My past two blog articles (see Part I here and Part II here) focused on the lack of civility with questions for each of us to ponder. They were deep questions that required reflection and responsive action. I’ll repeat them again: This week, I will challenge you to walk with civility and kindness. What do I mean by … Read more
Part I: Have We Lost Our Civility ended with the question, “Who is this God you reflect to the world?” Now I would like to focus on civility as a tapestry that covers the world with this God we reflect. So much is happening in the world. Most recently, we have seen images and have … Read more
Today in my morning meditation, I read a passage from a sermon given by a Lutheran minister and public theologian, Nadia Bolz-weber. She titled it, “Our Bodies are Wholly Holy.” In her message she referred to our bodies as “individual containers of the holy.” This statement gave me pause and my mind immediately went to … Read more
Do you yearn for some peace and quiet? The kind that refreshes your spirit and fills you to your deepest core. Do you yearn for time to be still and ponder your life’s purpose? For years I have put off “retreating.” There was always something else to do. My first exposure of a retreat was in a religious … Read more
Don’t let this year’s Punxsutawney Phil’s forecast get you down. Whether or not he saw his shadow, there are six more weeks of winter! The season of winter has its beauty, joys, and challenges. Added to our ‘winter mix’ is the still looming COVID pandemic situation and the uncertainty that it engenders in our health and way … Read more
Vincent van Gogh painted a picture of Irises. In this picture he paints one white iris amidst an array of purple ones. My mother liked this picture. She said it reminded her of my grandmother (the white iris) and her twelve children. Visiting with her one day, a few months before she died, she said to me, “When … Read more
I recall a statement made years ago by one of my bosses when I asked him, “What are the qualities of a good leader?” He responded, “I know one when I see one.” That may be true for a mature leader, but what about those who are just embarking on their leadership journey? I write … Read more
“Fear is a natural reaction to moving closer to the truth.” (Pema Chödrön) As a Certified Narrative Coach, I continue to learn how important it is to take some time to pause, take a few breaths, and try to name as best as I can what is true for me in this moment of time. … Read more
Leadership Presence cont. “Strive not to be a success, but rather to be of value.” Albert Einstein What holds you back from showing others your true value? As a child growing up and through my young adulthood, I shied away from showing my true worth. The reason – I stuttered. I wouldn’t raise my hand … Read more
Each of us is an architect of our leadership. I once asked a CEO, “what makes a good leader?” His response was, “You know one when you see one.” While that was not the answer I was hoping for; I think there is some truth in what he said. I call it presence. “We convince … Read more