I was sitting in a multi-day training with a group of executive leaders. I had yet to put my finger on what was missing with this team, when a question was asked that made me realize, these people don’t know each other. Through this question, it became apparent that they aren’t “allowed” to put their guard down and be real. They don’t feel like they have permission to be vulnerable. Some of these people had been working together for ten plus years and were hard pressed to name any of their colleagues hobbies much less their co-workers spouse and/or kids’
Continuing with our Year of Authenticity theme, today I’m thinking about and working towards the idea of living in gratitude. Living in Gratitude – For out of a place of gratitude comes the ability to see all things for what they are. If you missed the blog post regarding our theme, check it out here: 2018 Is the Year of Authenticity. Our lives are busy. One way to work towards living authentically is to be grateful for what we have, including a busy schedule. After a weekend out of town, I worked on my fourth load of laundry. Although I
My great-grandmother taught me the art of gratitude. She lived a very hard life, but through it all she was grateful. She always found the positive in everything and helped others see the positive in their lives as well. As we explore how to be authentic, I find myself thinking of her and what she taught me a lot. This quote from best-selling author Sarah Ban Breathnach is the perfect illustration of what effect gratitude can have on you. “You simply will not be the same person two months from now after consciously giving thanks each day for the abundance
One of my favorite active listening quotes comes from Stephen Covey, the author of The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People, is: “Most people do not listen with the intent to understand; they listen with the intent to reply.” The art of active listening isn’t easy, but it’s important. Last night my husband came home from work and walked through the door with that look on his face. The one that leaves no question about what kind of day he had and makes me wonder if I should even brave asking. I took a deep breath and dove in. He
“Your life is always speaking to you. The fundamental question is: Will you listen?” Oprah Last week, I declared 2018 the year of authenticity, outlining five things that need to be present for someone cultivate authenticity: listening, gratitude, acting out of joy instead of obligation, being vulnerable and avoiding comparison to others. Authentic means being real and true to your design. But how do we actually practice the things? I’m coming to believe you can’t practice any of them without first listening to yourself. And in order to listen to yourself or anyone else, you have to find quiet. The