must Follow When Prospecting Your Warm Market
November 10th, 2010 at 11:41 am
Laura,
Thanks for your support. I know fibromyalgia is a very taxing disease. Can I please shoot some support back to you? What have you done to keep it under control?
November 10th, 2010 at 11:59 am
Darlene
I love the geese example. I haven’t thought of it for quite some time so thanks for the reminder. I know it is hard to accept help or support at times but think of the little girl it wasn’t that there was anything ‘wrong’ with her she just wasn’t old enough or strong enough for what she wanted to carry, she accepted that, not as a disability just as a fact. Maybe at times we can be more sensitive to help as it reminds us of our weaknesses, but if we just see it as a show of affection and support just a fact that at times we all need help and this doesn’t make us weak maybe it is easier to accept.
Belinda
belinda cunningham´s last [type] ..7 – Decision – The mastery of procrastination
November 10th, 2010 at 1:03 pm
Belinda,
Like the idea of seeing “help” as “a show of affection and support”. Great way to look at it—thanks!
Miss you lots on the Tribe calls. I’m looking forward to connecting with you soon:)
November 10th, 2010 at 9:02 pm
Teamwork to me means you are getting different view points that are helpful to a common goal. Teamwork is when you have other teammates to encourage you when things aren’t going as planned. Teamwork means you’re combining different skills to go farther and stronger than just one person alone. Teamwork also means you don’t have to do it alone.
Xavier….
November 11th, 2010 at 6:05 am
Well said, Xavier! Nice to make your acquaintance. Thanks for visiting my blog.
November 11th, 2010 at 3:21 pm
The reason that V formation works so well, is that each goose is cutting the wind resistance for the one off to their back/side.
Each goose takes a turn to lead and start the wind-breaker.
It’s truly an amazing miracle of nature – and yes… we should all apply the same to our lives.
I think the TSA is an amazing parallel… but so is any type of networking!
Paul Klaszus´s last [type] ..Mentality on Money
November 11th, 2010 at 4:36 pm
You are right, Paul. TSA is an amazing parallel. Thanks for your insight.
November 11th, 2010 at 5:58 pm
Darlene I love your example of the little girl. What a wonderful example of working together. I also love your Geese example. I knew a little of that but not the total details. Amazing how they work together.
I am glad you saw the lesson for you this week. I agree we all do need to learn to work together. We have many examples of teams in our life. We have on Wednesdays in Alaska for instance. I love how we support each other.
I have a wonderful team with my husband and over many years of marriage we have supported each other.
It is perfectly okay to accept assistance when we need it but I get it can be difficult.
I loved this post and video.
Have a wonderful week
Sue
Sue Price´s last [type] ..Network Markting Today – Part 4
November 12th, 2010 at 10:51 am
Darlene~
This is a wonderful post! Thank you for touching a very sensitive subject for those of us with limiting conditions! Life is all about working together isn’t it? I have had great help and support from many people in my life, you are one of those people!!
Have a great week,
Linda
Linda G. Cox´s last [type] ..One Man in a Stand Up Wheel Chair Makes History
November 12th, 2010 at 3:06 pm
Darlene:
I always enjoy examples from nature to learn personal develoment lessons. You wrote such a powerful post, very visual.
I agree that sometimes simple is best; words of wisdom are usually few words because of the power they hold.
Wishing you strength, blessings, and all the things you truly need to be happy!
A fan…
Deborah
Deborah A. Ten Brink´s last [type] ..Water It’s not about lack it’s about availability
November 12th, 2010 at 6:30 pm
Hi Darlene
Isn’t it amazing how when we pay attention to what’s going on around us, we can learn from it?
To quote Rafiki in “The Lion King” movies …
“Look beyond what you see …”
(that’s probably not quoted precisely because I’m going by memory here, but it’s pretty close all the same
).
Every person needs to feel valued, whether that means being part of a team, a community, a family etc.
It’s amazing what a difference it makes to how someone feels when they feel valued. On the flip side of that, while at times it’s difficult to accept help from others (I must admit, I do struggle with that a bit myself!), it’s worth remembering how good it can make the other person feel to be helping you.
I completely agree with Belinda where she says:
” … if we just see it as a show of affection and support just a fact that at times we all need help and this doesn’t make us weak maybe it is easier to accept”.
Well said, Belinda!
While it may have been easier for the mother to have simply carried the bag of apples herself, I have no doubt that she understands how important it is for her child’s self esteem to be able to help.
Allowing her daughter to still feel that she was helping, even with her mother’s assistance, is a valuable part of developing the little girl’s independence and life skills, including respecting other people and their needs.
hehe – there have been plenty of times that my kids have “helped” me when in actual fact, it hasn’t really been much help at all and has slowed me down, but it’s important to them and makes them feel good, so I encourage it.
Consequently, I have 2 out of 3 particularly helpful children, and my eldest child is reasonably helpful (she’s also getting to “that age”
)
Thanks Darlene for sharing your insights with us.
