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The Power of Magnets

Michelle Tepper /

Last year I was asked to participate in a retreat at work where our role was to assist in the rebranding of our company. Our retreat was led by a wonderful & inspiring man – Ed Tettemer. Ed gave the group a homework assignment to write an essay, and the subject was simply “This I Believe….”.  We all would be asked to share our essay at the retreat. Little did I know at that time what an impact those two words would make on the future mission and values of our company.

I would like to share with you an excerpt from my essay –

I believe in magnets. Yes, those cheesy souvenir magnets, the ones people put all over their fridge. We have 71 magnets on the side of ours. My family chooses a magnet souvenir on every trip we take. Sometimes, finding the perfect one that reflects our trip and time together is a quick decision. Sometimes, it’s a national debate.

Each magnet has a story, a memory. Not all the magnets come from trips, but each magnet on our fridge reflects a feeling and brings back a special moment from the past.

Like the Mickey Mouse Magnet which was selected from our first trip to Disney World when our children were 8 & 9. When I see that magnet, I can see my kids’ faces, the ice cream sundaes for dinner, and I can hear our family laughing and screaming together on the scary rides.

And then there’s the sombrero magnet. One Spring Beak we went to an all-inclusive family resort in Rivera Maya. It was beautiful. When we unpacked, Sammi and Mason, now teenagers, said, “Ok see ya at lunch.” I heard “Sunrise Sunset” from Fiddler in the Roof in my head as they ran off.

Who knew a common thing like a $5 magnet could evoke such emotion, bring back powerful memories and even provide a feeling of security during hectic days.  My magnets represent memories of unexpected experiences, unexpected growth and unexpected triumphs. And all of those have become our family traditions.

That is why I believe in magnets. What do you believe in?

Why not try this exercise with your company? Join in on the public dialogue about belief, and read others’ essays HERE.

 

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