There’s a great book by Gary Chapman and Paul White called The Five Love Languages at Work. It’s based on Chapman’s work about how we each give and receive appreciation differently. He’s got iterations of the book for couples, teens and one for those of us seeking to do a better job at work. The five languages include: Words of Appreciation, Quality Time, Physical…
Growing up, I didn’t have the perspective to appreciate the traditions my parents had in place. I didn’t appreciate them fully until I had my own kids. Though I was aware, it was out of blending a family I learned how to create and also maintain traditions. Some need to change, some need to be maintained and it’s a tightrope…
I’ve written about it before, but it’s all about the little things. There are no big things, it’s a series of little things in alignment. Whether in business, a family or community, when we’re aligned for all the right reasons sharing a common outcome or goal, we each can contribute our highest and best skills to the collaborative result. It’s easier,…
“Alone, we can do so little; together, we can do so much.” – Helen Keller When you think about how likely success would be if you did it alone, you realize just how crazy that thought is. It’s impossible. In my world, it’s what we call “annual season.” It’s the time of year when leadership teams are busy doing deep dives into strategic…
“Family isn’t defined only by last names or by blood; it’s defined by commitment and by love. It means showing up when they need it most. It means having each other’s backs. It means choosing to love each other even on those days when you struggle to like each other. It means never giving up on each other.” – Dave Willis We have…
A head full of fears has no space for dreams. When you feel overscheduled, and your demands exceed your resources how do you reclaim space without disappointing anyone, especially you? When I was in my late 30’s, my world was collapsing along with the economy. I was in a state of fear daily as all the people and places I…
“Unexpected kindness is the most powerful, least costly, and most underrated agent of human change.” – Bob Kerrey Have you ever received an unexpected gift or an act of service? How did you feel? Exactly. It’s described perfectly in the quote above. And the person on the other side, the one serving or offering the gift is equally joyful. Every day we’re…
Nourishment is not just “nutrition.” Nourishment is the nutrients in the food, the taste, the aroma, the ambiance of the room, the conversation at the table, the love and inspiration in the cooking, and the joy of the entire experience. Often, I look at food only as fuel, yet it’s so much more than that. I take for granted it’s there, and…
Time, it’s a non-renewable source. How do you respect, appreciate, and honor it? One of the lessons I learned early in life was to appreciate when meetings didn’t happen, things changed, or scheduled events cancelled. They all afford the gift of time. Often, especially when overscheduled, we wish for space in our overcrowded days. When something happens and what was scheduled disappears, how can you…
Today, let’s pause for a minute. Who makes your life easier, nicer, kinder, and just plain better? Have you told them? Will you tell them? Little things you may take for granted – like the fact that my husband fills my gas tank to ensure I don’t have to do it. How cool is that? Also, I don’t have to empty the…