At this time of year, we think about New Year’s Resolutions–what we want to improve or learn. Often we think about the weight we want to lose, the money we want to save, the changes we want to make. Recently, I read a book that influenced my thinking about these topics titled “Willpower: Discovering the Greatest Human Strength” by Roy …
Writing New Year’s Resolutions or Living Your Legacy?
It is that time of year when many people think about and some even set New Year’s Resolutions. Usually these resolutions focus on self-improvement or on learning something new. But as I was watching CBS “Sunday Morning” last Sunday, I was thinking about the value of living one’s legacy. Jane Pauley remembered the many people who died in 2016 in …
Be Aware of the Blues
It seems as if the holiday season comes sooner all of the time with retailers decorating and playing music and all the advertisements involved. The season is full of traditions, rituals, and festivities that set expectations high for both religious and secular activities. The tone is set by the music that is often continuously played during the season: “Tis the …
Finding the Space to Lead
If you are in the position to influence the lives of others, you are a leader. This role is not just for bosses, managers, but for parents, coaches, pastors. You probably fit into one or more of these roles and you know the busy-ness that accompanies being a leader. And in this holiday season, we are even busier–if that is …
Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction for Leaders–For Everyone!
Recently I attended a mindfulness-based stress reduction retreat. It was open to everyone who had taken the ten-week class (which I took about two years ago) so there were 22 people. It was a silent retreat from 8am-2pm and I was amazed at how quickly the time went. The instructor has studied with Jon Kabat-Zinn, one of the main authorities …
A Great Example of Sage-ing
One of the main components of Sage-ing is to push back on societal stereotypes. The marketing messages about aging and the models used seem to stress anti-aging and favor the young–even the very young. The imaging of aging are often not positive or favorable. A great example of Sage-ing was in the Sunday New York Times titled “Her Age? Glad You Asked.” …
Don’t Age–Become a Sage
One of my favorite local events is called Sages Over 70. Since I am passionate about sage-ing rather than aging, I appreciate lifting up the good works of people who have been contributing to the community and to others for many years. For our community to continue to thrive, we need to keep people engaged so we benefit from their wisdom …
Why Compassion Is Important
Krista Tippett was in town last week speaking about “Becoming Wise.” Since wisdom is one of my favorite words, her work resonates with me. While I was not able to attend, I have read her book by the same title. I also subscribe to her newsletter “On Being” which I highly recommend if you are interested in topics such as …
Trying to Understand Power and Influence
One thought leader I follow is Mark Crowley, author of Lead from the Heart: Transformational Leadership for the 21st Century. Similar to me, he interviews authorities and shares what he learns. So if you like to read about leadership, I would encourage you to follow him. He is smart, thoughtful, and does his research. I contacted Mark the current state of …
Leading With Wisdom
This post is longer than usual, but it will not become my normal practice. I have tried hard to avoid talking about politics, but I feel now is the time to share some thoughts on leadership related to the campaign so that I can move forward. I know it has become risky to talk about politics at dinner parties, church, …
