Home | Charis Buckland

Hello lovelies! How is the week?

We were able to give a friend a small birthday party after ballet class this week by baking a simple cake and I embroidered a bag tag for her. It feels great to be able to do something kind and unexpected for someone. I often think if what I do isn’t “Pinterest-y enough,” it just shouldn’t happen, so I do nothing. That’s a lie… (1 Peter 4:9). I want us all in this house to look for ways to serve other people. Working on that…

In the spirit of improvement, I love practical ways to improve. I don’t want to sit and think about what to do, but I want a plan to actually do something to promote change. I often work with people who feel the same. It is great to watch individuals get a plan and thrive as they grow and mature!

Many twenty-somethings are entering the workforce for the first time and want to know how to stand out. Some girls are in school and want to demonstrate dependability. Some thirty-somethings are looking for a career to begin as well. Other people may be looking for a fresh start at work.

It is always great news to learn that there are characteristics to put into practice that cost absolutely nothing and requires no specific talent! Win for everyone! These are also good ways to live for anyone of any age. Even in elementary school, kids can learn to apply these principles as they grow and mature into adulthood. All of us can use these reminders!

1. Be on time. I knooooow! That can be difficult to do when the usual pattern is to grab wallet, purse, shoes, and keys when it is time to go instead of having it in hand to actually drive away when it is time to go. It’s really a retrain of the brain sometimes. A reminder to yourself is, “If I need to leave at 8 a.m., I will have my bag packed, coffee poured, and shoes on by 7:55 a.m. so I can walk out the door and actually drive away at 8 a.m. Being on time says, “I care, I am responsible, you can depend on me.” Obviously, emergencies happen, but when you are on time the majority of the time, those instances will not be quite as problematic and usually will not affect your reputation.
2. Be teachable. Avoid the know-it-all attitude, even when it seems you are being talked down to. Politely answering without feeling the need to blurt out that you already know that can go a long way. People love to work with people who are pleasant and like to learn. When I tried out for college cheerleading teams, I took private lessons from the University of Kentucky cheerleaders – yes, THE University of Kentucky cheerleaders, multiple national champion winners. I was totally in awe and took in everything they said and noted every correction. Wow, I really miss those days! My point is, I learned so much by keeping my mouth closed and ears opened and they corrected so many form mistakes that partner stunting became as natural as breathing to me. In my daughters’ ballet academy, they have specific notebooks to write down corrections given specifically to them so they can improve. I am impressed. I should have used that in cheerleading back then! Have a humble spirit and allow that to propel you forward to success.
3. Look for opportunities to help. At a church we served in the great state of Mississippi, I encountered the most kind, loving people I have ever met all in one place. They loved each other well by giving their time to deliver meals to help each other, giving birthday parties, watching kids for people with no family in town, and just spending time together. They inspired to me actively look for ways to help others, even simply by clearing a dinner table, helping someone inside carrying a lot of items, offering to take a meal over, or bringing them a special treat they like “just because.” This is also how Jesus wants us to love people too. 
4. Make eye contact. I feel like we have lost some of this personal connection after 2020 when masks covered faces up so regularly that people just gave up on trying to even acknowledge those around. It is super important though, and mentally healthy to make eye contact with anyone we speak to. It’s courteous and respectful. We also hear more from the other person and are able to communicate more effectively this way as well.
5. Be prepared. Don’t freak out because some people have a tendency to go to the extreme, but keep it simple. If there is an interview, pack a notepad, some pens, and whatever else might be beneficial the night before. No rush the next day! It shows preparedness – a lovely quality to possess. 
6. Keep your word. If you say you will do it, do it. Be honest. If you cannot commit, don’t commit. If you say you will be there, be there. People would rather hear the truth than be pacified for the moment, to realize later, it was not true (Proverbs 20:25). Your reputation will benefit from only committing to those things you will actually do. It will suffer if commitments aren’t kept. Hold yourself accountable. If you are unable to commit, let there person know you would love to but you don’t want to give your word in case it doesn’t work out. It might disappoint them in the moment, but they will appreciate the honesty.
7. Sit up. In this world of athleisure and “have it your way,” we have a tendency to slouch or sit however we “feel” like sitting. Let’s remember to represent ourselves well and sit up, especially in the presence of an authority or someone who may be speaking into our lives. It shows respect and that you care about what is going on. Relax with friends on a Friday night and slouch on the couch. I know I love that at the end of the day in my jammies, but in the real world, sit up, maintain good posture, and show interest.
8. Speak life. Refrain from words that tear down. Use those words for building others up. It’s what Jesus calls us to anyway (Proverbs 18:21). Be confident enough in yourself to be able to compliment someone else without it wrecking your own self-esteem. Feel the freedom to pat someone else on the back. A reputation like this will be irresistible. 
9. Work hard. Do the work. Do it well. Not only does this build a great reputation, it saves time in the long run (Proverbs 14:23). We homeschool at our house, so I teach them that when they slack off and do a halfway job, they have to go back and correct it later, which actually saves no time. Doing it the best they can the first time will having to go back and fix stuff later on when they would rather be playing or something else.

These are simple ways to improve your reputation. Often used in the workplace, but are always applicable at school, church, home, and anywhere else people are involved. Which one is easiest for you? Which one might take some effort to get used to? Have a great week! Talk soon!

Love,
Charis 

Pic(k) of the week:

After renting a small washer-dryer for the last two months, we finally received our new washer and dryer. Five and one-half cubic feet of roomy goodness in this washing machine. I am so grateful…