Igniting the Spark in you

There is a spark in each of us. When I think of someone at 7cups from whose words that spark is very visible as a bright light every time they speak, I am reminded of none other than @SparkyGizmo

Those of us who have met Sparky in forum or in listener support room, or maybe in pm, or some other land at 7cups, you must be knowing exactly what I am saying.

Presenting you this talk with SparkyGizmo..

Fristo: Welcome, Sparky. Thanks for taking time for this interview. The community would love hearing from you.

Thank you so very much Fristo! This is truly quite humbling as well as an honor to be a part of this process. I’ve always loved your interview series, your thoughtful questions! I will do my best to answer your questions and again, I’m grateful that you would even ask for me to do so! Thank you my friend!

What is your philosophy of life? In other words, what is the perspective with which you live your each day?

Fristo, such a wonderful question and I’m really glad that you asked. As for me, I live by the principle that kindness matters always. My philosophy of life is proudly listed on my profile page. I guess I had a great deal to say there. Luckily for me, I put all of those words on my profile page when I signed up for 7 cups! I have never had to once retract a statement but only add to the profile page with roles or fun stuff at the bottom. My profile page, I visit every so often. I do this in an effort to “keep myself in check”. Can I still be the person I promised to be? Can I be the person I promised to be for 7 cups, for all of my teammates, members and listeners alike, and also for myself, to have integrity and walk the path of authenticity. There is power in authenticity.

How do you balance yourself through trying times?

I must agree, that we all have challenges in our lives whether they be professional ones here on 7 cups or in our real lives. I think the first line of defense is knowing the difference. I agree with 7 cups and that we should only sign onto our listener accounts when we know that we are in the right “headspace”, have the right “mindset” and are able to keep the commitments that we have made. Finding balance is integral to the process.

Self care is something that I encourage if it is needed. This could be for real life/personal issues or because things that can happen on 7 cups that could be a little trying from time to time. Also going to a peer support, a mentor or signing into one's own member account can be really great depending upon what it might be that is troubling someone.

For me, some of my self-care “go to’s” are listening to music, reading, cooking (while practicing mindfulness), lighting a richly scented candle, a hot bath, etc. I’m someone that is quite simple in their needs.

What activities, people or places ignite the spark in you?

Something that ignites the spark in me and brings fuel to my fire is truly engaging here on 7 cups. Interacting with my teammates, feeling a sense of community! It’s a great feeling to be a part of something bigger than yourself! It’s an amazing feeling to be on a platform that gives us all the opportunity to seek support, provide support and as Glen said, to be a part of 7 cups that he created because “There is a huge love deficit in the world. 7 cups is here to try and bridge the gap”. (not sure if I got the direct quote correct, but I imagine it’s close enough and he will give me a “pass” on that one, lol)

How did you discover 7cups and if you could sum up your cups journey in a few lines, what would you say?

Many years ago, I came to 7 cups one time, back when they had “guest” accounts. Well, it was a moment when I felt like speaking to someone would be good. It’s how I discovered 7 cups initially. I can understand how each member is not the right “fit” for each listener and I discovered that long ago, first hand. So, at least that listener wasn’t mean spirited by any stretch of the imagination but I did walk away from the experience not feeling better, not feeling heard and for me, it was an odd moment.

After much time had passed, I had always remembered 7 cups. I thought to myself “self, can I care”? The answer was yes. I thought to myself “self can I show up”? The answer was yes. I thought to myself “self, can I type”? (lol) The answer was yes.

At the end of the day, the most important question I had to ask myself was “self, do you think there is anything, anything at all, some value, some gift you could possibly bring to another person in need”? The answer was a huge, loud and resounding yes! I saw it as “if you are not part of the solution, then you are only part of the problem” so I jumped in and I’m here, simply trying my best!

What is one wish that you carry within you for everyone?

I think for me it might be to wish that we all be extra kind to everyone around us as none of us ever know what another person might be going through at the moment.

How do you go around someone not being nice to you?

I must admit, this is a truly valuable question! These situations are not easy ones but it is a part of life. With life comes adversity and with relationships comes adversity, no matter what type of “ship” that may be. Even the best of relationships require a great deal of work.

For me, I’m someone that is slow to anger and quick to forgive so I keep working on it. I am patient, I am kind, I will first assume that I misunderstood their intentions and revert in any way I can to what a positive meaning could have been gleaned from it all. After so many times, well, you kind of “get the true message” of it all. After that time, you have to instill boundaries and that is a really broad topic and many ways to do so. We can also all engage in conflict negotiation. Best is to remain calm, keep trying, keep supporting and maybe they will turn around. If not, it’s best to remove yourself from toxic or caustic situations.

One last question, Sparky. What is one of your favorite affirmations you say to yourself?

You know Fristo, many times I say to myself that “small is mighty”. As Abe Lincoln said “whatever it is that you are, just be a good one”! The biggest thing I have going for myself is that I care and I try hard! For me, it’s good enough! As long as my heart is in the right place, I guess it will all work out okay in the end.

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This interview is part of the Living with Leaders Interview Series. Learn about the series here