Wednesday, September 20, 2006

Unsolicited Compliments from Heidi to Heidi

A few hours ago, I almost wanted to shut this blog down. It is a shame that just because I wanted to show an unedited version of me for everyone to see, some people take this as a go-signal to dissect my being and my way of thinking. While I am certain that those pieces of advice were not meant to hurt me, when you are given unsolicited advice, no matter how pure the intentions are, you are caught off-guard and you become hurt (especially if you were sick and was thus in a bad mood like I was).


Just as I was going through this minute-by-minute roller coaster, I received an email from a person whom I consider one of the most wonderful people I know - Heidi. What was said that email, remains private but the effect of that email deserves to be made public for that email made me experience unexpected joy. I guess that is what I almost admired about Heidi. She always sees the best in people. She opens herself up to people and allows them to share the energy she has.



From the time I applied for the MC, to the time we met in the Netherlands, until now, Heidi has proven to be one of the most generous souls I know. Her kind of generosity goes beyond the material. Rather what she offers to others are parts of herself to make sure that the people around her are happy and comfortable. She is generous in sharing her stories and her networks. She is always willing to help when help is needed. She is simply Heidi. :)


While I have a few more memories of Heidi, I will only share one that particularly stood out. When I was applying as and MC Director, I was extremely scared because my AIESEC experience back then was close to -2. It was not even zero. Yet, throughout the selection process, she never made me feel uncomfortable that I made the decision to apply. She had a way of conveying without blatantly saying that, "Hey, it's gonna be fine." :)


I am really happy to have Heidi in my life. I am very lucky to have met someone so genuinely willing to always see the good in people and what they do. I still recall when Heidi, out of the blue, emailed Team Lego about how we were doing a great job at a time when everyone else forgot that we were. And that compliment brought out a few smiles in our otherwise tired souls. Isn't that a perfect example of Heidi's warmness? Isn't that a perfect example of how one word, one sentence, one act can make a difference in people's lives? :)


To Heidi, I am glad you are my "first version" of an MCP. Wishing you and Matt lots of blessings! :)



---

Annika, thank you for the constructive feedback on my language. I will remember that now that I am writing my book. Kill the angels! Kill them! Kill them! Hehe. :)

Posted by Erica Cleofe at 21:23

7 comments:

  1. Blogger Annika on September 21, 2006 11:22 AM

    Babies, Erica, babies. Not angels... ;) Hmm... I do realize that sounds a bitbrutal, but I blame the author who taught me this. hehe.
    Hugs.

  2. Blogger Erica Cleofe on September 21, 2006 4:15 PM

    Alright, babies then. Kill the babies!

  3. Blogger sarita on September 21, 2006 5:30 PM

    hey erica,
    I don't think you remember me, we just met briefly at the wenas mcp meeting in switzerland...
    just wanted to say what a loss it would be if you closed down your blog. I think the homages you're writing for others are really beautiful and it's great that you express how much you value them!
    I'm sure it's a gift for everyone who is honored to figure on your blog :)
    sarah

  4. Blogger Jax on September 21, 2006 6:14 PM

    Ekay, wag mong pansinin ang mga haters. I had those people also when m blog was still new. But I never lowered my level to match theirs. Eventually they went away. There have been some visitors who may have disagreed with what I said. But I've already made it clear that my blog is my blog and whatever I read there is my business. If they have a problem with that, then they can just leave.

    Hayaan mo sila!

  5. Blogger Erica Cleofe on September 21, 2006 8:46 PM

    Hi,

    Thanks Sarita and Jac. :) Your very kind words mean a lot.

    Sincerely,
    Erica

  6. Anonymous Perttu on September 22, 2006 6:11 PM

    Hi and many thanks for the blog it has been fun reading it and don't worry about the comments atleast one small city called Jyväskylä loves you. Yea and you as always have inspired me again...to start my own blog so stay tuned...

    -Perttu

  7. Blogger Erica Cleofe on September 23, 2006 3:08 PM

    Hey Perttu,

    Thanks for the kind words. :) I am happy that you will be starting your own blog as well. It is a nice way to unwind and open yourself up to people.

    Keep me posted,
    Erica

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