~ Kylie ~
Kylie Doak´s last [type] ..Are You Focusing on What You Can’t Do- Rather Than What You Can
November 13th, 2010 at 5:19 am
Darlene, if anybody in this world has earned the right to “Grouse”, you have. Much of my daily inspiration come those like you who walk a more difficult path than me. If you don’t mind I would like to work your life into the next (first Chapter) blog that I’m working on this weekend. May get it done I hope by Tuesday. Thank you Darlene for being a “Grouse” I love.
November 13th, 2010 at 7:34 am
Darlene,
Your post is simple and to the point, just as the example you use. I’m a great believer in teamwork and helping make those around you better. We can accomplish so much more working together.
Mike Sweeney
Mike Sweeney´s last [type] ..Efficient Twitter Marketing Strategies that Provide Positive Results
November 13th, 2010 at 8:48 am
Paul,
Teamwork is the basis for everything, you cannot be successful in anything without it.
Lori
Lori Robertson´s last [type] ..Have You Met Your “Other Self”
November 13th, 2010 at 8:49 pm
Thank you for this powerful post Darlene. I think we often perceive accepting help from others as admitting weakness or even failure in ourselves. But in reality, no one is capable of traveling the path of life alone. We all have our limits and these are ever changing as our life unfolds. Accepting help when needed is teamwork at its best.
Louise
Louise Steiner´s last [type] ..How To Develop A Social Media Marketing Strategy
November 16th, 2010 at 7:13 pm
If only most of us would realize the importance of helping each other, there would be less burden in this world. We are meant to share ourselves to those who are in need, after all, as you have said, we are all one.
November 17th, 2010 at 9:10 am
Hello Darlene,
Very Touching Post! When I was pregnant I got that extra attention, where people always wanted to get the door or give me a seat. And I know they where just trying to help but i couldnt stop feeling as though they felt sorry for me. And I hate feeling helpless.
Besides the mood swings, hormones raging and extra weight gain. My husband looked at me and treated me as though nothing changed. He knew when I wanted and needed the help and acted accordingly. For that I am grateful because without that teamwork I would have been even more miserable during my pregnancy.
I loved the example of the geese. I learned something new! Thanks Darlene for a great post!
Have a good One,
Taralee Bernier
Arthur and Taralee Bernier´s last [type] ..Your Story The 1 Attraction Marketing Secret Mind Mastery
November 17th, 2010 at 7:24 pm
Dear Darlene, sharing your insights, like this one, in a way that comes straight from your heart, is what you do so well and what I love about you. I can just see the little girl and her mother each holding a handle to share the load. I’ll keep this picture in my heart. Helpful and touching lessons like this one and the one about the geese are all around us, if only we open our eyes to them. I’m glad your eyes were open to see the beauty and comfort in carrying our loads together as each one is able. Your story and how you told it were the highlight of my day today. Thank you!
November 19th, 2010 at 5:52 am
Darlene,
You are such a strong person and it shows through your great post and video here.
You are right we are all one and should work as a team. We’re glad you saw the mom and daughter helping each other that made you feel comfortable accepting help from others. When someone offers their help they are just returning the favor for the help you provide to so many with your strength and counseling.
We wish you continued strength as you move forward giving your help and accepting the help of others. You are a great team player. Thanks for reminding us that we are all one!
Dave and Dawn
Dave and Dawn Cook´s last [type] ..LeadNetPro Review – Can LeadNetPro Possibly Solve Your Frustrations With Attraction Marketing and Your Offline Marketing Methods
November 19th, 2010 at 7:31 am
Darlene,
What a great story and message.. we are indeed social beings and we have always had the help, influence (good or bad) from others… we like to think we can do things on our own, but we are part of each other in some way . I don’t like to ask for help either, I understand how that feels. But I know it’s really okay … Thank you for sharing this and I send you much love and appreciation from the heart …
Lesly Federici´s last [type] ..U Smile Radio Interviews Dave and Dawn Cook
November 24th, 2010 at 11:59 am
Hi, Darlene,
Thanks for sharing this post. This was one of my favorite ways to carry small items out of the grocery store with my children. Boy, it sure did bring back memories. Thanks again.
Angela
Angela Arnold´s last [type] ..HubPages – Could It Be Your Business Central Hub
December 2nd, 2010 at 8:55 am
Hi Darlene,
Thanks for sharing two beautiful examples of teamwork. And yes…sharing the load makes life a lot easier. Just think what little effort it took for mom to reach out to her daughter to help share the weight of the bag of apples. That tiny act of kindness created a bond and also demonstrated for the youngster what it meant to receive help. A great way to prepare her of giving help when she spots a need.
Hope you are feeling better!
Wishing you good health and prosperity,
Susan
Susan Redmon´s last [type] ..14 Reasons to Use SocialOomph to Manage Your Twitter Accounts
December 2nd, 2010 at 5:23 pm
Great story Darlene, I can picture my 3 year old son with that same bag of apples. It’s a priceless picture.
I work with a team everyday we accomplish some amazing things together. Things we could never accomplish on our own.
The beauty is we are all grateful for each other and the role we hold and tasks we accomplish.
