Friday Review: Trust
How trusting are you? How trust-worthy are you? Here are a few related posts you may have missed.
Friday Review: Trust
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“Sometimes even to live is an act of courage.”
“Sometimes even to live is an act of courage.”
—Seneca the Younger, ancient Roman philosopher
Image from Unsplash by Brett Jordan
In the past, I had a much different view of the word courage. I reserved it for men and women in uniform, explorers, famous leaders, and of course, superheroes.
Today, with a bit more awareness, compassion, and empathy, I see countless acts of courage in almost everyone I meet and get to know.
Examining the big and little challenges people face on a daily basis, I am amazed that so many have the resolve to get up and get going even with the heavy burdens they bear.
EXERCISE:
Where in your world do you observe quiet—and often hidden—acts of courage?
How and in what ways can your offer support to lighten the loads of others in your communities?
“Work hard in silence and let success make the noise.”
“Work hard in silence and let success make the noise.”
—Anonymous
Image from Unsplash by Do Nhu
Prior to starting my coaching career over 30 years ago, I had a difficult time at my previous company. The organization was having financial challenges and realigning its workforce.
My marketing role at the home office was no longer secure, and I was left with the difficult decision to accept a demoted field assignment, requiring me to uproot my family in order to keep my employment.
With considerable soul searching and wound-licking, I was determined to put my head down and “Show Them” I still had it when many of my colleagues saw me as someone who didn’t make the grade.
With this resolve and grit, I silently went about my new job and became an acknowledged great performer, regaining my coworkers respect, and receiving an award voted on by my division.
Two months later I accepted a voluntary buyout, and the rest is history.
EXERCISE:
What are examples in your life in which you let your hard work and good results do the talking?
Where in your worlds would this approach be the way to proceed on an important issue today?
Genius might be the ability to say a profound thing in a simple way
“Genius might be the ability to say a profound thing in a simple way.”
—Charles Bukowski, 20th Century American novelist
Image from Unsplash by National Cancer Institute
My son Dan is a developer working with a top healthcare software company.
His current project involves using artificial intelligence to help medical professionals communicate and summarize complex medical concepts in ways that can be more easily understood by individuals of different ages and educational backgrounds.
With staffing resources in healthcare stressed and strained to their limits, using AI to make communication more efficient and effective is a stroke of genius.
EXERCISE:
Where in your world are there breakdowns in communication?
How would saying things in a simpler way make a profound difference in your life?
How might some of the new AI resources being introduced be helpful in these efforts?
Lest We Forget
The September 11, 2001 attacks—commonly known as 9/11—were four coordinated Islamist suicide terrorist attacks carried out by al-Qaeda against the United States. Here are some quotes for your consideration on this important date.
Image from Unsplash byAidan Bartos
“If September 11th has taught us anything, it’s certainly that the world has never been so interdependent. It is impossible to be an island of prosperity in a sea of despair.”
—Bono, Singer and activist
“If we learn nothing else from this tragedy, we learn that life is short and there is no time for hate.”
—Dandy Dahl, wife of United flight 93 pilot, Jason Dahl
“For me and my family personally, September 11th was a reminder that life is fleeting, impermanent, and uncertain. Therefore, we must make use of every moment and nurture it with affection, tenderness, beauty, creativity, and laughter.”
—Deepak Chopra, Author
“Even the smallest act of service, the simplest act of kindness, is a way to honor those we lost, a way to reclaim that spirit of unity that followed 9/11.”
—Former President Barack Obama
EXERCISE:
How will you honor this date? What kindnesses and acts of service can and will you offer in the spirit of unity today?
Friday Review: Action
Friday Review: Action
How often, and how quickly, do you take action? Here are a few related posts you may have missed.
“Without jumping off its perch, the bird would never fly.”
“You cannot talk your way out of something you behaved yourself into.”
“Your mind is a garden, your thoughts are the seeds, you can grow flowers, or you can grow weeds.”
“It’s time to bet on wisdom. It’s metabolized experience.”
“It’s time to bet on wisdom. It’s metabolized experience.”
—Chip Conley, American hotelier, author, and speaker
Image from chipconley.com
In 2018, Chip Conley founded the Modern Elder Academy (MEA) — the world’s first “midlife wisdom school” in Baja California.
His work has been dedicated to helping students re-imagine midlife as a time for learning, growth, and positive transformation through immersive workshops, sabbaticals, and a variety of digital programs.
His education includes an MBA from Stanford. In 1987 Chip founded Joie de Vire Hospitality that managed 50 boutique hotels for 24 years. In 2013, he was the director of hospitality at Airbnb. His resume includes many other experiences he has metabolized over the years and is well worth a look.
EXERCISE:
Please consider subscribing the MEA Wisdom Well Blog — “A Daily Reminder of Wisdom and its Value”
“Morning is when I am awake, and there is dawn in me.”
“Morning is when I am awake, and there is dawn in me.”
—Henry David Thoreau, 19th Century American naturalist, writer, philosopher
Image from Unsplash by patuphotos
I’m an early to bed and early to rise kind of guy—try as I might over the years to play with my circadian rhythm, this way of living just works best for me.
Mornings always seem to begin with boundless potential, and I love the idea of getting a head start on things well before most people hit their snooze alarm for the first time.
EXERCISE:
What is your relationship with mornings?
How can the dawn of a new day spark your engagement and efforts to make it a great one?
What if there were no missing pieces in your life
“What if there were no missing pieces in your life? What would be possible if you found yourself to be whole and complete just as you are?”
—Author Unknown
Image from Unsplash by Ross-Sneddon
We recently met a new neighbor named Larry, who has always been fascinated by puzzles, and a day never passes without him working on one.
Now in his 70’s, he takes great pride in his lifetime pursuit which covers his entire basement—including one of his masterpieces made up of 43,000 pieces!
Wendy and I enjoy talking with him about his passion and how he has created a vibrant and down-to-earth personality that is nicely put together.
EXERCISE:
How often do you focus on the missing pieces of your life?
What peace, joy and freedom could you find by simply putting together the pieces within yourself and the colorful ones you find along the way?
Discover the quiet moments in your life and absorb their peace
Discover the quiet moments in your life and absorb their peace.
—Calm App Reflection
Image from Unsplash by Karen Easley
I like the phrase “Peace and Quiet.”
Looking at this saying closely, it seems to me that the word quiet should precede the word peace.
Explore for yourself the quiet times of your days and the level of peace you experience.
What is your life like when you operate during high volume situations?
How peaceful do you feel during these insults to your eardrums?
EXERCISE:
What are some new and better ways you can seek, find, and absorb greater quiet and peace in your life?