Something had changed inside of me that required our relationship to change. And isn't that how it is...that when we change, our relationships do, too.
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Who Are Your Teachers?
Remember back in school when we had new teachers every year? What a great way to gain a variety of perspectives and see the world through different eyes.
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Hand in the Fire
We are creatures that protect ourselves from change and yes, even success. Examine something you've been trying to change within yourself and ask yourself, "How is this resistance serving me?"
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Standing in Judgement
As I grow, I can see more complexities inherent in every situation. There is more gray than there has ever been.
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Cultivating Your Garden
Enough, but not abundant. That sounds familiar...not just in my garden, but in my life
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Buoyancy
If you can resist the need to be in constant motion, you'll find that you are naturally buoyant.
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The Warrior's Approach to Life
"Try tapping into Athena," my mentors said to me when I told them I wanted to develop more focus and determination.
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Trying on a New Identity
To be so committed to ones' inner voice takes a strength I am developing. And it feels great.
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Divergence | Convergence
When we look at the news, it can feel like we are in a constant state of divergence. There is so much energy spent demonstrating our divergence that we can miss the natural balance of humanity.
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Wonder
The fireworks were in full swing. The orchestra played a spirited version of the 1812 Overture. There was magic in the air. I'm a huge fan of fireworks. I love feeling the booms shake my body and the seeing the vibrant colors light up the sky. But on Saturday, I barely watched the firework display in Old Town Alexandria. I just couldn't take my eyes off my kids.
All three of my kids embodied wonder and awe. Their wide eyes and open mouths were a testament to the joy and excitement they were feeling.
I looked at the people around me. Many of the adults had the same expression, but others seemed unaffected. It reminded me of a quote attributed to Albert Einstein.
I remember being a teen and feeling like I was too cool to experience wonder. I felt like I knew everything. Everything! I held back my curiosity and excitement to the detriment of myself and to the annoyance of anyone who wanted to share things with me.
But when we choose to develop, we start to see the world with new eyes. We rise up from the threat of not knowing everything into a space of wonder about the things we don't understand. We begin to seek instead of hide. As we learn to author our own lives, we become more comfortable being vulnerable, being different, being ourselves.
So I would ask, how do you see the world? Are your eyes wide? Are you open to being surprised? Are you seeking?
If this is where you want to be, but you're not quite there yet, try this: Look for the miracle. As you step out of the house, challenge yourself to see something amazing. Turn it into a game. Share your wonder with your family at the dinner table. It could be as simple as noticing how the wind hits the leaves on a tree or how a bird soars for minutes without flapping its wings. If you can't spot a miracle, create one. You have an unlimited ability to bring magic into the world.
So This Happened
We work with so many interesting clients who do such amazing things that I decided to share some weekly highlights with you. Over the past week, this happened:
- We launched the Beyond RESET program that we designed with Capitol Post, an organization committed to working with veterans, military and spouses. Beyond RESET is a practicum to bring the learnings to life from our incredibly successful RESET: Workshops to Frame Your Future Missions pilot program. The three-workshop series helped participants assess and reflect on how they see the world, define their personal values and develop a personal mission statement. We'll be offering the workshops again in the fall, so let me know if you'd like us to reserve a spot for you!
- We finished up a three-piece infographic for a health organization promoting breastfeeding to state health officials.
- We conducted a brand storyline and messaging workshop for a new business. In a facilitated session with the owners, we helped them articulate the core essence of their business and captured how we'll express it to the world.
Need help finding your essence and giving it voice? Send us a note and see how we can help.
Seeing the Unseen
Three ways to turn challenges into opportunities
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Asking a Good Question
There's a three-letter word at the start of questions that drives us human beings crazy: Why.
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Rethinking Prosperity
In which areas of your life are you experiencing adversity? In which are you prosperous? As you reflect, I wonder if you can celebrate all of it. Can you appreciate the growth and depth your adversity brings? Can you look with wonder at the areas in which you are prosperous and find ways to appreciate and enhance this success?
The human experience is rich with diversity. Open yourself to the wholeness of life, not just the polished perfect pieces. Invite others to join with you on your journey and enjoy a new kind of prosperity.
Saying Yes
Over the past 25 years, I've said yes a lot, and that has opened me to some fabulous experiences and incredible friendships. But there was something to which I wasn't saying yes.
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The Acorn
While an acorn is small, it is packed with all of the potential of the mighty oak tree. When I look at UNITY, alive with the energy of the community that built it, I'm reminded of the canopy of the mighty oak.
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