It was only a sunny smile, and little it cost in the giving

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“It was only a sunny smile, and little it cost in the giving, but like the morning light it scattered the night and made the day worth living.”

—F. Scott Fitzgerald, 20th Century American novelist

Image from Unsplash by Hiki App

My morning walk with friends always begins with us smiling at each other. Allen even claps when new members of our club arrive! Who doesn’t like a standing ovation?

Here are a few more quotes I found that can help turn your frowns upside down:

“If you have only one smile in you, give it to the people you love.”
(Maya Angelou)

“Life is like a mirror—smile at it and it smiles back at you.”
(Peace Pilgrim)

“A smile is a curve that sets everything straight.”
(Phyllis Diller)

EXERCISE:

To whom will you offer a friendly smile today, to help make their day more worth living?

Comparison to others can have a positive impact on your life

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“Comparison to others can have a positive impact on your life. Apply it with curiosity and embrace the opportunity to inspire growth.”

—Author Unknown

Image from Unsplash by NorWood Themes

Most of us have experienced the dark side of making comparisons to others. Social media, in particular, has raised it to exponential levels.

What are some examples you’ve seen or experienced directly?

What negative and lingering consequences are easily observable in the people around you?

Alternatively, where and when has making comparisons propelled you toward greater mastery and achievement?

Who are the mentors, coaches, and role models that encourage and motivate you to be your best?

How do their examples help you tap into your own reservoirs of courage, tenacity, and persistence to realize far more of your potential?

EXERCISE:

Where and how could a more positive curiosity toward comparison with others inspire greater growth and achievement in your personal and professional life?

Our minds put limits on what we can and will do

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Our minds put limits on what we can and will do. Acknowledge these inner voices and do these things anyway.

—Calm App Reflection

Image from Unsplash by Nadine Shaabana

A colleague once told me that in almost all situations what stops us in life is stopping.

Before our bodies stop moving, however, comes a warning message from our brain. It warns us to stop for various reasons that can often be refuted upon a more objective review.

When was the last time your mind told you to slam on the brakes?

How valid were your reasons for stopping?

What was gained—or perhaps more importantly—what was lost by not proceeding in your efforts?

EXERCISE:

Where has F.E.A.R. (False Evidence Appearing Real) stopped you recently?

How can you courageously override some of these signals and give things a go when life and limb aren’t on the line?

Friday Review: Trust

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Friday Review: Trust

How trusting are you? How trust-worthy are you? Here are a few related posts you may have missed.

 

“Trust one who has tried.”

 

 

 

“Truth does not carry within itself an antidote to falsehood. The cause of truth must be championed and it must be championed dynamically.”

 

 

 

 

“Trust is a product of vulnerability that grows over time and requires work, attention, and full engagement. Trust isn’t a grand gesture — it’s a growing marble collection.”

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

“Sometimes even to live is an act of courage.”

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“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.”

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“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

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“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

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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

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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.”

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“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”