Rob Franta´s last [type] ..If you want something go get it! Period!
December 3rd, 2010 at 5:13 pm
I agree. Teamwork make all job so easy to handle if everybody will help. The only problem with this is when a member or a person wants to do everything by himself alone. It is very impossible to ask them to cooperate.
Aaron Fuller´s last [type] ..Reverse Phone Number Lookup
December 9th, 2010 at 5:43 am
No one can achieve anything in this world without the help of others. If you ask any achiever, they always say that it is the team effort which has given them success.
December 11th, 2010 at 8:13 am
For me, teamwork involves helping someone else and thereby helping myself. It’s by giving that we receive.
Thanks for the reminder to offer and receive help.
Debbie Lattuga´s last [type] ..1958 Corvette
December 21st, 2010 at 11:50 am
I am so grateful to Toni King for having done a shout out of appreciation for you in her comment on my holiday post. You are definately someone I want to get to know better. Your practical wisdom for everyday living is soooooo refreshing. Thank you for being such a bright light on the net. I look forward to reading more light-filled posts from you in 2011. Happy holidays and mega blessings!!
January 5th, 2011 at 12:01 am
Good Post Darlene:
I think one of the best examples I see daily in our lives is at our home. My Wife cooks the evening Meal, I clean up after wards (Or visa versa:-). Our 3 & 6 year old granddaughters live with us & they set the dinner table, & clear the table at the end of the meal. My Daughter fills in by doing the laundry & cleaning up the house. It makes for an orderly run & agreeable house & all of us feel better for having made a contribution.
Thanks for sharing this wonderful example about teamwork.
I hope your legs are getting better!
Matt Geib the Great!
January 8th, 2011 at 6:27 pm
Thanks for sharing that sweet moment between mother and daughter. Wasn’t it great that she allowed the daughter to continue to carry the apples, but just helped her a little?
When we accomplish things we feel proud but hopefully not too proud to ask for help when we need it.
I’m also part of a wonderful team in Network Marketing. Their generous giving makes me want to give also.
Thanks Diane for the inspiration.
Jill C., NC
January 8th, 2011 at 9:37 pm
Hi Darlene!
What a lovely story. I am so glad that it has inspired you to be more accepting of help. You deserve to have the love that others are willing to give you! We can all learn so much from that little team!
Mentor Mama
January 13th, 2011 at 6:50 am
Great stories, Darlene. I love it that the mom didn’t take the apples away from the child, just shared the load. Smart mom.
January 14th, 2011 at 9:18 pm
Hey Darlene, Love the story about the Geese! Sounds like they really know what Teamwork is all about! One of the main things that I love about relationship marketing is that it really does encourage all to work as a team to win!
Kevin.
Kevin DeRoo´s last [type] ..The Business of the 21st Century!
January 19th, 2011 at 2:31 am
Hi Darlene,
I enjoyed the way you relate your point to everyday examples and simple situations in the form of parables. A popular quote I like is “There is no ‘I’ in TEAM.”
Way to go!
Yasser
Yasser Khan´s last [type] ..Why Deliver
March 2nd, 2011 at 11:24 am
Hi Darlene,
Excellent post with sweet example of the little girl and her mom
How good life can be when we know how to give and take. Teamwork is not only about working together and helping each other but it has to be unselfish too !
Thanks for sharing the story and your perception.
Cheers
Pearly
Pearly´s last [type] ..Man and Energy
March 8th, 2011 at 11:07 pm
Hi Darlene,
This was a really nice lesson, defintely – the teamwork is very important everywhere, working in teamwork helps a lot you as a person in the social circle and in many other ways. Teamwork for me is very important and I apply it daily. For me, the best example of teamwork I’d say is family. Thanks for sharing this great article and a essential life lesson.
Best regards,
Maria
Maria Pavel´s last [type] ..Certified Nursing Assistant Practice Test
March 14th, 2011 at 9:57 am
Hi Darlene!
Thank you so much for sharing. I liked your blog! I’m on my way but will get there too! Good to be a Mastermind partner and with the wonderful Andrea’s help!
Vitoria Castro
November 25th, 2010 at 1:40 pm
For me, teamwork is each person pulling at least their own weight. In tennis, it requires each of us to run for the balls, to reach for the balls that are near us, and to allow our partner to show his or her own strength when the ball is closer to them. In business, it is about sharing the reponsibility, keeping your word, owning up to your promises, and supporting each other not just in words but in concerted action.
Dr. Erica Goodstone´s last [type] ..Relationship Healing Factor
January 15th, 2011 at 8:27 pm
Hi Darlene – so great to finally touch base with you! Great post on teamwork and accepting help, which is like teamwork too — actually, much like the geese who gallantly accept their team positions! However, I know one is very courageous when they accept an offer of help, as we are, in this society, driven to be independent. It’s a gracious gift that we give when we do accept that offer and it makes the other person feel so valued. Again, an awesome post with so many lessons on awareness in it. I hope we get to have a little visit when I’m in town in February!
Loren Greig´s last [type] ..Work From Home At Your Own Online Business