Years ago I wrote an essay on what I believed. years later I submitted it to NPR for their series "This I Believe". Late last year it was picked up by the local NPR affiliate and went live on the air today.
My essay's page at KUHF :Link
Aaron Klenke has learned to appreciate the little things in life. He manages a software development team with associates working all across the globe. At home, Aaron has a lovely wife, four beautiful daughters and a loyal dog. He admits that most of his days are "good" and he wants the world to know that. The method he's chosen to share that information is explained in his essay for Houston Public Radio's "This I Believe."
Listen to Aaron's Essay : Link
Transcript of the session :
Aaron was raised as a self-described “army brat”. He lived in several areas of the country before settling down in Houston. His sister lived here and she persuaded Aaron to move by promising to get him a job. He came to Houston and started the new job, which lasted two weeks. He found another job and then met the woman who would become his wife. At that point, Aaron knew he was in the right place and would be calling Houston home for a long time. It’s been 12 years and he has no plan to leave. Aaron says his life is filled with “good days” and he wants others to know that during an encounter. So, if you encounter Aaron and ask him how he’s doing, be prepared for a thoughtful response. In his essay, Aaron explains why he believes it’s important to think about a response before offering one. Here’s Aaron Klenke with his essay for Houston Public Radio’s This I Believe.
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“How many times have you heard this conversation?
‘‘How’s it going?’’ “Oh, it’s Monday.” Or “‘Thank God it’s Friday.’’ Or “At least it’s payday’’
For years I heard people answer that question with those answers or not even pay attention to the question and respond with an ‘‘OK’’ in passing. I actually found myself doing the same thing more often than not.
One day I realized that I was tired of the life I was leading myself into. Part of that realization was probably related to hearing the Dave Ramsey radio program. When asked by a caller how he was doing, he answered ‘‘Better than I deserve.’’ He thought about his response.
So I decided to start doing the same thing and answering questions with real thought.
I decided to be positive. I started out by thinking about the things that were making my life less than it should have been. I found that my life was pretty good. I have an awesome family. A job I love. Friends. Leisure time. Hobbies. I have a good life. The things in my days that were negative were fleeting.
After some introspection, I found that amongst time with family, time working, time sleeping, and most of my day was good. Very little was THAT bad. Most days are good days.
Then I made an internal scale of days. A great day is a day that has my children’s birth. Another great day was my wife accepting my marriage proposal. The most terrible day on my scale is the death of my little sister. She was born on my birthday and was the best gift I ever got or will ever get.
So now, when people ask me how I am doing or a related question, I stop and think about the day so far. I think about my expectations for the rest of the day. I think about my scale. And I answer, ‘‘Today is a good day.’’
It’s amazing how many people stop after hearing that response. Then they ask me why today is a good day. It’s easy to find something that made today good.
I’ve been doing this for a few months now and I am hearing other people say it too. And I am also seeing people smile when they say it and when they hear it.
The real point is that I am reminded by my own response every time I say it.
I believe today is a good day. This I Believe."