I’m pleased to share this guest post from Adam Barlow-Thompson, a good friend and colleague. I have great respect for Adam as a PCM and LOD trainer, minister, husband, an innovator and friend. I always appreciate his wisdom and down-to-earth perspective. When he shared this story with me at a recent training we were co-facilitating, I asked if I could share it with my audience.
You see those of us in caring professions soak up a lot of stuff…often a lot of negative stuff. And, no matter how wonderful you are, eventually you have to wring out your sponge.
I personally am more of a washcloth guy than a sponge guy, but there have been moments in my life where the sponge metaphor really hit home.
For instance, I remember living in Washington DC during a year-long internship. All of my peers were broke as a joke, so nine of us lived together in a big, old, and very disgusting house. In our kitchen, which always had a funk, there was a sponge on the sink.
Take care of yourself! Professional care-ers are not the best at this work. Often my colleagues and clients in caring professions are at the end of their rope and already daydreaming about taking up a barista job. If that’s you it may be time to wring out that sponge.
There is enough dirty grime in the world already, so go forth and wring out your sponge!
Wring out your sponge completely after each use and wash off any loose food or debris. Store it in a dry location. Letting your sponge lay wet on a countertop takes longer for it to dry and allows bacteria to grow. Also, avoid leaving any damp sponges in an enclosed area such as a bucket or under the sink.
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The DO’S and DON’TS of Kitchen Sponges!!
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