On a Special Phrase

Some refer to Garrison Keillor as the Great American Storyteller. As an author, writer, satirist, and humorist, Keillor is not only heard on NPR, but also seen on PBS specials and as a guest performer with orchestras.

Best known for A Prairie Home Companion, Keillor’s mellow voice drew me into Writer’s Almanac, a 10-minute program about people born on this day and an accompanying poem. I stumbled across this show when tuning in early to a music show. Keillor ends Writer’s Almanac each show with the same phrase that resonates with – “Be Good, Do Good Work, and Keep in Touch.” Below on some thoughts on this phrase, so feel free to add yours in the comments.

On Be Well

• Take care of yourself physically, mentally, socially, spiritually
• How do you solve problems?
• How do you handle stress?
• How do you balance a life of physical health, intellectual/professional needs, family, spiritual, social, and self?
• How do you manage time?
• How do you handle the synergy of new ideas, resources, and relationships?

Do Good Work

• Be generous
• Volunteer
• Unconditionally feed the hungry, the needy, and the hardness of heart
• Demonstrate hospitality
• Meet work duties in a positive and responsible
• Continue to learn
• Respectfully treat co-workers, customers, friends, family, neighbors, acquaintances, and strangers
• Realize that every interaction impacts someone else
• Being first class doesn’t cost that much more

On Keep in Touch

• Get to know someone
• Be in-tune to personal changes
• Build rapport
• Respectfully use modern electronic ways to communicate and network
• Couples – Use Date Night as time away from the kids
• Greet and thank others
• Send a card for a holiday, a celebration, a time of need, or just tell someone you were thinking about them
• Say hello if you in their area
• Remember, global connections are making the world smaller