To a client who is overwhelmed with work right now and who adores her new puppy. "Work demands are really intense right now, and yet you continue to carve out time for your puppy. It’s clear how much you love him—and how much joy he brings you in return."
“Ending on a high note”—what a beautiful way to close a reflection or a conversation that brings light to someone’s heart.
I visited my strong-willed, determined, and fiercely independent friend yesterday. She’s currently in the midst of a difficult recovery after a major accident. Today, she shared her reflection with me—how she’s beginning to feel a newfound sense of calm and how she’s even starting to smile at the little things she couldn’t before.
As our conversation ended, I told her, “I see the bright light at the end of the tunnel. Let’s walk together—and don’t forget your sunglasses. It’s going to get even brighter tomorrow.”
Today I was talking with someone who was considering changing careers. I reflected, "There's a lot to like about your current job, many benefits, and you still find this little voice still calling you." (The little voice referred to the job she's considering. It's a career she left a decade ago and she's thinking about returning.)
Normally I'd be more neutral - it's up to her to choose. But I picked the job change as the high note because she was visibly more excited when talking about it.
(I also may or may not have quoted Michael Corleone from THhe Godfather, "just when I think I'm out, they pull me back in.". 😊)
I love this! Ending in a high note leaves a positive thought in the person we are talking to or even ourselves. It isn’t the same as being positive but it leaves the door open for possibility instead of defeat. I will be focusing on this aspect much more.
I make it a point of honor to do my best so that each patient leaves our appointment feeling uplifted. And most importantly, that they don’t walk out feeling worse than when they arrived! That’s why the last five minutes are crucial.
At the end of the session, I take the time to ask the person what they’d like to take away from our conversation—something that can support them on their journey. Or I ask what word they’d like to carry with them, like a gift they give to themselves, something they can keep in their pocket.
It’s wonderful when people say things like “I am strong,” “I have hope,” “calm,” or “I have the right to take care of myself”… and they leave with a smile, even if the road ahead is still long.
I love how you phrased it "ending on a high note." It really helps me remember it better when I reflect. I’ve noticed that ending my reflections with something positive instead of focusing on a difficulty makes a big difference.
I’m going to start applying this to how I end my day, by focusing on what went well, rather than what didn’t. And even though today wasn’t my best day, I’m choosing to end it by focusing on what felt good. And honestly, I really enjoyed the snuggles with my kitten. It’s such a simple thing, but it shifted how I’m closing out the day.
Ending on a high note - I LOVE THIS!!! Thanks Matt Ashby!!
Yesterday I practiced with a “client” who was frustrated that being late to hockey practice (being the star player) was happening all too often because his boss at Target was not letting him leave work on time. At some point in the conversation, I reflected (with different words and this same intention) “You’re job helps you contribute financially to your family and you also like being at hockey practice on time because you care about your team and being the best player that you can be.”
To a client who is overwhelmed with work right now and who adores her new puppy. "Work demands are really intense right now, and yet you continue to carve out time for your puppy. It’s clear how much you love him—and how much joy he brings you in return."
“Ending on a high note”—what a beautiful way to close a reflection or a conversation that brings light to someone’s heart.
I visited my strong-willed, determined, and fiercely independent friend yesterday. She’s currently in the midst of a difficult recovery after a major accident. Today, she shared her reflection with me—how she’s beginning to feel a newfound sense of calm and how she’s even starting to smile at the little things she couldn’t before.
As our conversation ended, I told her, “I see the bright light at the end of the tunnel. Let’s walk together—and don’t forget your sunglasses. It’s going to get even brighter tomorrow.”
She laughed out loud.
Today I was talking with someone who was considering changing careers. I reflected, "There's a lot to like about your current job, many benefits, and you still find this little voice still calling you." (The little voice referred to the job she's considering. It's a career she left a decade ago and she's thinking about returning.)
Normally I'd be more neutral - it's up to her to choose. But I picked the job change as the high note because she was visibly more excited when talking about it.
(I also may or may not have quoted Michael Corleone from THhe Godfather, "just when I think I'm out, they pull me back in.". 😊)
I love this! Ending in a high note leaves a positive thought in the person we are talking to or even ourselves. It isn’t the same as being positive but it leaves the door open for possibility instead of defeat. I will be focusing on this aspect much more.
I love today’s topic!
I make it a point of honor to do my best so that each patient leaves our appointment feeling uplifted. And most importantly, that they don’t walk out feeling worse than when they arrived! That’s why the last five minutes are crucial.
At the end of the session, I take the time to ask the person what they’d like to take away from our conversation—something that can support them on their journey. Or I ask what word they’d like to carry with them, like a gift they give to themselves, something they can keep in their pocket.
It’s wonderful when people say things like “I am strong,” “I have hope,” “calm,” or “I have the right to take care of myself”… and they leave with a smile, even if the road ahead is still long.
Thanks for sharing Florance!
Now I can visualize your clients with a piece of "hope" or "calm" in their pocket. 😊😊
I love how you phrased it "ending on a high note." It really helps me remember it better when I reflect. I’ve noticed that ending my reflections with something positive instead of focusing on a difficulty makes a big difference.
I’m going to start applying this to how I end my day, by focusing on what went well, rather than what didn’t. And even though today wasn’t my best day, I’m choosing to end it by focusing on what felt good. And honestly, I really enjoyed the snuggles with my kitten. It’s such a simple thing, but it shifted how I’m closing out the day.
Ending on a high note - I LOVE THIS!!! Thanks Matt Ashby!!
Yesterday I practiced with a “client” who was frustrated that being late to hockey practice (being the star player) was happening all too often because his boss at Target was not letting him leave work on time. At some point in the conversation, I reflected (with different words and this same intention) “You’re job helps you contribute financially to your family and you also like being at hockey practice on time because you care about your team and being the best player that you can be.”