What is Freedom? Is freedom something bestowed or declared? Is it earned, claimed, or innately present? Ask ten people and you will receive as many answers. In the personal realm, we measure freedom in terms of our own health, our work, our choices, time, finances, and obligations. In the larger context of society and the […]
Don’t Throw Away Your Flight Plan Think back to January. Did you have certain ideas about what you wanted to accomplish by December? What were they? It’s just about the midpoint of the year, so now is a good time to check-in. If you can’t quite see a straight line to your intended destination, don’t […]
Three Worthy No’s #1 Michelle was looking forward to spending more time with her newborn son and toddler. It had been difficult to decline the promotion, so it was a great relief when her boss reacted positively and supported her request to reduce hours. That’s why it surprised her when, several weeks later, her boss […]
Making Room for Growth Nature teaches us that pruning is necessary for continued growth. In horticulture, pruning is “the removal or reduction of certain plant parts that are not required, that are no longer effective, or that are of no use to the plant. It is done to supply additional energy for the development of […]
Regaining Perspective Recently, while at lunch with a friend, I mentioned a challenge I was having with a certain business initiative. He must have detected a hint of frustration and gave me a surprised look that said, “You’re not giving up, are you?” Of course not, I reassured him. “Oh good,” he said relieved, “…because […]
The Kind of Phone Call I Like to Get One evening last summer, my phone rang and displayed the familiar Florida area code. My father-in-law’s voice sounded pleased. “I’m calling to tell you that Sandi and I were just out to dinner and as we were driving home, I made a left instead of a right and […]
An Undeniable Dream In the biographical movie “For Love or Country,” we learn about the life of the uniquely talented Cuban trumpet player, Arturo Sandoval. Despite being raised in extreme poverty, Arturo realized his boyhood dream of becoming a musician. He experienced popular success and critical acclaim while living in Cuba. (1)
Morning, Noon, or Night You can do it before rushing out the door in the morning or at the office before turning on your computer. You can do it during the day or before going to bed. It doesn’t matter when, as long as you do it. Giving yourself 15 minutes of quiet time each day […]
Salon Talk I was sitting in the chair and chatting with my hairdresser, covering a variety of subjects as usual. The conversation turned to things we want to do before dying. “I have a list,” she said. “Visit the Vietnam Veterans Memorial in Washington DC, volunteer as a reader at my church, build a snowman…”
A confession and a contrast Many of you responded to the previous issue and are busy forming your goals. I have a confession to make. I did not set goals this year! Lest you think I’m some kind of “goals hypocrite,” allow me to explain. In essence, I still have personal and business goals which […]