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Showing posts from December 30, 2018

Small word. Big impact

Almost 30 years ago, I lived in a small house closely situated to the equally small house next door. In the middle of one summer’s night — windows were open — I was wakened by the woman next door saying loudly, fiercely, unequivocally “NO!" Then, silence. I pondered the meaning of what I had heard, then went back to sleep. The next day, the woman's boyfriend moved out. I have always remembered her No and his leaving. I can imagine the mid-night context of her exclamation, and I am quite sure of the next day's action. A powerful learning. Roughly 20 years ago, I worked with a woman for whom No was the opening gambit of just about any conversation. In a position of influence and authority, she would meet a proposal or request with a No, then follow it up with whatever reasoning she deemed appropriate: Too expensive. Not clear enough. Too soon. Too late. Not relevant. Whatever, it didn't matter, because that No, predictable though it became, in fact, pushed us — c...

New year. New possibilities

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I dislike New Year's resolutions. Way too much pressure on a person to actually keep them!  But I do like the open door that a new year offers and, with that door, the pathway to new possibilities ahead.  As those possibilities present themselves to me (in whatever shape or form) over the course of 2019, I shall try to keep these guiding thoughts in mind:  Be aware of patterns in my life: Nurture the good ones, ditch the bad ones Listen and speak for the purpose of having conversations ; don’t just say things Make difficult decisions only once; then, simply execute them (i.e., just do it, don't re-make the damn decision) May your New Year be filled with bountiful interesting and productive possibilities. Peace and love to all!  My vision board for 2019