Coaching Corner: Everybody's Irish today!
By "Coach" Marilou Butcher Roth
Earlier this week I was talking to my sister and she brought up St. Patrick's Day. She and her husband have been living in a smaaaaalllll town in Missouri and are now moving to Pittsburgh. They are both excited to be somewhere to celebrate St. Patrick's Day this year, enjoying corned beef and cabbage, and of course, green beer!
This conversation got me thinking about this day of Irish celebration, and I decided to partake of one of my favorite activities -- yes I Googled it! After reading the back history, I was intrigued enough to decide to share this information with you. Although this day is best known for celebrating the Irish and turning everything possible green, its origin might surprise you!
St. Patrick was born in Scotland (what! not Ireland!!!). He was kidnapped by slave traders and brought to Ireland to be a shepherd, escaped when he was around 20 and at that point, became extremely religious. He subsequently joined the priesthood and was sent back to Ireland with the mission of bringing Christianity to the Irish, where he successfully converted many.
His life and works rose him to sainthood, and, consequently, St. Patrick's Day was begun as a Catholic holiday recognizing St. Patrick and his work. The celebration of this day continued and was brought to America by Irish immigrants, and has since been adopted by Americans of many nationalities. What about the shamrock you might be asking? Well, St. Patrick would use the plentiful shamrocks of Ireland to illustrate the Holy Trinity (Father/Son/Holy Spirit).
Hopefully, this week I have enlightened you a different kind of way. The story does lend itself, however, to some coaching -- this is a perfect example of how assumptions are made and stories are told. So, as I have said many times in the past, always check things out! This might be checking things out with someone you know...or it might be to Google!
Bottom line, I think I will take my Italian self out for some green beer!
Marilou Butcher Roth
Marilou Butcher Roth is the owner of The MBR Group, a coaching and training company working primarily with REALTORS who have a desire to work and live from a more inspired place. She is also the Broker/Owner of Group REALTORS in Cincinnati.
Marilou is a member of the Ohio REALTORS Board of Directors and past chairman of the organization’s Communications Committee.
