Wednesday Wisdom 12/30/09

Here we are, ready to say Happy New Year one more time! Have you noticed how much faster each year seems to pass? And, as you approach the end of 2009, are you pleased or disappointed about the promises you made to yourself last January 1st? Yikes, it so often hurts when I remember to hold myself accountable!

I’ve experienced traveling as an amazing way to learn lavishly. Our little blue marble is full of incredible people, rich cultures and diverse thinking . . . with humans who are much more alike than different from each other. When Curt and I were in Korea we heard this cultural adage:

Put off for one day, and ten days will pass.

And, all of a sudden a year has come and gone. What have you been putting off? 2010 is a year to get more serious and deliberate about actions around my highest priorities. How about you?

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Wednesday Wisdom 12/23/09

Here we are, in the midst of the busy holiday season. Many of us will break bread with people we haven’t seen in months, perhaps years. Because of gatherings and events, most of us have already crossed paths with more people than in previous months combined. When thinking about the gifts we give, let’s not forget one Albert Schweitzer wrote about as important:

At times our own light goes out and is rekindled by a spark from another person. Each of us has cause to think with deep gratitude of those who have lighted the flame within us.

Who will you thank for extending their radiance to you? And, rather than waiting for someone to rekindle your spark, how would your days be different if you became the deliberate light-giver this season? Today’s a good day to start the ritual.

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Wednesday Wisdom 12/16/09

Many of us are preparing holiday festivities, reflecting upon 2009 and at least thinking about our goal setting process for 2010. All of this may feel more challenging than it used to be, leaving our minds available for doubt to contaminate our faith in the future. So, while organizing yourself and your home for others to feel your warm welcome, consider Lillian Smith’s reminder:

Faith and doubt both are needed, not as antagonists, but working side by side to take us around the unknown curve.

As we begin let go of this year and welcome the next, let’s remember that unknown curves have always loomed ahead. We’ve handled them in the past, and we’ll learn from whatever awaits us in our tomorrows. Partnering faith with doubt will serve us well.

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Wednesday Wisdom 12/09/09

Since a lot of us will be socializing and celebrating more with co-workers, family and friends over the next month, I read this and immediately thought many could benefit by keeping Doris M. Smith’s words in mind:

Arguing with a fool proves there are two.

A deep breath, a purposeful smile and perhaps a bite of the tongue can help make this holiday season more joyful and fool-less!

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Wednesday Wisdom 12/02/09

Ever wonder why it’s so hard to change a habit – especially one that involves your attitude? And, while working hard to change that thinking, do you ever feel like quitting because you’re not getting the results you want? Maybe it’s because you’re too early in the process.

Here’s what Henry David Thoreau wrote:

As a single footstep will not make a path on the earth, so a single thought will not make a pathway in the mind. To make a deep physical path, we walk again and again. To make a deep mental path, we must think over and over the kind of thoughts we wish to dominate our lives.

Let’s stay steadfast in carving the pathways of our lives. Let’s dominate our being with deliberate thought. Then, take small, yet focused steps . . . purposeful action . . . one after another with consistency . . . moving mindfully in the direction of our desired change . . . again and again and again.

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